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(From *Bencao Gangmu*)

[Correction] Tu Fuling is merged into the "Grass Yuyuliang" (Herbal Yu Yuliang) section of the *Shiyi* (Supplement to Materia Medica).

[Names] Tubi Xie (from *Bencao Gangmu*), Ci Zhuling (from *Tujing Yiwen*).

Li Shizhen states: According to Tao Hongjing's annotation on "Yuyuliang" in the Stone category: In the southern plains and marshes, there is a vine with leaves resembling those of Smilax (Baqia), and roots that are tuberous and jointed, similar to Smilax but reddish in color, with a taste like Dioscorea (Shanyao), also named Yuyuliang. It is said that when Yu the Great traveled through mountains and lacked food, he gathered this plant to sustain himself, leaving the remainder, hence the name. Observing Tao's description, this is indeed the current Tu Fuling. Therefore, it still retains the names "Xian Yiliang" (Immortal's Leftover Grain) and "Lengfantuan" (Cold Rice Ball), which are remnants of its history. Chen Cangqi's *Materia Medica* mentions "Caoyuyuliang", and Su Song's *Illustrated Classic* mentions "Ci Zhuling" under Zhuling; both refer to this substance, so they are now combined. Fuling, Zhuling, and Shandili all derive their names from their shapes. The common folk also call it "Guoganglong", which is an incorrect term.

[Collection] Chen Cangqi says: Caoyuyuliang grows in valleys near the sea coast. Its roots are cup-shaped and connected, half exposed above the ground, with skin resembling Fuling, red flesh, and an astringent taste. People harvest it as a staple food to stave off hunger.

Su Song says: In Shizhou, there is a variety called Ci Zhuling, which grows as a vine. The roots are harvested in spring and summer, peeled, and dried by roasting. Local people use it to apply to sores and toxins with remarkable effect.

Li Shizhen says: Tu Fuling is abundant in the mountain forests of Chu and Shu regions. It is a climbing vine with fine spots on the stems. The leaves do not grow opposite each other; they resemble broad bamboo leaves but are thicker and smoother, or like Daphne leaves but five to six inches long. The roots resemble Smilax but are round, about the size of a chicken or duck egg, growing in clusters. They may be separated by up to a chi or as close as a few cun. The flesh is soft and can be eaten raw. There are red and white varieties; the white root is used for medicinal purposes.

The *Classic of Mountains and Seas* records regarding Dengzhi Mountain: "There is a grass on Dengzhi Mountain named Rongcao. Its leaves resemble willow, and its root resembles a chicken egg. Eating it cures wind diseases."

In recent times, during the Hongzhi and Zhengde reigns, due to the prevalence of Yangmeichuang (Syphilis/Kaposi-like disease), doctors typically used Qingfen (Calomel) to achieve quick results, causing toxins to remain in the sinews and bones, leading to ulceration and chronic conditions. Physicians could not verify its origin, often mistaking it for Bibi and Baqia. However, their roots and shoots are distinctly different, requiring careful distinction. Their functions are quite similar, likely belonging to the same category as Bibi and Baqia.

[Aroma and Flavor] Sweet, bland, neutral, non-toxic.

Li Shizhen says: Tea should be avoided during consumption.

[Indications] Eating it serves as a food substitute to stop hunger, regulates the middle jiao and stops diarrhea, promotes vigorous movement without drowsiness (Chen Cangqi). Treats joint disorders, stops diarrhea, manages spasms and bone pain, malignant sores, and carbuncles. Resolves the toxicity of mercury powder and vermilion (Li Shizhen).

[Elucidation] Dai Yuanli says: Recently, individuals indulging in lust have frequently suffered from Yangmeidu Chuang (Venereal Sores). Medications using Qingfen provide temporary relief followed by recurrence. Over time, limbs become spasmodic, developing into chronic ulcers, lasting for years and resulting in disability. Only by chopping three liang of Tubibi Xie, or adding one qian of Gleditsia sinensis (Zaojiao) and Morning Glory seed (Qianniu), boiling in six bowls of water until reduced to three bowls, and dividing into three doses, can most cases be cured within a few administrations. This disease initially arises from toxic qi invading the Yangming meridian. Combined with the drying and acrid nature of Qingfen, yin fluids deplete over time, allowing Liver fire to attack Spleen earth. Since Spleen governs dampness and muscles, damp-heat stagnates in the muscle layers, causing swelling and severe spasms, as described in the *Neijing*: "Dampness harms the skin, flesh, sinews, and bones." Tubibi Xie is sweet, bland, and neutral, capable of removing Spleen dampness. Once dampness is cleared, Ying and Wei qi harmonize, and spasms and ulcers heal. If ineffective in early stages, it is because fire is excessive and dampness has not yet stagnated. This drug excels at removing dampness but not heat. In chronic cases, heat declines and qi consumes, making damp stagnation predominant, hence its efficacy.

