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Liu Xie (Willow Debris), Liu Shen (Willow Fungus)

This refers to the part of the willow branch that hangs down like a mulberry fruit before the flowers bloom, also known as "Liu Rui" (Willow Stamen). It is pale yellow in color; if one waits until the flowers bloom, it loses its medicinal value. *Bencao Gangmu* records "Liu Hua" (Willow Flower), which brightens the eyes, dispels wind, strengthens sinews and bones, and fortifies teeth. *Gulou Shenshu* describes a method for firming teeth using Liu Shen: rubbing the teeth with Liu Shen removes receding gums and prevents various wind pathogens from arising.

Furthermore, it brightens the eyes, preserves youthfulness, darkens hair, enhances hearing, strengthens muscle strength, promotes longevity, and lightens the body. In emergency prescriptions: dry Liu Shen in the shade, grind into powder, and use daily to rub the teeth; this dispels wind, brightens eyes, darkens hair, and fortifies teeth. Long-term use can make teeth hard enough to chew metal and stone.

This refers to the debris found inside hollow willow trees.

To treat leg swelling caused by dampness: *Ciyou Fa* records: In Huaiyin, where the terrain is low and damp, many people suffer from thick legs. A certain method was accidentally discovered and proves very effective. Take the debris from inside hollow willow trees, sift it finely, stir-fry it in a pot until hot, sprinkle with sour rice washing water to moisten, stir-fry again, add a little flour and mix well. While still hot, take it out and apply it to the legs. When moisture exudes, stir-fry again and reapply. After several applications, it heals spontaneously.

Chen's Notes states that this is a fungus growing on willow trees; decocting and drinking it treats heart pain.

Commonly known as Xihe Liu (Tamarisk Willow), its nature is most penetrating and dispersing. Under the entry for Cheng Liu (Tamarisk) in *Bencao Gangmu*, it says its branches and leaves eliminate palpitations, resolve alcohol toxicity, and promote urination, but it does not mention its use in treating measles.

*Hongzhi Shaoxing Fu Zhi* records: Cheng Liu is commonly called Xihe Liu. Its leaves are very fine, resembling paulownia leaves but fragrant. Flowers appear when rain is imminent, and tests have proven it reliable.

*Bencao Hui* states: Cheng Liu obtains the sweet flavor from Earth Qi and the salty flavor from Water Qi; thus, it can resolve toxins in the blood level, eliminate palpitations, and facilitate bowel movements, which are its fundamental functions. In recent times, it is often used to treat heat-toxin in sand-rash (sha-zhen) that fails to emerge externally, acting as a dispersing agent. It is unknown which physician originated this usage.

Regarding Cheng Liu in *Bencao Chengya*, Miao Zhongchun extensively discussed its treatment of sand-rash in *Bencao Jing Shu*. This utilizes not only its ability to unblock meridians but also its morphological symbolism. Rashes manifest and disappear three times each; three multiplied by three equals nine, corresponding to the nine zang organs during cooking/preparation.

*Zhiyuan Yicao* argues that Cheng Liu blooms three times a year and wakes/sleeps three times a day, forming its own category. It does not follow the seasonal cycles of growth, flourishing, harvest, and storage. It transcends the Five Elements and is purely composed of Yin and Yang Qi, possessing no killing energy but only life-generating energy. Since rain is formed by the harmony of Yin and Yang Qi, Cheng Liu anticipates this response. However, its qi and spirit are small and cannot carry the Great Dao. Beyond the twenty-five types of persons in *Lingshu: Yin-Yang Twenty-Five Persons*, there are five Yin-Yang persons; Cheng Liu belongs to those of Yin-Yang Peaceful constitution and can inspire sweating through self-harmonization of Yin and Yang.

*Fengyuan* states that Cheng Liu enters exclusively the Yangming channel; therefore, its efficacy lies in venting measles, resolving alcohol toxicity, and dispelling wind. Decocting it for bathing is effective for wind-patterns causing body itching.

Its nature is neutral and dispersing, driving out wind and releasing the exterior. It treats macules, rashes, and measles that fail to erupt. Empirical prescription: If blocked by wind pathogen, wash with a decoction of Xihe Liu leaves and cherry pits; the rash will immediately emerge. *Jiusheng Kuhai* records its use in formulas for grass-sha (grass-type sha-rash) and in *Gantian Qinglian San*. Emergency prescription: To treat children with sha-rash that fails to erupt, accompanied by wheezing, coughing, irritability, and restlessness, dry Xihe Liu leaves in the wind, grind into powder, mix four qian with water, and administer in one dose; symptoms stabilize immediately. For dysentery after rash, use Xihe Liu leaf powder mixed with rock sugar; for incomplete eruption with wheezing, coughing, and confusion, decoct Xihe Liu, remove dregs, keep lukewarm, and wipe the body with coriander dipped in the liquid. Do not wash the head or face, and avoid washing at night, as sha-rash manifests by day and收敛 (contracts) by night. The nursing mother and infant should still consume a decoction of Xihe Liu.

*Liangfang Jiyao* records: Dry Xihe Liu, grind into powder, take one qian per dose, delivered with warm wine. This treats diseases caused by alcohol accumulation.