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[Classified as Upper Grade in *Shennong Bencao Jing*]
[Names] Zhenmu (from *Shanhaijing*), Dongqing (from *Bencao Gangmu*)
Li Shizhen states: This tree remains green and lush throughout winter, possessing the steadfast character of loyalty and integrity; hence it is likened to a "chaste woman." The *Qincao* records that a maiden in Lu composed a song upon seeing the Nüzhen tree, referring to this species. In the preface to Su Yan's *Ode to Nüzhen* from the Jin Dynasty, it is stated: "The Nüzhen tree, also known as Dongqing, remains verdant under frost and stands tall against the wind. Thus, noble scholars admire its quality, and chaste women yearn for its name." This is correct. There is another plant named Dongqing that shares this name. However, the Dongqing used in current medical prescriptions refers to this Nüzhen. Recently, because it is used to cultivate scale insects for wax production, it is commonly called the Wax Tree.

[Collected Explanations] The *Bielu* states: Nüzhen fruits grow in the valleys of Wuling. They are harvested at Lidong (Start of Winter).
Tao Hongjing states: It is found in various places. The leaves are lush and do not wither in winter; the bark is green, and the wood is white, forming an exterior-interior relationship with Qinpi. This tree is cherished for its winter growth, and immortal alchemical formulas also utilize it for ingestion. However, secular physicians no longer use it, and few recognize it.
Su Gong states: Nüzhen leaves resemble those of the Dongqing tree and Gougu. Its fruits ripen in September, black like ox plums. Tao’s claim that it forms an exterior-interior relationship with Qinpi is erroneous. Qinpi has fine leaves that wither in winter, whereas Nüzhen has broad leaves that remain lush in winter; they are clearly not of the same category.
Su Song states: Nüzhen is ubiquitous. The *Shanhaijing* mentions "Mount Tai has many Zhen trees," referring to this. Its leaves resemble those of Gougu and Dongqing, remaining evergreen through winter. It blooms with small flowers in May, which are bluish-white. Fruits form in September, resembling ox plums. Some claim it is the modern Dongqing tree. However, the wood grain of Dongqing is white and textured like elephant teeth, and its fruit is also medicinal. In Lingnan, there is a variety of Nüzhen with extremely abundant deep-red flowers, which differs significantly and is not heard of being used medicinally.
Li Shizhen states: Nüzhen, Dongqing, and Gougu are three distinct trees. Nüzhen is what is currently commonly called the Wax Tree; Dongqing is what is commonly called the Frozen Green Tree; Gougu is what is commonly called the Cat-thorn Tree. People in the East, due to the lushness of Nüzhen, also call it Dongqing. Although sharing the name, they are different objects, essentially one genus with two species. Both species propagate easily from seeds. Their leaves are dense, soft, and long, green in color, darker on the upper surface and lighter on the underside. Nüzhen leaves are four to five cun long, with black fruits; Frozen Green leaves are slightly rounder, with red fruits, which is the distinction. Both have abundant flowers and fruits hanging heavily on branches. In winter, orioles (*Yù*) enjoy eating them, and the tree flesh is white and smooth. Modern people do not know Nüzhen, calling it only the Wax Tree. Around Lixia (Start of Summer), scale insect eggs are taken and wrapped onto branches. Half a month later, the insects emerge, spreading along the branches to produce white wax, bringing great profit to the common people. See the section on White Wax under Insects for details. Gougu is detailed in its own entry.

[Properties and Flavor] Bitter, neutral, non-toxic. Li Shizhen adds: Warm.

[Therapeutic Actions] Tonifies the Middle Jiao, calms the Five Viscera, nourishes the Spirit, and eliminates hundred diseases. Long-term consumption leads to robust health, lightness of body, and anti-aging effects (*Shennong Bencao Jing*). Strengthens Yin, strengthens the waist and knees.

[Invention/Analysis] Li Shizhen states: Nüzhen fruit is a superior-grade, non-toxic, miraculous medicine, yet ancient formulas rarely utilized it. Why? The *Dianshu* states: "Nüzhen wood is the essence of Shaoyin [Kidney], hence it does not shed leaves in winter." From this, its kidney-tonifying efficacy can be inferred. A popular formula for Nüzhen Pill circulating in the world states: Take Nüzhen fruits (i.e., Dongqing seeds), remove stems and leaves, soak in wine for one day and night, rub off the peel using a cloth bag, dry, and powder. When Hanzhan Grass (Eclipta Prostrata) is abundant, crush several shi of it to extract juice, boil down to a thick paste, mix with the powder, and form pills the size of paulownia seeds. Take 100 pills nightly with wine. Within ten days, physical strength doubles, and the elderly no longer need to rise at night. It can also turn white hair black, strengthen the waist and knees, and stimulate Yang Qi.

[Attached Formulas] Two new formulas.
Deficiency and Hundred Diseases: Long-term use turns gray hair black again, reversing aging. Use 1 jin 4 liang of Nüzhen fruits (harvested on the Shangsi day in the tenth lunar month, dried in shade, soaked in wine for one day before use, steamed thoroughly, then dried), 10 liang of Hanzhan Grass (harvested in May, dried in shade, powdered), and 10 liang of Mulberry fruits (harvested in March, dried in shade). Grind all into powder, refine honey, and form pills the size of paulownia seeds. Take 70–80 pills per dose, washed down with light salt water. If prepared in April, crush fresh Hanzhan Grass to extract juice and mix with the medicine, omitting honey. (From *Jianbian Fang*).
Wind-Heat Red Eyes: Take an unspecified amount of Dongqing seeds, crush to extract juice, boil into a paste, store in a clean sealed bottle, and bury in the ground for seven days. Apply a small amount to the eyes each time. (From *Jiji Xianfang*).

[Leaves]
[Properties and Flavor] Slightly bitter, neutral, non-toxic.

[Therapeutic Actions] Disperses Wind, invigorates Blood, reduces swelling, alleviates pain, and treats dizziness and headache caused by Wind-Heat. For various malignant sores and swellings, especially chronic ulcers, boil in water and apply hot compresses, changing frequently; boiling with rice vinegar is also effective. For mouth and tongue sores with swollen tongues protruding, crush to extract juice, hold in the mouth, and spit out saliva (Li Shizhen).

[Attached Formulas] Three new formulas.
Wind-Heat Red Eyes: *Puji Fang*: Use five dou of Dongqing leaves, crush to extract juice, soak several new bricks for five days. Dig a pit, place the bricks inside, and cover them. Over time, frost will form on the bricks; scrape it off and boil...
All Eye Diseases: Crush Dongqing leaves into a paste, add Glauber Salt (Puxiao), and apply externally. From *Haishang Fang*. (From *Puji...