Library

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

[Names] Xiju (from *Benjing*), Naidong (from *Benjing*), Yanmian (from *Bielu*), Tise Cao (Iron-Color Grass).
Zhenheng stated: This herb withers after the Summer Solstice. It is likely because it possesses pure Yang Qi, and withers upon receiving Yin Qi; hence these names.

[Collection and Explanation] *Bielu* states: Xiakucao grows in the valleys of Shujun, harvested in the fourth month.
Gong stated: It is found everywhere, growing in marshy plains.
Song stated: It begins to grow after the Winter Solstice; leaves resemble those of *Inula japonica*. Flowers bloom in the third and fourth months, forming spikes that are purple-white, resembling flowers of *Salvia miltiorrhiza*, and seeds also form in spikes.
It withers in the fifth month, so it is harvested in the fourth month.
Shizhen stated: It is abundant in fields and wilds. The seedlings are about one to two chi high, with slightly square stems. Leaves grow oppositely at nodes, resembling *Inula japonica* leaves but larger and longer, with fine serrations, white backs with prominent veins. Spikes form at the stem tips, one to two cun long, opening into pale purple small flowers; each spike contains four fine seeds. Danxi claimed it had no seeds, which was an oversight. Young shoots can be blanched, soaked to remove bitterness, and eaten mixed with oil and salt.

[Correction of Errors] Zong stated: It is now called Yuchou. It sprouts from autumn, does not wither through winter, blooms white flowers in spring, and sets seed in summer.
Zhenheng stated: Yuchou grass has a foul odor and is identical to *Leonurus japonicus*; Xiakucao has no odor, clearly being two different plants. Both grow in spring; Xiakucao withers first and bears no seed; Yuchou withers later and bears seed.

[Stems and Leaves]

[Flavor and Properties] Bitter, Pungent, Cold, Non-toxic.
Zhicai stated: *Trichosanthes kirilowii* root acts as its guiding drug. It neutralizes mercury sulfide toxicity.

[Indications] Treats chills and fever associated with scrofula (*Luoli*), rat fistula (*Shulou*), and head sores; breaks up masses, dissipates goiter and stagnant Qi, treats leg edema and damp bi-syndrome, and lightens the body (*Benjing*).

[Elucidation] Zhenheng stated: Materia Medica texts state that Xiakucao effectively treats scrofula and dissipates stagnant Qi, yet do not mention its merit in nourishing the Jueyin blood vessels. Observing its ability to resolve chills and fever, it can be used for deficiency patterns; for excess patterns, it should be assisted by herbs that promote circulation and dispersal, combined with external moxibustion, yielding gradual results.
Shizhen stated: Li Jutu’s *Yijian Fang* records: Xiakucao treats eye pain. Soak it in sand sugar water overnight before use, taking advantage of its ability to clear internal heat and soothe Liver fire. Lou Quanshan said: Xiakucao is miraculous for treating eyeball pain that worsens at night. Even if treatment with bitter-cold eye drops exacerbates the condition, it remains effective. The eyeball connects to the eye system, belonging to the Jueyin meridian. Worsening at night or upon application of bitter-cold drugs occurs because night and cold are Yin in nature. Xiakucao possesses pure Yang Qi and nourishes Jueyin blood vessels; thus, it treats this condition miraculously by using Yang to treat Yin. A man suffered from nightly eyeball pain radiating to the brow bone and half-head swelling. Application of Huanglian ointment worsened it, and other medicines failed. After moxibustion on Jueyin and Shaoyang meridians, pain ceased temporarily but recurred after half a day, persisting for over a month. Two liang of Xiakucao, two liang of Xiangfu, and four qian of Gancao were powdered. Each dose of 1.5 qian was taken with green tea. Pain halved upon swallowing, and full recovery occurred after four or five doses.

[Attached Prescriptions] One old prescription, six new prescriptions.
To brighten eyes and tonify the Liver, treating Liver deficiency causing eyeball pain, continuous cold tearing, tendon/muscle pain, and photophobia: Half liang of Xiakucao, one liang of Xiangfuzi. Powder them.
For red and white leukorrhea: Xiakucao (harvested when flowering, dried in shade) powdered. Take two qian per dose with rice drink, before meals. (*Xu Family Prescription*)
For unstoppable metrorrhagia: Xiakucao powdered. Take one fangcunbi per dose with rice drink. (*Shenghui Fang*)
For postpartum blood syncope with impending loss of Heart Qi: Crush fresh Xiakucao, extract juice, and take one zhan. Highly effective. (*Xu Family Prescription*)
For traumatic injuries and metal wounds: Chew Xiakucao thoroughly and apply externally. Immediate healing. (*Weisheng Yijian*)
For sweat spots/white patches: Boil Xiakucao to make a concentrated decoction; wash daily. (*Qiankun Shengyi*)
For scrofula and scirrus, whether ulcerated or not, or chronic cases forming sinuses: Use six liang of Xiakucao, two zhong of water, decoct to seven-tenths volume. Take warm after meals. For severe deficiency, decoct into a paste for oral administration and topical application. Concurrently administering Shiquan Dabu Tang added with Xiangfu, Beimu, and Yuanzhi is particularly beneficial. This herb generates blood and is a holy medicine for scrofula. It is easily obtained and highly efficacious. (Xue Ji, *Waike Jingyan Fang*)