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(Designated as a Superior Grade herb in the *Shennong Bencao Jing* [Divine Farmer's Materia Medica])

[Correction] Li Shizhen states: Based on the accounts of Su Gong and Shen Kuo, this entry is merged with *Heshi* (Fruit of *Heracleum hemsleyanum*) from the *Xinxiu Bencao* [Newly Revised Materia Medica], *Disong* (Leafy Vegetable) from the *Kaibao Bencao*, and the unnamed/unused *Song* recorded in the *Mingyi Bielu* [Record of Famous Physicians].

[Names] Tianmanjing (*Mingyi Bielu*), Tianmenjing (*Mingyi Bielu*), Yuditong, Yumenjing (*Mingyi Bielu*), Maijujiang (*Shennong Bencao Jing*), Chanfulan (*Mingyi Bielu*), Hamalan (*Shennong Bencao Jing*), Ecao (*Bencao Gangmu*), Shishou (*Shennong Bencao Jing*), Zhilu (*Mingyi Bielu*), Huolucacao (*Yiyuan*), Liu Cao (pronounced 'Hu Ge', phonetic approximation), Zhoumiancao (*Bencao Gangmu*), Zhu Mojie (*Bencao Gangmu*). The mature fruit is truly named *Heshi* (Fruit of *Heracleum hemsleyanum*), and the root is named Dunniumi (False Achyranthes Root).

Su Gong says: Tianmingjing is the same as Huolucacao. The *Mingyi Bielu* calls it Tianmanjing; people in the south call it Disong. Its leaves resemble those of Manjing (Vine Clematis) and Songcai (Chinese Cabbage), hence these names. Its taste is sweet and acrid, hence the reference to "Jiang" (Ginger). It resembles Lancao (Indigo plant), and toads like to dwell beneath it, hence the name Hamalan (Toad Blue). Its fragrance resembles orchids, hence also called Chanfulan (Toad Orchid).

Li Shizhen says: Tianmingjing is an error for Tianmanjing. Its odor resembles that of a pig, hence the names Shishou (Pig Head) and Zhilu (Wild Boar Skull). Ancients called it Huolucacao. Laypeople, due to its musky smell, erroneously referred to it as Fox Musk Grass, which is correct. The *Erya* states: " , Shishou." Guo Pu's commentary notes: In the Jiangdong region, it is called Shou, and can be stir-fried with silkworm pupae for food. Zang Qi says: Guo Pu’s commentary on Ju Mai in the *Erya*, stating it is Maijujiang, is incorrect. Tao Hongjing, in his commentary on Diaozhang, states: There is a grass resembling wild wolf's tooth, with a pungent and foul odor, named Disong, and people call it Liu Cao, which treats traumatic injuries. According to the *Yiyuan*: During the Yuanjia era of the Song Dynasty, Liu She of Qingzhou shot a muntjac deer. He剖开了 its five viscera and stuffed them with this grass; the deer suddenly rose. Liu She was surprised, pulled out the grass, and the deer fell again, repeating this three times. Liu She then secretly cultivated this grass, confirming it is definitely not two different plants.

[Correction of Errors] Tao Hongjing says: Tianmingjing is the current [plant], also known as [Plant Name]. In summer, crushing and taking the juice removes febrile diseases. The taste is extremely bitter, yet described as sweet; this may be incorrect.

Su Gong says: [Plant Name] is bitter and foul-smelling, while Tianmingjing is acrid and fragrant; they are completely dissimilar.

Yu Xi says: Su Gong stated that Tianmingjing is called Disong by southerners. Chen Cangqi's *Bencao Jiefen* also states that Tianmingjing is Disong. The *Kaibao Bencao* should not duplicate the Disong entry; following standard practice, it should be deleted.

Li Shizhen says: According to Shen Kuo's *Bitan* (Brush Talks): People do not recognize Tianmingjing and mistakenly identify Disong as Huohua [Plant]. The Materia Medica lists Heshi as a separate item, causing confusion. One must know that Disong is Tianmingjing; its leaves resemble Songcai and Manjing, hence the two names. Heshi is its fruit. Furthermore, the unnamed *Song* in the *Mingyi Bielu* is precisely this Disong, which was erroneously listed separately. I now correct this and merge them into one.

[Collection of Explanations] The *Mingyi Bielu* states: Tianmingjing grows in plains and marshes; harvested in May.

[Jing] (Note: Text fragment likely referring to a related plant or variant), also known as Tianwujing. Leaves resemble Songcai from southern mountains; shoots appear in summer and autumn, resembling Mint closely. Flowers are purple-white; taste is acrid and fragrant.

[Zhi] says: Disong is found everywhere, growing near human dwellings and shady roadside spots, two to three cun tall. Leaves resemble Song leaves but are smaller. Also states: Heshi sourced from Persia is superior. Currently, Shangdang also produces it, but its potency is weaker than Persian sources.

Su Gong says: Heshi grows in Western Regions (Xirong); seeds resemble Artemisia seeds but are finer; stems and leaves are used together.

[Song] says: Tianmingjing is found throughout the Jianghu region, matching the description by Han Baosheng. Also states: Heshi is found in Jiang, Huai, Heng, and Xiang regions. Sprouts in spring; leaves are wrinkled like Perilla, large, pointed, long, and smooth-less. Stems reach about two chi. Yellow-white flowers appear in July, resembling Chrysanthemum. Fruits form in August; seeds are extremely sharp and fine, turning yellow-black when dry. Southerners call its leaves Huohua [Plant]. Note: Huohua [Plant] is [Plant]; although flowers and fruits are similar, they are distinct species and must not be mixed.

