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(Song Dynasty *Tu Jing Ben Cao*)

[Names] Ya Ma (from *Tu Jing*), Bi Shi Hu Ma (from *Ben Cao Gang Mu*).

[Collection and Explanation] Su Song said: Lin Ma Zi (Flaxseed) is produced in Yanzhou and Weisheng Jun. The stems and leaves are all green, and the flowers are white. Collect the fruits for use in early August.

Li Shizhen said: People in Shaanxi also plant it now; this is Bi Shi Hu Ma. Its fruits can also be pressed for oil to light lamps, but the odor is foul and unbearable for consumption. Its stems and spikes resemble Chong Wei (Motherwort), but the seeds are different.

Seeds

[Properties and Flavor] Sweet, slightly warm, non-toxic.

[Indications] Great wind sores and tinea (Su Song).

(*Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing*, Upper Grade)

[Names] Huo Ma (from *Ri Yong Ben Cao*), Huang Ma (common name), Han Ma (from *Er Ya Yi*). Male plants are named Ma (from *Shi Shu*), Mu Ma (ibid.); female plants are named Ju Ma (ibid.), Ma (pronounced "zi"). Flowers are named Ma (from *Ben Jing*), Ma Bo.

Li Shizhen said: The character "Ma" consists of two "KT" under "Guang", resembling the shape of hemp being processed under a roof. "KT" sounds like "Pai", "Guang" sounds like "Yan". See notes below. Regarding Han Ma...

[Collection and Explanation]

[Correction of Errors] *Ben Jing* states: Ma is also called Ma Bo, which refers to the vigorous growth on the hemp flowers. It is best collected on the seventh day of the seventh lunar month. Hemp seeds are collected in the ninth month. Those that fall into the soil are harmful to humans. It grows in the valleys of Mount Tai.

Tao Hongjing said: Ma is Mu Ma; Mu Ma has no fruit. People now use it to make cloth and shoes.

Su Gong said: Ma is the hemp seed, not the flower. *Er Ya* says: Ma is the hemp seed. *Yi Li* says: Ju is hemp with Ma. The commentary states: Hemp with seeds is called Ju. All refer to the seed. Tao treated Ma as Ma Bo, saying it looks vigorous like a flower, and then repeated the entry for hemp seeds, which is an error. Since Ma is listed as a superior grain, how could flowers be edible?

Zang Qi said: Hemp seeds planted in early spring are called Chun Ma Zi, which are small and highly toxic; those planted in late spring are called Qiu Ma Zi, which are good for medicinal use. The pressed oil can be used to treat objects.

Kou Zongshi said: Hemp seeds from Maoluo Island in the East Sea are as large as lotus seeds and are the best; next are those from Shangjun and Beidi, as large as beans; those from southern regions have small seeds.

Su Song said: Hemp seeds are grown everywhere, and their bark is processed to make cloth. Farmers select seeds with black speckled patterns, calling them female hemp, which produce abundant seeds when planted. Other seeds do not behave this way. The indications for Ma and Hemp Seeds in *Ben Jing* are the same, whereas hemp flowers are not food; Su Gong's discussion seems correct. However, the red-ink text in *Ben Cao* states that Ma tastes pungent while Hemp Seeds taste sweet, suggesting they might be two different things. I suspect there are differences in terminology between *Ben Cao*, *Er Ya*, and *Liji*. Furthermore, *Yao Xing Lun* uses hemp flowers, stating they taste bitter and treat various wind diseases and menstrual obstruction in women. Thus, are Ma, seeds, and flowers three distinct substances?

