Library

(Recorded in the Middle Category of *Shennong Bencao Jing*)

**[Names]** Guijian (Ghost Arrow) (from *Mingyi Bielu*), Shenjian (Divine Arrow).
Li Shizhen stated: Liu Xi mentioned in *Shiming* that people in Qi referred to the feather on an arrow as "Wei" (Guard). This plant has straight, feather-like projections on its stem, resembling arrow feathers or spear blades in a self-defensive posture, hence the name. Zhang Yi called it Shenjian in *Guangya*, and Kou Zongshi noted in *Yanyi* that households often burn it to dispel evil influences.

**[Collection and Description]** *Mingyi Bielu* records: Wei Mao grows in the valleys of Mount Huo. Collected in August, dried in the shade.
Su Gong stated: The leaves resemble peach leaves, and the stem projections resemble arrow feathers. Collected in January, February, and July, dried in the shade. Some grow in fields.
Tao Hongjing stated: It is found everywhere in mountains and wilds. The bark and feather-like stems are used for medicine, but usage is rare.
Su Song stated: It is occasionally found in prefectures of Jianghuai today. Stems emerge after March, growing about four or five chi long. The stem has three-sided feather-like projections, resembling arrow vanes. Leaves resemble Camellia leaves, green in color. Collected in August, November, and December, dried in the shade. The wood is also called Gougu (Dog Bone).
Kou Zongshi stated: It exists in all mountain valleys, but never seen in flatlands. Leaves are extremely scarce. The stem is yellowish-brown, like cypress bark, with three sharp edges.
Li Shizhen stated: Gui Jian grows among rocks in mountains, forming clumps of small shrubs. In spring, tender branches grow, with feather-like projections on all four sides of the branch, appearing as if there are three feathers. Green leaves resemble wild tea, opposite each other, with a sour and astringent taste. Small flowers bloom in March and April, yellow-green. Fruits are as large as Ilex cornuta berries. Locals do not recognize it; only woodcutters harvest it.
Ma Zhi stated: When using this herb, do not use Shi Mao (Equisetum hyemale). The root heads look very similar, but the upper leaves differ, and the tastes are distinct.

**[Preparation]** Lei Xiao stated: Only the arrow-head-shaped stem segments are used. Wipe off the red hairs, stir-fry gently mixed with animal butter (su). For every one tael of the herb, use two qian and half of butter.

**[Nature and Flavor]** Bitter, Cold, Non-toxic. Su Gong stated: Shennong, Huangdi, and Tongjun considered it: Bitter, Non-toxic. Meng Shen stated: Sweet, Astringent. Li Xun stated: Slightly toxic.

**[Indications]** Treats metrorrhagia and hematochezia in women, abdominal fullness with sweating, expels evil pathogens, kills ghost toxins, gu poisoning, and zhuzhu diseases (from *Shennong Bencao Jing*). Treats sudden severe abdominal pain from evil qi invasion, removes roundworms, reduces skin wind-toxin swellings, and relieves constriction in the genital area (from *Mingyi Bielu*). Effectively treats blood and qi disorders in women (Ma Zhi). Breaks down old blood stasis, can induce abortion, and governs various pathogenic ghosts and demons (Zhen Quan). Regulates menstruation, breaks up masses and accumulations.

**[Elucidation]** Su Song stated: In ancient formulas, Cui Shi's treatment for evil zhuzhu affecting the heart, causing unbearable pain, included Gui Jian Yu Tang (Cinnamon Twig Feather Decoction). For sudden heart pain or severe pain from evil qi/toxin, Dahuang Tang (Rhubarb Decoction) also uses it; these are major formulas. Found in *Waitai Miyao* and *Qianjin Fang*.
Ma Zhi stated: For postpartum blood晕 (fainting due to blood loss) and blood stagnation, where blood gathers in the chest, or concentrates in the lower abdomen, or extends to the hypochondrium. Use Siwu Tang (Four Substances Decoction) 4 taels, double the amount of Danggui (Angelica Sinensis), add Gui Jian (Euonymus alatus), Honghua (Carthamus tinctorius), and Yanshusu (Corydalis yanhusuo) each 1 tael. Grind into powder, decoct and take orally.

**[Attached Formulas]** Three new formulas.
Postpartum retained blood, hard mass in the uterus (Erzhen), intermittent pain, and new birth vulnerability allowing wind-cold to invade internally, causing sluggish lochia, hardness and distension of the umbilical and abdominal region: Danggui San (Angelica Powder): Use Danggui (stir-fried), Gui Jian (remove central woody core), and Honglanhua (Broomflower) each 1 tael. Take 3 qian per dose, with one large cup of wine, decoct to 70%, take warm before meals. (From *Tai Ping Hui Min He Ji Ju Fang*).
Guinie (Ghost Malaria) occurring daily: Gui Jian Yu (Euonymus alatus stem with wings), Lingli Jia (Manis pentadactyla scale, calcined to ash) each 2.5 qian. Grind into powder. At onset, insufflate one zi amount into the nose. Another method: Gui Jian Yu powder 1 fen, Pishuang (Arsenic trioxide) 1 qian, Wulingzhi (Trogopterus dung) 1 liang, grind into powder. Take 1 qian with cold water at onset. (Both from *Shengji Zonglu*).