Library

(Recorded as a Superior Grade herb in the *Shennong Bencao Jing* [Classic of Materia Medica])

**[Names]** Yuanshi (from *Mingyi Bielu* [Additional Records of Famous Physicians]), Yunying (from *Mingyi Bielu*), Tiandou (from Wu Pu), Madou (from *Tujing Bencao* [Illustrated Classic of Materia Medica]), Yangshizi (from Li Shizhen)

Li Shizhen states: "Yuan" is also pronounced "Yun," and its meaning is unclear. It is named after the shape of the bean. "Yangshi" should be a corruption of "Yangshi" (sheep feces), because its seeds resemble sheep feces, hence the name.

**[Collection and Description]** *Mingyi Bielu* states: Yunshi grows in the river valleys of Hejian. It is harvested in the tenth lunar month and dried in the sun.

Wu Pu states: The stem is four to five chi high, with large hollow stems. The leaves resemble hemp leaves, arranged opposite each other. It flowers in the sixth lunar month, bears fruit in the eighth and ninth lunar months, and is harvested in the tenth lunar month.

Tao Hongjing states: It grows everywhere. The seeds are small like *Tinglizi* (Descurainiae Semen/Sisymbrii Semen) but darker black; the fruit also resembles *Langdang* (Daturae Fructus). Burning it is said to summon ghosts, but I have never seen such magic arts.

Su Gong states: Yunshi is as large as millet or hemp seeds, yellowish-black like beans, hence the name Tiandou. It grows in clumps beside marshes, reaching five to six chi in height. The leaves resemble those of fine locust trees (*Huai*) or alfalfa. There are slight thorns among the branches. Commonly, the young shoots are called "Caoyunmu." Tao Hongjing's claim that it resembles *Tinglizi* is incorrect.

Zheng Baosheng states: It is found in flat marshy areas. The leaves resemble those of fine locust trees; the flowers are yellowish-white; the pods resemble beans; the fruit is greenish-yellow, about the size of hemp seeds. The fruit is harvested in the fifth and sixth lunar months.

Su Song states: The leaves resemble locust leaves but are narrower and longer, with thorns on the branches. The young shoots are named "Choucao" (stinky grass) or "Yangshizicao." The mature fruit is named "Madou." The shoots are harvested in the third and fourth lunar months, and the fruit in the tenth lunar month; if left too long, they wither and fall off.

Li Shizhen states: This herb is abundant in mountainous plains, commonly known as "Nanci" (sticky thorn). It has red, hollow stems with thorns; taller specimens grow like vines. The leaves resemble locust leaves. In the third lunar month, it opens yellow flowers, hanging densely along the branches. The pods are about three cun long, resembling soap pods. Inside are five or six seeds, exactly like "Que Dou" (magpie beans), slightly pointed at both ends, with yellow and black mottled patterns. The shell is thick and white inside; it is extremely hard to bite and has a strong fishy odor.

**[Processing]** [Unnamed author] states: Upon harvesting, roughly crush the material, mix it evenly with *Xiangshi* (Quercus variabilis acorn), steam for one day, pick out, and dry in the sun.

**[Flavor and Properties]** Acrid, warm, non-toxic. *Mingyi Bielu* states: Bitter. Wu Pu states: Shennong considered it acrid and slightly warm; the Yellow Emperor considered it salty; Lei Gong considered it bitter.

**[Indications]** Treats diarrhea and dysentery with intestinal discharge (*Changpi*), kills parasites and gu poison, dispels evil qi stagnation, relieves pain, and eliminates chills and fever (from *Shennong Bencao Jing*). Treats *Xiaoke* (wasting-thirst syndrome) (from *Mingyi Bielu*). Often used to treat malaria (Su Song). Primarily treats lower body pus and blood discharge (Li Shizhen).

**[Attached Prescriptions]** One new prescription.

For persistent diarrhea/dysentery: Yunshi and Nüwei each 1 liang, Guizhi (Cinnamon Twig) 0.5 liang, Chuan Wutou (Aconiti Radix Preparata) 2 liang. Grind into powder, make pills with honey the size of wu zi (wu berry). Take 5 pills per dose, washed down with water, three times daily. (From *Zhouhou Beiji Fang* [Handbook of Prescriptions for Emergencies])

**Flower**

**[Indications]** Causes visions of ghostly spirits. Excessive consumption causes madness and running about. Long-term use lightens the body and enhances spiritual clarity (from *Shennong Bencao Jing*). Kills spirit entities, promotes urination. Burning it summons ghosts (from *Mingyi Bielu*).

**[Analysis/Commentary]** Li Shizhen states: Since Yunshi flower can cause people to see ghosts and go mad, how could there be any logic to long-term use resulting in a lighter body? This is an error in ancient texts.

**Root**

**[Indications]** For bone splinters stuck in the throat and sore throat. Grind into juice and swallow (Li Shizhen).