Li Shizhen said: Da Ma (Cannabis Sativa) is the current Huo Ma, also called Huang Ma. It is grown everywhere; the bark is stripped for fiber and seeds are harvested. There are male and female plants: males are Ma, females are Ju. The stalks are thick like sesame. Leaves are narrow and long, resembling Motherwort leaves, with seven or nine leaves per branch. In May and June, small yellow flowers form spikes and set fruit shortly after, as large as Coriander seeds, from which oil can be extracted. The bark is peeled to make hemp rope. The stalks are white and ridged, light and hollow, suitable for candle wicks. *Qimin Yaoshu* states: When the hemp releases its pollen (Bo), remove the male plants. If removed before pollination, seeds will not form. The seeds are black and heavy, and can be pounded for candle making. This is the substance referred to. *Ben Jing* has separate entries for Ma and Hemp Seeds, stating Ma is Ma Bo and that seeds entering the soil kill people. Su Gong said Ma is the seed, not the flower. Su Song said Ma, seeds, and flowers are three things. Doubts remain unresolved. Carefully examining *Wu Pu Ben Cao*: Ma Bo is also called Ma Hua, pungent and non-toxic. Ma Lan is also called Ma, also called Qing Ge, pungent and sweet, toxic. Hemp leaves are toxic and fatal if eaten. The kernel inside the hemp seed is non-toxic, but those stored underground first are fatal if eaten. Based on this, Ma Bo is the flower, Ma is the seed, and Ma Ren is the kernel within the seed. Wu Pu was a person of the Three Kingdoms period, close to antiquity, and his explanation is very clear.

The errors in *Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing* regarding flowers being Ma and seeds in soil being fatal are due to transcription errors. Tao and scholars of Tang and Song did not investigate thoroughly and speculated erroneously, which is negligent. I now correct this based on Wu's account below.

Ma Bo

Wu Pu said: Also called Ma Hua.

Li Shizhen said: Observing the text in *Qimin Yaoshu* about removing male plants when the hemp releases pollen, it is clear that Bo refers to the flower.

[Properties and Flavor] Pungent, warm, non-toxic.

Zhen Quan said: Bitter, slightly hot, non-toxic. Averse to Oyster Shell. Used in blood-invigorating formulas, with Maggot as the guiding herb.

[Indications] Treats one hundred and twenty kinds of malignant wind, blackened skin with severe itching, expels wind and evil blood, treats menstrual obstruction in women (*Yao Xing Lun*).

Treats forgetfulness and internal leakage from metallic wounds (Li Shizhen).

[Elucidation] Tao Hongjing said: Ma Bo is rarely used in prescriptions. Daoist practitioners combine it with Ginseng to predict future events.

Li Shizhen said: According to *Fan Wang Fang*, there is a prescription for forgetfulness: Collect one sheng of Ma Bo on the seventh day of the seventh month, two liang of Ginseng, pound into powder, steam until vapor penetrates evenly. Take one dao gui before bed; one can know events in all directions. This treats forgetfulness by enabling memory of worldly affairs. Tao's claim of predicting the future is exaggerated. Additionally, *Waitai Miyao* states that patients with carbuncles should avoid seeing Ma Bo, as seeing it causes death; apply a paste of Sesame, Magnetite, and candle residue mixed with vinegar. It is unclear why Ma Bo is contraindicated for carbuncles, similar to how some develop sores upon contact with lacquer; these principles are obscure.

[Attached Prescriptions] One old, two new.

Early-stage Scrofula: Mix equal parts of Hemp Flower (collected on July 7th) and Mugwort Leaf (collected on May 5th), form moxa cones, moxa 100 cones (*Waitai Miyao*).

Internal Leakage from Metallic Wounds: Ma Bo 1 liang, Polygonum Catapayium Seed 2 liang, pound into powder. Take 1 qian bi with wine, three times daily, once at night (ibid.).

Wind Disease with Numbness: Hemp Flower 4 liang, Aconitum Kusnezoffii Root 1 liang, stir-fry until charred on the outside but raw inside, pound into powder, mix with refined honey to form a paste. Take 3 fen each time, washed down with plain water.

Ma

Wu Pu said: Also called Ma Lan, also called Qing Ge.

Li Shizhen said: This likely refers to hemp seeds with the husk intact. Thus, there is a slight difference between the Ma provided in the morning offerings in *Zhou Li* and the hemp consumed in *Yueling*, compared to edible/usable Da Ma; the husk is toxic while the kernel is non-toxic.