Li Shizhen says: Yangmeichuang is not recorded in ancient formulas, nor did such patients exist in the past. It recently originated in Lingbiao (Southern China) and spread nationwide. This is likely due to the low, hot climate, miasma, spicy and hot diet, and sexual impropriety in that region. Deep accumulation of damp-heat pathogens manifests as toxic sores, leading to contagion spreading from south to north, affecting only those engaging in illicit sexual behavior. Although there are several types, the treatment principle is unified. Symptoms mostly involve the Jueyin and Yangming meridians, sometimes involving others. Pathogens manifest where they reside; if involving Shaoyin and Taiyin, sores appear in the throat; if involving Taiyang and Shaoyang, they appear on the head and ears. This is because Ministerial Fire resides in Jueyin, and muscles belong to Yangming. Doctors use Qingfen and Zhenzhu (Vermilion) as drastic agents, curing sores in five to seven days. Mercury moves freely; when sublimated with salt and alum into Qingfen and Zhenzhu, it becomes dry and acrid, effectively expelling phlegm-saliva. Saliva is the fluid of the Spleen. Upon entering the stomach, its qi directs to Yangming, forcing saliva out through the throat, cheeks, and teeth gaps, causing sores to dry and heal. However, overdose or improper use causes toxic qi to penetrate sinews and bones, becoming trapped. With phlegm-saliva gone and blood depleted, sinews lose nourishment, Ying and Wei disharmony occurs, leading to painful spasms, toxic sores, and chancre ulcers. Long-term effects include parasites, tinea, cracked hands and feet, and permanent disability. Only Tu Fuling, with neutral qi and sweet-bland flavor, is the primary herb for the Yangming meridian. It strengthens the Spleen and Stomach and removes wind-damp. When Spleen and Stomach are robust, Ying and Wei harmonize. Dai's words are profound. Currently, physicians use "Sofeng Jiedu Tang" (Wind-Searching and Toxin-Resolving Decoction) to treat Yangmeichuang without Qingfen. Severe cases resolve in over a month, mild cases in half a month. It is also effective for paralysis and spasms caused by Qingfen. The formula uses one liang of Tu Fuling, five fen each of Coix Seed (Yiyiren), Honeysuckle (Jinyinhua), Saposhnikovia (Fangfeng), Quince (Mugua), Akebia (Mutong), and Dictamnus (Baixianpi), four fen of Gleditsia seeds (Zaojiaozi). Add seven fen of Ginseng (Renshen) for Qi deficiency, or seven fen of Angelica Sinensis (Danggui) for Blood deficiency. Boil in two large bowls of water, drink three times daily. Avoid tea, beef, mutton, and chicken.

[Attached Formulas] Six new formulas.

Yangmei Du Chuang (Venereal Sores): Deng Bifeng's *Zaxing Fang*: Use four liang of Lengfantuan (Tu Fuling rhizome) and seven Gleditsia seeds (Zaojiaozi). Decoct in water and drink as tea. Mild cases show results in 14 days, severe cases in 28 days. Another prescription: One liang of Lengfantuan, three qian each of Acanthopanacis Senticosi Cortex (Wujiapi), Gleditsia seeds (Zaojiaozi), and Sophora Flavescens (Kushen), one qian of Honeysuckle (Jinyinhua). Decoct with good wine, take once daily.

Luoli Kuilan (Ulcerated Scrofula): Slice or powder Lengfantuan, decoct in water or add to porridge. Consuming large amounts is beneficial. White ones from Jiangxi are superior. Avoid ironware and stimulating foods. (*Lu Shi Jide Tang Fang*)