Library

*Alternanthera philoxeroides*, also known as "Old Youth" (Lao Shaonian). There are no records of its direct use in medicinal decoctions, except in emergency formulas for treating nasal discharge (Nao Lou, i.e., rhinorrhea or sinusitis): decoct the plant to make a soup, fumigate the nasal cavity with the hot steam, and then drink two or three mouthfuls of the soup; this is highly effective. Use the root during winter. In *Bencao Gangmu* (Compendium of Materia Medica) by Li Shizhen, under the entry for *Celosia argentea* (Qingxiang), *Alternanthera philoxeroides* is appended, but its therapeutic indications are not recorded. *Tusux Zhenjun Bencao* records that *Alternanthera philoxeroides* can be used to refine mercury. It is used in ointment eye drops to remove long-standing corneal nebulae (Xingzhang). *Yanke Yaolan* (Essentials of Ophthalmology) records: "Old Youth" serves as the sovereign herb, paired with halved *Ginkgo biloba* seeds; the minister herbs include the roots of *Guanzha* with large leaves, *Senecio scandens* (Qianliguang), and the bark of male *Myrica rubra* roots; these are decocted into a thick paste, with appropriate amounts of calcined calamine (Zhi Ganshi) and borneol (Bingpian) added; another formula adds the bark of *Camellia* roots.

*Huajing* (Flower Mirror) records: The seedlings of "Old Youth" initially resemble amaranth; its stems, leaves, and spikes are indistinguishable from cockscomb (*Celosia cristata*). By late autumn, the plant grows six to seven chi tall, with deep purple lower leaves and bright red upper leaves, vibrant and lovely. The longer it lasts, the more beautiful it becomes like flowers, being the best among autumn colors. Another variety, called "Young Old," has yellow-red top leaves and green bottom leaves, representing a different species. Branches have densely growing mixed leaves in red, purple, yellow, and green, named "Ten-Color Brocade" (Shiyangjin). A variety with green leaves at the base and pure yellow leaves at the top is named "Yellow Goose Arrival" (Yanlai Huang).

*Tiantenglong Cao*, also known as "Mountain Coral Willow" (Shanhuliu), resembles chili peppers but with larger leaves. The plant is about one chi high, bears white flowers, and produces fruit resembling lychees, which are hollow outside and contain green seeds inside.

Note: Although this herb has many therapeutic indications, its specialty lies in treating throat diseases, where it acts most rapidly. This indication was omitted in *Bencao Gangmu*, so it is supplemented here. Its nature is cold, and it treats throat swelling with miraculous effect.

Wang Lianshi's *Caoyao Shu* (Book of Herb Collection) records: Golden Lantern, gardeners call it Heavenly Lantern, planted in pots for ornamental purposes, also referred to as Coral Frame. Its properties clear heat and fire, resolve stagnation, and treat hernias with miraculous efficacy. Applied externally to all types of carbuncles and swellings; specifically treats Lock-Throat Wind (Suo Chan Houfeng, i.e., acute laryngeal obstruction); treats traumatic swellings and toxins; stops metrorrhagia (Hong Beng). Decoct with wine for oral administration. Another prescription: take seven roots growing in an inverted direction, remove stems and leaves, wash clean, chop finely including the root hairs, boil with two bowls of wine and two duck eggs, and consume together with the wine. Treats malaria with miraculous effect.

Fruits: Used medicinally to prevent the spread of toxic pox (Baodu Bu Da) (from Wang An's *Caoyao Fang*).