[Properties and Flavor] Pungent, neutral, toxic.

Wu Pu said: Shen Nong: Pungent. Lei Gong: Sweet. Qibo: Toxic. Averse to Oyster Shell and White Peony Root.

[Indications] Treats five labors and seven injuries. Excessive consumption causes hallucinations of ghosts and狂走 (wild running) (*Ben Jing*. Shen said: To see ghosts, take equal parts of fresh Hemp Seed, Acorus Tatarinowii Rhizome, and Podophyllum Hexandrum, pound into pills the size of bean shots. Take one pill facing the sun every morning. After 100 days, one will see ghosts). Benefits the five zang organs, promotes bleeding, expels cold qi, breaks accumulations, stops bi syndrome, disperses pus. Long-term use clarifies the spirit and lightens the body (*Bie Lu*).

[Attached Prescriptions] One old.

Wind Epilepsy and Various Diseases: Hemp Seeds 4 sheng, Water 6 sheng, boil vigorously until sprouts form, strain, decoct to obtain 2 sheng. Take on an empty stomach. Whether seizures occur or not, or if there is excessive talking, do not be alarmed. Have someone massage the hands and feet until calm. Take three doses to cure (*Qian Jin Fang*).

Ma Ren (Hemp Seed Kernel)

[Processing] Kou Zongshi said: Hemp kernels are extremely difficult to dehusk. Wrap in silk, soak in boiling water until cool, remove. Hang in a well overnight, ensuring no water contact. Sun-dry the next day at noon, dehusk on a new tile, winnow to obtain kernels, ensuring each is intact. Zhang Zhongjing's Mahuang Wan uses exactly this kernel from Da Ma seeds.

[Properties and Flavor] Sweet, neutral, non-toxic. Shen said: Slightly cold.

Wu Pu said: Those stored underground first are fatal if eaten.

Shi Liang said: Excessive consumption damages blood vessels, slips essence, and flaccidizes yang qi. Women who consume much may develop leukorrhea. Averse to Oyster Shell and White Peony Root; incompatible with Poria.

[Indications] Tonifies the middle and benefits qi. Long-term use leads to robust health, anti-aging, and immortality (*Ben Jing*). Treats wind-stroke with sweating, expels fluid retention, promotes urination, breaks blood stasis, restores blood vessels, treats postpartum conditions in nursing mothers. Washing hair promotes growth and lubrication (*Bie Lu*). Directs qi downward, removes wind-bi and hard skin, brings joy, stir-fry until fragrant, soak in urine, squeeze juice and drink. For dystocia (breech presentation), swallow 14-14 seeds to correct position (Zang Qi). Moistens the five zang organs, benefits large intestine against wind-heat constipation and hot strangury (Shi Liang). Tonifies deficiency and labor, expels all wind pathogens, promotes muscle growth, benefits hair, promotes lactation, stops thirst, induces labor for difficult birth (*Ri Hua*). Make juice and cook porridge to remove wind from five zang organs, moisten lungs, treat joint obstruction, and regrow hair (Meng Shen). Benefits women's meridians, regulates large intestine dysentery. Apply to various sores and leprosy, kill parasites. Juice cooked as porridge stops vomiting (Li Shizhen).

[Elucidation] Tao Hongjing said: Hemp kernels are excellent for pills and brewing wine, but their nature is slippery and purgative.

Liu Wansu said: Hemp is a woody grain that treats wind, following the principle of seeking resonance.

Hao Gu said: Hemp kernel acts on the Hand-Yangming and Foot-Taiyin meridians. Yangming disease with excessive sweating, stomach heat, and difficulty defecating involves dryness; thus, it is used to unblock and moisten.

Cheng Wuji said: The spleen desires relaxation; urgently feed sweet flavors to relax it. The sweetness of Hemp Kernel relaxes the spleen and moistens dryness.

