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Produced in Turpan, available in the Beijing market. Its shape resembles pepper; it is a variant of *Vitis vinifera* (Grape). *Records of Huijiang* states that grape vines produce several stems from one root, with long creeping tendrils. The flowers are extremely fine and yellowish-white. The fruits come in purple, white, green, and black varieties, varying in round, long, large, or small shapes, and in sweet or sour tastes. One variety is green and seedless, slightly larger than soybeans, with a sweet and delicious taste; another is purple and small like pepper, known as Suosuo Putao (Seedless Grape); one is black and about an inch long; another is white and large. All ripen in July and August and can be dried for transport over long distances. *Benjing Fengyuan* notes: "Suosuo Putao resembles grapes but is finer and smaller, hence the name." It grows in the northern deserts, occasionally found in the south. Its stem resembles wood, yet it is a vine. The fruit is green when fresh and red when ripe, turning purplish-black when dried. It can consolidate vital essence and target the Kidney (*Shen*, 肾脏), with functions not significantly different from *Wuweizi* (Schisandra Berry). Generally, plants of the vine family belong to the Sinews (*Jin*, 筋); fruits of herbs and trees reach the Zang organs (*Zang*, 藏), not just this specific substance. Historically used as food and not included in decoctions, it was omitted from materia medica texts. Recently, northerners use it to strengthen the Kidneys, while southerners use it to mitigate smallpox (*Xidou*, 稀痘), each finding it suitable. *Wuzazu* records: "Western Region white grapes are rarely seen fresh; their dried form has a uniquely sweet taste. There are rabbit-eye grapes, which are seedless; and Suosuo Putao, shaped like dogwood berries. Children eating it can resolve toxic heat from smallpox." Yu Wending in *Bizhu* stated: "Suosuo" is a corruption of "Suo". Li Kuizeng in *Renshutang Biji* recorded: Regarding Yu Wending's citation of the *Xi Jing Fu* claiming "Suosuo" should be "Suo", this is indeed forced interpretation. However, asserting it is a distinct species separate from Hexi grapes is incorrect. Although its rooting and creeping habits are identical to those in Central Plains, its fruits are large and elongated like horse teats, deep purple, and exceptionally sweet. A single branch bears thousands of berries, large ones at the top, small ones hanging below. When harvested and dried, the large ones are called white grapes, and the small ones Suosuo; they are not two different species, hence colloquially called Gonglingsun. Only green grapes originate from the Western Regions and are not native to the Central Plains.

Taste: Sweet. Seeds: Fine, slightly salty. *Douxue Zhuan* states: Taste is sweet and sour; nature is neutral and warm. *Baicao Jing* states: Nature is hot; enters the Spleen (*Pi*, 脾) and Kidney (*Shen*, 肾) meridians. Brewing in wine is superior. It treats rheumatic pain in sinews and bones, promotes diuresis rapidly, eliminates generalized edema (*Banshenenzhong*, 遍身浮肿), and aids eruption of smallpox lesions. Prepared by grinding with wine and drinking, it yields miraculous effects.

**Strengthening the Kidneys**: Mix one qian of Suosuo Putao and one qian of *Renshen* (Ginseng). Soak in high-proof liquor overnight. Apply to palms in the morning and massage the lower back and spine. This enhances physical strength and vigor. Massaging the lower back and spine before sleep further supports yang function and sexual potency.

**Mitigating Smallpox**: For infants, use one qian of Suosuo Putao per year of age, and one *Shenhuangdou* (Divine Soybean) per year of age. Grind into a fine powder. Administer on the first Yang day with honey-water. Also rub onto the chest center and waist kidneys. This helps the Kidneys expel pathogenic factors. As a Northern specialty, it supplements the insufficient rising qi of the Southeast. However, it is beneficial only for those with constitutionally weak constitutions. Those with robust qi and excess yang should avoid it, lest it aggravate toxic fire.

**Note**: *Zitaixuan Zazhui* lists Suosuo Putao as one of the Nine Herbs of Shennong, indicating it has existed in the Central Plains for a long time and did not require Zhang Qiao (Marquis of Bolang) to bring it from the Western Regions. It grows near the tomb of Zhu Maichen at East Tower in my hometown. In the year Wuzi, I visited the prefectural office in Pinghu, where a vine covered the trellis. It bloomed with tiny flowers in summer and bore fruit resembling mung beans, so dense that leaves were invisible. A similar plant exists in the home of the Wang family at Luosi Mountain in Hangzhou, but its taste is bland compared to the rich flavor of Gansu specimens. For medicinal use, specimens from the Northwest are superior.