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Leaves and Roots: Cao Lan (Grass Orchid)

Jianlan (Cymbidium ensifolium var. ensifolium) has various varieties with long leaves, short leaves, and broad leaves. Its flowers exhibit five colors. The black-flowered variety is named Molan (Black Orchid), which is rare; when dried, it can treat blindness (Gu Mu), promote the recovery of pupil spirit (Tong Shen), and cure Qing Mang (a type of visual impairment), showing excellent efficacy. The red-flowered variety is named Hong Lan, but its odor is turbid and foul, so it is not used in medicine. The yellow-flowered variety is named Milan (Honey Orchid), which can stop diarrhea. The green-flowered variety is only suitable for tea infusion or honey preservation to extract its sweet fragrance, which can ventilate the Qi level. The variety with a pure heart is named Suxin Lan (Pure-Heart Orchid), which is best for medicinal use. Generally, Jianlan bears several flowers on one stem; it is actually Hui Lan (Cymbidium faberi) rather than true Lan. *Bencao Gangmu* identifies Xun Cao as Hui (i.e., Lingling Xiang/Zeroing Fragrance today). In the correction section under "Lan Cao," it reiterates that Lan Cao can be worn; it is actually Hai'er Ju (Child Chrysanthemum), known in ancient times as Duliang Xiang. It also criticizes Kou Zongshi and Zhu Danxi for confusing the explanation of Lan Cao with secular orchids, defining Lan Hua as You Lan (Elegant Orchid), which is distinct from Lan Cao. However, why did they not establish a separate entry for You Lan? This omission causes regret, prompting this urgent supplementation.

Dried Suxin Jianlan can induce labor, eliminate retained Qi, and resolve depression. Honey-preserved green Lan Hua used for tea harmonizes Qi and Blood, soothes the middle Jiao, and awakens from intoxication. (*Min Xiao Ji*: Families in Jianning preserve orchids in honey and use them for winter tea; their fragrance remains like freshly picked.)

Leaves: Zhu Danxi stated: Jianlan leaves inherit the Qi of Metal and Water but seem to possess Fire properties. They are unaware that these leaves are very powerful in dispersing long-standing accumulated stagnation. Currently, physicians use them to unblock and soothe meridians and expel Wind pathogens effectively. *Bencao Hui* states: Lan Ye inherits the clear and fragrant Qi of Metal and Water, resembling Fire. It uniquely travels through the Qi pathway, entering the West to clear Xin Metal. It not only opens the stomach, clears the lungs, and resolves phlegm but also excels at dissipating long-standing stagnant Qi. People today only appreciate the flower's fragrance and do not know how to use the leaves, which is a lack of canonical practice. Moreover, few drug flavors are recorded in *Neijing*, yet Lan enjoys a unique reputation, as stated in "treat with Lan to remove stale Qi." Therefore, Li Dongyuan frequently uses it in his formulas. It is a divine product for opening the stomach Qi when combined with Huo Xiang, Pi Pa Ye, Shi Hu, Zhu Ru, and Ju Hong. When added with Chen Xiang, Yu Jin, Bai Kou, Su Zi, and Lu Gen juice, it descends Qi, opens depression, and treats impending Yi Ge (dysphagia). Those produced in Fujian have stronger potency, while those from Jiangsu and Zhejiang are weaker. Flavor: Pungent, neutral, sweet, cold. Nature: Yang within Yin. Meridian Tropism: Hand Taiyin Lung, Foot Yangming Stomach, also Foot Taiyin Spleen, and Foot Jueyin Liver. Functions: Generates fluids and stops thirst, opens the stomach and resolves depression, moistens muscles, regulates menstruation, and nourishes Ying Qi. *Shennong Bencao Jing* states it promotes urination. Because it travels through the Qi pathway, it can promote urination, relieve thirst, eliminate chest phlegm-pi, and kill Gu poison and inauspicious Qi. This is because the Lung governs Qi; if Lung Qi is constrained, upper apertures close and lower apertures do not open. The Stomach receives water and grain; if Stomach Qi stagnates, food and drink fail to transform timely, forming phlegm-pi, Gu poison, and inauspicious Qi. Pungency and neutrality can disperse stagnation; fragrance can remove filth, thus eliminating the aforementioned symptoms (*Bencao Hui*).

Note: *Bencao Gangmu*'s entry on Lan Cao does not refer to You Lan. However, *Bencao Hui* in the Grass section mentions Lan Cao, referring to Jianlan, which is the You Lan mentioned by Li Shizhen (Binhu). We follow this view to supplement.

Roots: Named Tu Xuduan (Earth Teasel Root), used to treat traumatic injuries and harmonize blood. (*Wuli Xiaoshi*: Roots of You Lan and Jianlan are sweet and suitable for medicine; flowers are edible; leaves can be soaked in oil to darken hair. Also: Duliang Lan root is named Tu Xuduan, likely this species. *Wu Za Zu*: Eating Lan roots can cause death; internal use is contraindicated.)

Used to treat hemoptysis after chronic cough with phlegm. Liu Yuyi's empirical formula states: For patients with prior phlegm-cough followed by hemoptysis and rapid breathing, use Tian Dong, Mai Dong, Sheng Di, Bai Shao, Zi Wan, Shan Zhi, Sang Pi, and Di Gu Pi. If rapid breathing is present, remove Tian Dong and add Zhen Su Zi. Take fresh juice extracted from Lan Hua roots and mix for oral administration, which is particularly effective. Cheng Yunpeng of Jiangxia, in his work *Ci You Fa* (Lifeboat for Nurturing Children), Chapter on Smallpox, records Qing Di San Hua Yin. This formula is indicated three days after the appearance of smallpox marks. For cases complicated with measles, add Lan Hua roots. For grayish, dull complexion on the forehead, add Ju Hua, Lan Hua, Mei Hua, or Lan Hua roots. In Yu Ye Chun Gao Yin, for insufficient pustule formation on the back, add wine-fried Tu Lan Hua.