Library

(Recorded in the Lower Grade of *Shennong Bencao Jing*)

**[Names]** Qing (from *Shennong Bencao Jing*).
Tao Hongjing stated: Di Dan is transformed from *Yuanqing* (Lytta vesicatoria), hence it is also named "Qing".
Li Shizhen stated: Di Dan inhabits underground, and its color resembles bile. According to research: *Taiping Yulan* cites *Erya* stating: Di Dan and Di Yao are both Qing. It also cites *Wu Pu Bencao* stating: Di Dan is also known as Du Long or Qinghong. Tao Hongjing interpreted the character "Qing" as a variant of the character for frog, pronounced with the fanqie method "wu wa qie".

**[Collection and Description]** *Mingyi Bielu* states: Grows in mountain valleys. Collected in August.
Tao Hongjing stated: Genuine Di Dan originates from Liangzhou, resembling large ants with wings. Counterfeit ones are transformed from *Banmao* (Mylabris phalerata), resembling soybeans. Generally, their therapeutic properties are similar, but genuine specimens are hard to obtain.
Su Gong stated: Those resembling large ants are now produced in [missing place name], appearing from March to [missing month]. I have not seen them; Tao's assertion is merely speculative.
Miao Baosheng stated: In February, March, August, and September, they are collected from grasslands. They are exceptionally black and are transformations of *Yuanqing*.
Li Shizhen stated: They are found everywhere today, underground or within wall crevices. They are likely related to *Yuanqing* or *Tingzhang*, entering hibernation in winter, resembling *Banmao*. Su Gong had not seen them and thus refuted Tao's statement, which is incorrect. The fact that *Shennong Bencao Jing* lists its alias as *Yuanqing* serves as strong evidence. Since it is called Di Dan, it should not appear on grasslands. Presumably...

**[Processing]** Processing methods are the same as *Banmao*.

**[Flavor and Properties]** Acrid, Cold, Toxic.

**[Indications]** Treats Guizhu Hanre (Ghost Transmission with alternating chills and fever), Shulou (scrofula) with foul ulcers and necrotic tissue, breaks up Zhengjia (masses and accumulations), induces abortion.
Corrodes malignant flesh in sores, removes nasal polyps, disperses stagnant Qi and Stone Lin (lithuria). After removing the offspring, administering one Dao Gui dose results in expulsion.
Draws out the roots of Luoli (scrofulous masses), expelling them through urine or sometimes vomit. Also treats nasal [text missing] (Li Shizhen added notes).

**[Elucidation]** Su Song stated: Physicians nowadays mostly use *Banmao* and *Yuanqing*, rarely using *Tingzhang* or Di Dan, as their effects are largely similar.
Li Shizhen stated: According to Yang Shi's *Zhizhi Fang*: There exists a type of cancerous sore where nodules hang in clusters, cracking like blind eyes, showing greenish hues, with each cluster head exposing a tongue-like projection. The toxin is deep and perforates holes. In men, these often occur on the abdomen; in women, on the breasts, neck, or shoulders, causing coma. Urgently, Di Dan should be used as the sovereign herb, assisted by Baiqianniu (White Morning Glory Seed), Huashi (Talcum), and Mutong (Akebia Stem), to promote urination and vent the toxin. Additionally, drinking child's urine can flush out residual pathogens, leading to recovery.

**[Attached Formulas]** Three new formulas.
Xiaochang Qi Tong (Pain due to Small Intestine Qi Stagnation): Di Dan (remove wings, legs, head, stir-fry lightly) and Zhusha (Cinnabar), each half liang; Huashi (Talcum), one liang. Grind into powder. When suffering pain, take two qian mixed with wine before meals. Cures immediately. (*Xuanming Lunfang*)
Bizhong Rourou (Nasal Polyps): Di Dan, fresh ground to extract juice, instilled into the nose. If dry, boil in wine to extract juice. Another method: Xixin (Asarum) and Baizhi (Angelica Dahurica) in equal parts. Grind into powder, mix with juice of fresh Dihuang (Rehmannia Root) and bile to form a paste. Apply a small amount to the affected area until resolved. (Both from *Shenghui Fang*)