Li Shizhen says: Young Tianmingjing shoots are green, resembling wrinkled-leaf Brassica greens, with a slight fox-like musk odor. Washed thoroughly and fried, they are edible. As it matures, stems arise, opening small yellow flowers like wild chrysanthemums. Fruits resemble Tonghao (Garland Chrysanthemum); seeds are similar, very sticky to clothing, with a particularly strong musk odor. When roasted, they become fragrant, which is why various texts describe them as acrid and fragrant. This aligns with the Barea eating Fu [Plant] and southerners eating Sand Ginger (Kaempferia galanga).

The root is white, resembling short Achyranthes bidentata root. This herb is very cheap, yet the *Tang Bencao* states Heshi comes from Xirong, and Song dynasty texts state it comes from Persia. Why? Likely because locals did not use it then; only tribes in the four directions and Persians knew its medicinal use, possibly due to local suitability. Similarly, Alfalfa is said to come from the Western Regions, yet people did not know that the horses in Central Plains were fed with it. See details below under [Plant Name].

Leaves (Root shares similar properties)

[Aroma and Flavor] Sweet, Cold, Non-toxic. The *Mingyi Bielu* states: Raw juice induces vomiting.

[Therapeutic Actions] Treats blood stasis and abdominal masses approaching death; stops bleeding from lower orifices; promotes urination; long-term consumption lightens the body and delays aging (*Shennong Bencao Jing*). Expels parasites, removes bi-syndrome (pain/numbness), clears heat accumulation in the chest, relieves thirst and irritability, drives out water retention, induces severe vomiting and purging (*Mingyi Bielu*). Breaks blood stasis, resolves various toxic swellings, treats carbuncles and hemorrhoids, addresses penetrating traumatic wounds, stops persistent skin itching and urticaria upon rubbing; stops bleeding; antidotes venomous insect and snake bites.

Unnamed *Song*: Treats dizziness and numbness (*Mingyi Bielu*, unnamed/unused).

[Elucidation] Li Shizhen says: Tianmingjing refers to both root and shoot. Disong and [Unnamed Plant] are all [this herb]. Its functions are primarily inducing vomiting of phlegm, stopping bleeding, expelling parasites, and detoxifying. Thus, crushed juice can treat phlegmatic malaria and swine plague. According to Sun Tianren's *Jixiao Fang*: For tonsillitis (Ru'e) in men and women, sore throat and swelling, or pediatric acute/chronic convulsions with locked jaw and unconsciousness: Take Heshi grass (also known as Zhoumiancao, Zhu Mojie, Dunniumi), wash roots, crush, add good wine, squeeze juice, and administer. After a while, consciousness returns. Apply residue to the neck, or mix with vinegar for application, which is also effective. Zhu Duanzhang's *Jiyan Fang* states: When appointed to the Huaixi幕府 (administrative office), I suffered severe toothache. A barber applied a pinch of herbal medicine, soaked briefly in hot water, and dabbed the painful area with his hand dipped in the liquid, immediately relieving pain. Seeking the formula, I found it effective for many; it is Zhoumian Disong grass, colloquially misnamed Dicong. Shen Cunzhong's *Bitan* specifically discusses Disong; its seed is named Heshi, which is exactly this plant. Qian Jicheng's prescription: Place one Heshi seed in the cavity of the tooth. Supervisor Gao's prescription: Rinse mouth with Heshi decocted in rice vinegar, or rinse with Fengfang (Saposhnikovia) and Heshi decoction, still grinding herb to pack the painful site; all are effective.

[Attached Prescriptions] Two old, nine new.

Hematemesis (vomiting blood) in men and women: Zhoumiancao (i.e., Disong), dried and powdered. Take 1-2 qian each time, mixed with water infused with Imperata cylindrica flowers. Twice daily. (*Weisheng Yijian*)

Crush roots and leaves for juice; apply with goose feather to remove phlegm effectively. *Shengji Zonglu*: Use Dunniumi and Guchui Cao, crush together for juice administration. If unable to swallow, instill into nose to induce vomiting, which is ideal. Another prescription: Dunniumi (stems in spring/summer, roots in autumn/winter) one handful, Qingfan (Green Alum) half liang, grind together, apply to lesion to induce expectoration of pus, blood, and phlegm; cure follows.

Two pills, and it cures. Powdered dry form can be made into honey pills. Named Jiusheng Wan. (*Jingxiao Jishi Fang*)

Bone stuck in throat: Disong and Matiancao (Verbena officinalis) each one handful (remove roots), one white plum flesh, Bai Fan (Alum) one qian. Crush into pill shape, wrap in silk, hold in mouth and swallow slowly; the bone will soften and pass. (*Puji Fang*)

Carbuncle and toxic swelling: Heshi grass leaves, mixed with floating wine lees, crush and apply; immediate effect. (Sun's *Jixiao Fang*)

Early stage of Back Carbuncle (Fabei): Disong crushed juice, one sheng, taken twice daily; stop when healed. (*Shanghan Leiyao*)

Malignant sores and swelling: Disong crushed juice, taken 3-4 times daily. (*Waitai Miyao*)

Venomous snake bite: Disong crushed and applied externally. (*Yijian Fang*)