[Attached Prescriptions] Nineteen old, nineteen new.

Dietary Therapy: Hemp Kernel 1 sheng, White Goat Fat 7 liang, Beeswax 5 liang, White Honey 1 he, mix, pound, steam, and eat. Prevents hunger and promotes longevity (*Shi Liao*).

Promotes Longevity and Benefits Qi, prevents hunger with long-term use: Hemp Kernel 2 sheng, Soybean 1 sheng, stir-fry until fragrant, pound into powder, make honey pills. Take twice daily (*Yao Xing Lun*).

Da Ma Ren Wine, treats bone marrow wind-toxin pain and immobility: Soak Da Ma Ren in water, select sinking ones, dry one da sheng, slowly stir-fry in a silver vessel until fragrant, pound in a wooden mortar for 10,000 strikes until fine as white powder. Divide into ten portions. Take one portion, add one large bowl of homemade unfiltered wine, grind together with a willow pestle in a clay basin, filter out shells, decoct until half remains. Take warm on an empty stomach. Mild cases improve in 4-5 portions, severe cases within 10, suffering is relieved beyond words (*Qie Zhong Fang*).

Ma Zi Ren Porridge, treats wind-water abdominal distension, heavy pain in waist and navel, immobility: Winter Hemp Seeds 0.5 jin, crush, filter juice with water, add japonica rice...

Elderly Wind-Bi: Cook Hemp Seeds into porridge, eat as above.

Five Stranguries with Dysuria: Cook Hemp Seeds into porridge, eat as above (ibid.).

Constipation: Cook Hemp Seeds into porridge, eat as above (*Zhou Hou Bei Ji Fang*).

Ma Zi Ren Wan treats Spleen Confinement (constipation with frequent urination): Hemp Kernel 2 sheng, Paeonia Radix Alba 0.5 jin, Magnolia Bark 1 chi, Rhubarb and Immature Bitter Orange each 1 jin, Apricot Seed 1 sheng, stir-fry and pound, make honey pills sized like paulownia seeds. Take 10 pills with grain water, three times daily. Increase dose if ineffective (Zhang Zhongjing).

Postpartum Constipation: Xu Xueshi said: Postpartum excessive sweating leads to constipation, making medication difficult; Hemp and Perilla Seed Porridge is safest. Effective not only postpartum but for elderly deficiency-type constipation. Use Da Ma Ren and Zi Su Zi each 2 he, wash, pound finely, grind with water, filter to obtain juice...

Postpartum Retained Blood: Hemp Kernel 5 sheng, Wine 1 sheng, soak overnight, strain next morning, take 1 sheng warm. If ineffective after eating, take another 1 sheng at night, without vomiting or diarrhea. Abstain from intercourse with men for one month, rest as after childbirth (*Qian Jin Fang*).

Fetal Damage and Abdominal Pain: Winter Hemp Seeds 1 sheng, crush, stir-fry until fragrant, boil in 2 sheng water, divide and drink (*Xin Jing*).

Pregnancy Heartache and Restlessness: Hemp Kernel 1 he (crushed), Water 2 zhan, decoct to 6 fen, strain and drink (*Sheng Hui Fang*).

Menstrual Obstruction, lasting 2-3 months, half a year, or a year: Hemp Kernel 2 sheng, Peach Kernel 2 liang, pound uniformly, soak in 1 sheng cooked wine overnight. Take 1 sheng daily (*Pu Ji Fang*).

Incessant Vomiting: Hemp Kernel 3 he, pound and stir-fry, grind with water to extract juice, add little salt, immediate effect. Chancellor Li often used this, very effective (*Waitai Miyao*).

Deficiency Labor with Internal Heat, Lower Jiao Deficiency Heat, Bone Joint Agony, Muscle Tightness, Dysuria, Frequent Stool, Shortness of Breath, Dry Mouth and Hot Strangury: Da Ma Ren 5 he (crushed), Water 2 sheng, decoct until half remains, divide and drink. Four to five doses cure (*Waitai Miyao*).

