Library

(From *Kaibao Bencao Shiyi* [Supplement to the Materia Medica of the Kaibao Era])

**[Names]** Jidiao (吉吊).

Li Shizhen states: "Diao" previously lacked a dedicated entry. Only Su Song's *Tujing Bencao* [Illustrated Classic of Materia Medica] recorded "Jidiao fat," stating it was produced by dragons. Chen Cangqi's *Bencao Shiyi* [Supplement to the Materia Medica] contains an entry on "Yu fat," citing *Guangzhou Ji* [Records of Guangzhou]: "Yu has a snake's head and a turtle-like body; its fat treats leech bites," and so on. Upon examining *Guangzhou Ji* and *Taiping Yulan* [Imperial Readings of the Taiping Era], they only state: "Diao has a snake's head and a crocodile-like body, resembling a turtle." Regarding claims of being "extremely light" or losing efficacy through air permeability, there is no evidence supporting its use for leech bites.

**[Collection and Explanation]**

Chen Cangqi says: Pei Yuan's *Guangzhou Ji* records: "Diao grows in the Lingnan region, having a snake's head and a crocodile-like body. It inhabits both water and trees. Its fat is extremely light and potent..." The *Lingji Baofang* [Precious Formulas for Extending Life] states: "Jidiao fat originates from Jianzhou in Fujian and is very rare. It must be stored in glass bottles and protected with camphor to prevent loss of potency through air exposure." Sun Guangxian's *Beimeng Suoyan* [Secret Words from Northern Dreams] records: People at sea say that when a dragon lays two eggs, one becomes a Jidiao... Or, secretions left by dragons near water adhere to drifting wood fragments, resembling a rush-mat pestle. The color is slightly yellowish-green or grayish, known as Zishaohua [Purple Tip Flower], and is frequently used in sitz baths.

Li Shizhen states: Since the accounts of Pei and Yao are identical, it is undoubtedly that Diao fat is Jidiao fat. Furthermore, Chen Ziming's *Furen Liangfang* [Good Formulas for Women] states: "Zishaohua grows in lakes and marshes; it is the egg mass of fish and shrimp laid on bamboo and wood, resembling sugar lumps. The wood is removed, and the rest is used." This account differs from Sun's. In recent times, various sexual health practices often use Zishaohua obtained from lakes, which is grayish-white and light; this is likely not the genuine article. The account by Sun should be considered correct. Some claim that Zishaohua is similar to Dragon Saliva (Longxian), but it is uncertain if this is true.

**Diao Fat** (Also known as Diao Gao)

**[Properties and Flavor]** Toxic.

**[Indications]** Wind-induced swelling, carbuncles, and toxins; urticaria with redness and itching; scabies, hemorrhoids; stubborn skin numbness; traumatic fractures and injuries; internal trauma with blood stasis. Apply the fat to the affected area and massage with heated hands until the medicinal power penetrates (Chen Cangqi). Treats deafness, regardless of duration. Instill an amount equivalent to half an almond kernel daily into the ear, and the condition will resolve (Su Song. From *Yanling Fang*).

**Zishaohua**

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

**[Indications]** Tonifies yang, secures essence, treats deficiency exhaustion of primordial qi, impotence, spermatorrhea, residual discharge resembling white turbidity like fat, urinary incontinence, dampness and itching of the scrotum, cold leukorrhea in women. Used in pills, powders, and sitz baths (Li Shizhen. Additionally, the annotation for *Yushuang Wan* in *Heji Ju Fang* [Formulary of the Bureau of Medical Relief] states: If Zishaohua is unavailable, substitute with Equisetum hyemale [Muye]).

**[Attached Prescriptions]** Two new prescriptions.

**Impotence:** Zishaohua and raw Longgu (Dragon Bone) each 2 qian, plus a small amount of Shexiang (Musk). Grind into powder. Make pills the size of wutong seeds. Take 20 pills per dose with shaojiu (liquor). To reverse the effect, drink Shengjiang Gancao Tang [Fresh Ginger and Licorice Decoction]. (*Ji...* [Text cuts off])

It will heal immediately. (*Zongwei Lun*)