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

**[Names]** Hehun (as cited in *Xinxiu Bencao*), Yehe (as cited in *Rihua Zibencao*). It is a tree.

Su Song states: Cui Bao, in *Gujin Zhu*, said, "To dispel one's anger, present Qingchang. Qingchang refers to Albizia julibrissin. Planting it in the courtyard or on the steps makes people free from resentment." Thus, Ji Kang stated in *Yangsheng Lun*: "Albizia julibrissin dispels anger; Daylily (*Hemerocallis citrina*) forgets sorrow."

Meng Shen states: Its leaves close at dusk, hence the name Hehun.

Li Shizhen states: According to Wang Qiu in *Baiyi Xuanfang*: Yehe is commonly known as Mengge; people in Yue call it Wulai; others call it Shilishu.

**[Collection and Explanation]** *Shennong Bencao Jing* states: Albizia julibrissin grows in the valleys of Heyu, Yuzhou. The tree resembles *Celtis sinensis* (Dogbone tree).

Tao Hongjing states: It is rarely recognized by common people, likely because it lacks medicinal efficacy for treating diseases.

Zhen Quan states: The leaves resemble those of *Gleditsia sinensis* (Chinese Honeylocust) and *Styphnolobium japonicum* (Japanese Pagoda Tree), being extremely fine. Flowers bloom in May, appearing red and white, with silky pubescence on top. In autumn, it produces pod-like fruits with very thin and fine seeds. It grows in valleys everywhere; currently, it is also planted in the residences and gardens of the Eastern and Western Capitals, named Hehun.

Su Song states: It is now found in Bianliang and Luoyang areas, where households often plant it in courtyards. The trunk resembles *Firmiana simplex* (Chinese Parasol Tree), and the branches are very tender. The leaves resemble *Gleditsia sinensis*, being extremely fine, dense, and interwoven. Whenever the wind blows, the leaves naturally separate without clinging to each other. The bark and leaves are harvested for use, regardless of the month.

Kou Zongshi states: The flowers of Albizia julibrissin are colored like modern dyed threads, white on the upper half and flesh-red on the lower half, hanging loosely like silk, making them a unique variety among flowers. Its green leaves close at night. When tender, they can be blanched, washed with water, and eaten.

**Wood Bark** (Remove the rough outer bark and stir-fry before use)

**[Flavor and Toxicity]** Sweet, neutral, non-toxic.

**[Indications]** Calms the Five Zang organs, harmonizes the Heart spirit, and brings joy and freedom from worry. Long-term consumption lightens the body and improves vision, fulfilling desires (*Shennong Bencao Jing*). Prepared as an ointment/paste, it dissipates carbuncles and swelling, and knits bones and tendons (*Daming Bencao*). Kills parasites. Ground into powder, mixed with soot from the bottom of a cauldron, and blended with raw oil, it is applied to spider bites (*Daming Bencao*). For traumatic injuries and bone fractures causing pain, grind the flowers into powder and take two qianbi with wine (Kou Zongshi).

**[Elucidation]** Zhu Zhenheng states: Albizia julibrissin belongs to Earth and has a very rapid effect in tonifying Yin. Its ability to promote muscle growth and knit bones and tendons is evident. If used together with beeswax in an ointment, the effect is miraculous. Why have surgeons not adopted it?

**[Attached Prescriptions]** Two old prescriptions, three new ones.

For lung abscess with expectoration of turbid sputum and xerosis cutis (fish-scale skin) over the chest and heart region: Take a palm-sized piece of Yehe bark, add three sheng of water, boil until half remains, and divide into two doses (*Du Xing Fang* by Wei Zhou).

For traumatic injuries and bone fractures: Four liang of Yehe tree bark (i.e., Cortex Albiziae, remove rough bark, stir-fry until black), one liang of mustard seed (stir-fried). Grind into powder. Take two qian per dose with warm wine before bed, and apply the dregs to the affected area. This is excellent for knitting bones (*Baiyi Xuanfang* by Wang Qiu).

For hair loss and failure of regrowth: Two he of Albizia julibrissin wood ash, five he of wall moss (Qiangyi), one he of iron essence (Tiejing), two he of duckweed powder (Shuipingmo). Grind uniformly, blend with raw oil, and apply. Once every night (*Puji Fang*).

For infant lockjaw (Xiao'er Cuokou): Boil the branches and twigs of Albizia julibrissin flowers into a concentrated decoction. Wipe the mouth with it and wash the area (*Zimu Milu*).

Five liang each of *Sabina chinensis* branch, *Morus alba* branch, and *Punica granatum* branch (all fresh and chopped). Five sheng of glutinous rice, five sheng of black soybean, two liang of *Notopterygium incisum* root (Qianghuo), two liang of *Saposhnikovia divaricata* root (Fangfeng), totaling seven jin and half a liang. First, decoct the five types of branches in five dou of water to obtain two dou and five sheng of liquid. Soak the rice and beans, steam until cooked. Add yeast, along with Fangfeng and Qianghuo, following the standard method for brewing wine. Seal and ferment for twenty-one days (three sevens). Press to extract the juice. Drink five he per dose. Do not drink to excess to the point of vomiting; maintain a slight alcoholic sensation (*Qixiao Liangfang*).