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(Fifty-sixth species, with eleven appendices)

*Congxin* records: The leaves growing on the horizontal rhizome (Lu Tou) of Liaoshen (Liaoning Ginseng) have very weak efficacy. They are only suitable for regulating common ailments and generating fluids to relieve thirst. Their nature travels horizontally along the arm meridians; they are highly effective for patients suffering from weakness in the fingers and arms. *Qianjin Fang* (Prescriptions Worth a Thousand Gold) records: When decocting Ginseng soup, it is best to use running water; if still water is used, it will be ineffective.

*Bai Cao Jing* (Mirror of Hundred Herbs) records: Ginseng roots (Shen Xu) from Ningguta are yellow and thick, those from Chuan Chang are inferior, and those from Fenghuang Cheng are of poor quality with a whitish color, yielding no strong flavor when decocted. *Congxin* records: Ginseng roots are also the very fine parts growing horizontally on the rhizome of Liaoshen. Their nature is identical to Ma Shen Tiao (Ma Ginseng stems), but their efficacy is even weaker. *Ben Jing Feng Yuan* records: Ginseng roots are inexpensive, often used by the poor. They can be effective in treating symptoms such as vomiting, coughing, and bleeding due to Stomach deficiency, because their nature specifically directs downward. However, when used to treat chronic dysentery, spermatorrhea, metrorrhagia, and lower tract bleeding, the condition often worsens because their bitter taste has a draining and descending action.

For wet and ulcerated foot sores: *Bai Cao Jing* records: Mix equal parts of sprouted tea leaves and Ginseng roots, grind into powder, and apply topically.

Formula for Strengthening Teeth and Tonifying Kidneys: Zhu's Effective Formula: Raw Gypsum and Calcined Gypsum each 1.5 qian, Amomum villosum (Gansong) and Kaempferia galanga (Shannai) each 1 qian, Asarum (Xixin) 0.67 qian, Halostachys calcarea (Han Shui Shi) 0.67 qian, Cimicifuga foetida (Shengma) 0.5 qian, Green Salt and Ginseng roots each 1.5 qian, Schisandra chinensis (Bei Wu Wei Zi) 50 berries, Piper longum (Bi Cheng Qie) 45 berries. Grind all together into powder. Use every morning to brush teeth and rinse the mouth; swallowing is also acceptable.

The leaves of Liaoshen are mostly brought by ginseng merchants because of their clear fragrance and slight sweetness. They excel at generating fluids without consuming Qi. Therefore, ginseng traders dry them to carry as gifts, using them as a substitute for tea leaves in infusion, not counting them as medicinal herbs. People previously did not use them. Recently, due to the rising price of Liaoshen, physicians began substituting them for Ginseng. Whenever a patient requires Ginseng but cannot afford it, they purchase the leaves instead. Consequently, they are now widely popular in the market. In Suzhou, the price of Ginseng leaves ranges from three to five taels of silver. Authentic leaves are identified by their non-withered, vibrant green appearance and a clear, sweet fragrance when rubbed by hand.

The leaves have a clear fragrance and a bitter yet slightly sweet taste. Their nature is tonifying yet dispersing. They greatly generate Stomach fluids, dispel summerheat, descend deficient fire, and benefit the limbs, head, and eyes. The infused juice can be used for washing hair.

Note: Ginseng typically has three forks and five leaves, embodying the essence of Heaven, Earth, and Man (San Cai) and the Five Elements. It takes form as a herbaceous plant and is known as the King of Hundred Herbs. Its root is yellow, acquiring the true color of Kun Earth; its berries turn red like blood in autumn, representing Fire generated from Earth. Thus, it can vigorously tonify Primordial Qi, restore soul and spirit, and particularly strengthen the Spleen. The Spleen governs the Central Palace and is the mother of all things; humans cannot survive without Earth. Ginseng nourishes humans through the essence of Earth's virtue, unlike Atractylodes macrocephala (Baizhu) which can be cloying and stagnating, hence its high regard in the world. However, the general nature of hundred herbs is that tonifying properties usually reside in the roots, while leaves are merely residual Qi from branches and joints, and cannot be considered tonifying. Although Ginseng leaves inherit the residual Qi of Ginseng, their power is limited to circulating in the skin, hair, and limbs. Their nature carries a dispersing quality, far removed from the potent tonifying force of the root. They are only applicable for generating fluids, moistening dryness, benefiting the Lungs, and harmonizing the Liver. To indiscriminately use them for tonifying Primordial Qi and rescuing critical conditions is indeed a failure to examine carefully!

Clears the Lungs, generates fluids, and relieves thirst. (From *Yao Xing Kao*)