Library

*Chuanxin Fang* records: This medicinal herb resembles *Sheluancao* (Snake Egg Herb) and also resembles *Jiqingzi* (Akebia Fruit). The leaf surface is green with a whitish bloom, the back is white, with three leaves branching out. The stem resembles that of a rose and has thorns. It bears fruit in April; the roots or seeds are harvested for use and can be employed as medicine.

Treatment for blood disorders: *Chuanxin Fang* records: Take one liang of *Ge Gonggen* (Polygonum multiflorum root), avoiding iron vessels. Crush it using a wooden pestle, add two large bowls of water, and decoct until reduced to one bowl. Add one bowl of good wine, and continue decocting until eight-tenths full in a teacup. Take before sleep. After ingestion, keep the whole body warm under covers, and massage the chest, diaphragm, umbilical region, and abdomen several times with the hand. On the following evening, take another one liang in the same manner. On the third day, also take one liang as before. Continuous administration for three days will result in recovery.

*Ge Zu Fang* records: *Ge Gongcao* (Polygonum multiflorum herb), also known as *Jiamuteng* (Family Mother Vine). For treating Hong Kong foot (podagra/foot swelling and pain), pound with a sandwood pestle to extract juice, boil down into an ointment, and apply to the affected area with a goose feather. Re-apply moisture when it dries.

*Zhifang Kao* records: Produced in Yunnan Prefecture, it can treat toxic sores. Those entering barbarian regions carry this herb with them; if chewing the herb yields no taste, it indicates gu poison (parasitic poisoning) has been contracted. Immediately ingest its juice and induce vomiting to resolve the toxicity.

Commentary: *Yunnan Zhi* records: Produced in Kunming, there are two varieties: the five-leaved type is named *Wuyeyunxiang* (Five-Leaved Rue); the leek-leaf type is named *Jiuyeyunxiang* (Leek-Leaf Rue). It treats zhang malaria (miasma malaria).

*Yaoxing Kao* records: Naturally grows with five leaves, produced in Kunming, treating sores, toxins, and other diseases; it specifically resolves gu poison. Ingest the crushed juice; *Jiuyeyunxiang* can arrest zhang malaria. The local minority people often suffer from evil qi and gu poison; carrying this herb, if chewing it yields no taste, indicates poisoning.

*Yunnan Zhi* records: Resolves gu poison, treats toxic sores; all types of sore toxins and zhang malaria are treated by ingesting the crushed juice.

*Yaoxing Kao* records: Pungent in flavor, treating symptoms identical to those above.

*Dunnan Zhi* records: Produced in central Yunnan, it can unblock the blood vessels. Commentary: This herb is now found everywhere, growing mostly beside stone steps. The leaves are large and round like a finger pad, with slightly serrated edges. The leaf surface is smooth and mirror-like, dark green. Locals call it "Ercao" (Child Herb). Also known as *Dilianqian* (Ground Connected Coin). No flowers are seen, only leaves, hence also called *Jingmiancao* (Mirror Leaf Herb). It is unknown if the variety produced in Yunnan is indeed this type.

Nature is cool. Treats lung fire condensing into pus and blood abscesses (from *Caizao Zhi*). For amenorrhea (closure of menstruation), decoct with a worn straw raincoat in wine and take (from *Dunnan Zhi*).