Tonify Lower Jiao and Treat Thirst: Hemp Kernel 1 sheng, Water 3 sheng, boil 4-5 times, strain, take 0.5 sheng cold, twice daily (*Yao Xing Lun*).

Xiao Ke (Diabetes) Drinking Large Amounts, Urine Red and Scanty: Autumn Hemp Kernel 1 sheng, Water 3 sheng, boil 3-4 times. Drink juice, no more than five...

Mineral Pill Induced Thirst: Da Ma Ren 3 he, Water 3 sheng, decoct to 2 sheng, sip occasionally (*Waitai Miyao*).

Alcohol-Induced Throat Ulcers and Mouth Tongue Sores: Da Ma Ren 1 sheng, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root 2 liang, pound into powder, make honey pills. Hold in mouth (*Qian Jin Fang*).

Beriberi with Swelling and Thirst: Stir-fry Da Ma Ren until fragrant, grind with water to get 1 sheng juice. Separately boil 1 sheng Adzuki Bean in 3 sheng water to get 1 sheng juice, mix with hemp juice, boil 3-5 times. Eat beans and drink juice (*Waitai Miyao*).

Beriberi with Abdominal Bi: Da Ma Ren 1 sheng (crushed). Soak in 3 sheng wine for three nights, take warm, very effective (*Waitai Miyao*).

Bloody Dysentery Unstopping: *Bi Xiao Fang*: Use Hemp Kernel juice to cook Mung Beans. Eat on empty stomach, very effective (*Waitai Miyao*).

Children's Dysentery with Red and White Stools, Weak and Exhausted: Hemp Kernel 3 he, stir-fry until fragrant, pound to fine powder. Take 1 qian each time with sour water, immediate effect (*Zi Mi Mi Lu*).

Rectal Prolapse Strange Disease, Large Intestine Protrudes Over One Cun, Painful, Falls Off When Dry, Then Reappears, Called Rectal Prolapse Disease, Fatal if Intestine Exhausts: At initial sensation of prolapse, sit in a vessel containing Sesame Oil, drink several sheng of Da Ma Seed juice, then cures (Xia Ziyi *Qi Ji Fang*).

Metallic Wound with Blood Stasis in Abdomen: Da Ma Ren 3 sheng, Scallion White 14 pieces, pound熟, boil in 9 sheng water to 1.5 sheng, take in one dose. If blood not fully expelled, take again (*Qian Jin Fang*).

Abdominal Parasites: Da Ma Seed Kernel 3 sheng, Eastern-growing Cornus officinalis Root 8 sheng, soak in water. Take 2 sheng at dawn, worms pass by night (*Shi Liao*).

Children's Gan Sores: Chew Hemp Seeds and apply, 6-7 times daily (*Zi Mi Mi Lu*).

Children's Head Sores: Hemp Seeds 5 sheng. Pound fine, squeeze juice with water, mix with honey and apply (*Qian Jin Fang*).

White Alopecia: Hemp Seeds 3 sheng, stir-fry until scorched, pound to powder, mix with Pig Fat and apply, stop when hair grows (*Pu Ji Fang*).

Hair Loss Not Regrowing: Hemp Seed juice cooked as porridge, eat frequently (*Sheng Ji Zong Lu*).

Ear Discharge: Hemp Seeds 1 he, Flower Rouge 1 fen. Pound uniformly, form stick, wrap in silk and insert (*Sheng Hui Fang*).

Great Wind Leprosy: Da Ma Ren 3 sheng, wash and dry, soak in 1 dou wine overnight, grind to extract white juice, filter into bottle, decoct over double boiler for several boils to store. Drink one small cup each time, combined with Eggplant Root Powder and Frankincense Pill for effect (*Sheng Hui Fang*).

Sudden Poison Arrow Bite: Hemp Kernel several sheng, pound juice and drink (*Zhou Hou*).

Antidote for Aconite Poison: Da Ma Seed juice, drinking is good (*Qian Jin Fang*).

Prevention of Epidemic Fevers: Hemp Kernel and Adzuki Bean each 14 pieces, place in well on New Year's Eve. Drinking water is beneficial (*Long Yu He Tu*).

Erysipelas: Hemp Kernel pound to powder, mix with water and apply (*Qian Jin Fang*).

Wet Tinea and Fatty Sores: Da Ma [Seed/Husk] apply, cures in five days (*Qian Jin Fang*).

Phlegmon with Discharge, appearing on hands, feet, shoulders, back, clustered like red beans: Peel clean, rub with stir-fried and pounded Da Ma Seed powder (*Qian Jin Fang*).

Oil

[Indications] Char and press for oil, apply to head to treat hair loss not regrowing. Decoct and drink occasionally to treat sulfur poison causing fever (Li Shizhen. From *Qian Jin Fang*, *Waitai Miyao*).

[Attached Prescriptions] One new.

Corpse Throat Pain and Itching: Burn Hemp Seeds to extract fat, mix with wine and take 1 qian (*Sheng Ji Zong Lu*).

Leaf

[Properties and Flavor] Pungent, toxic.

[Indications] Pound juice and take 5 he to expel roundworms; pound and apply to scorpion venom, both effective (Su Gong). Infuse in water to wash hair for growth and lubrication, preventing gray hair...

Zhen Quan said: Take one handful of leaves, mix with 5 sheng seeds, soak for three days, strain, wash hair.

[Elucidation] Li Shizhen said: According to Guo Wen's *Chuang Ke Xin Yao*: Wu Jin San treats carbuncles, sores, and malignant ulcers. The formula uses Fire Hemp Head, combined with Ephedra etc. to induce sweating, indicating the leaf's toxicity attacks pathogens. Using it to stop malaria in *Pu Ji Fang* further supports this inference.

[Attached Prescriptions] Two new.

Stop Incessant Malaria: Fire Hemp Leaf, regardless of vitality, stir-fry slowly in pot until fragrant, remove pot, cover with paper to let sweat evaporate completely, pound into powder...

Take with tea or wine before onset. Move patient to original sleeping place, state resembles drunkenness, recovers upon waking. Another formula: Fire Hemp Leaf (powdered as above) 1 liang, add Amomum Villosum, Clove, Tangerine Peel, and Aucklandia each 0.5 liang, make pills with wine paste sized like paulownia seeds. Take 5-7 pills with wine or tea. Treats all malarial fevers, strengthens primordial qi (*Pu Ji Fang*).

Huang Ma (Yellow Hemp)

[Indications] Breaks blood, promotes urination (Li Shizhen).

[Attached Prescriptions] Two new.

Hot Strangury with Distension and Pain: Hemp Bark 1 liang, Roasted Licorice Root 0.3 fen, Water 2 zhan, decoct to 1 zhan, take, twice daily, until effective (*Sheng Hui Fang*).

Trauma and Fracture Pain: Bone Setting Formula: Huang Ma (burned to ash), Hair Ash each 1 liang, Frankincense 5 qian, pound into powder. Take 3 qian each time, warm...

Ma Gen (Hemp Root)

[Indications] Pound juice or decoct and drink, treats blood stasis and stone strangury (Tao Hongjing). Treats difficult labor with retained placenta, breaks blood stasis and distension, leukorrhea and metrorrhagia unstoping, decoct in water and drink, effective (Su Gong). Treats hot strangury with continuous bleeding, take 3-9 pieces, wash clean, boil in 5 sheng water to 3 sheng, divide and drink, blood stops miraculously (*Yao Xing Lun*). Root and leaf pounded juice drunk, treats bruising blood stasis, abdominal fullness and shortness of breath, and unbearable fracture pain, all effective. If unavailable, substitute with hemp decoction (Su Song. From Wei Zhou *Du Xing Fang*).

Soaked Hemp Juice

[Indications] Stops thirst, treats blood stasis (Su Gong).