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(From *Bencao Gangmu*)

[Names] Yunxiang (pronounced like "Yun"), Qilixiang. It is named so because of its rich fragrance.

Note: Zhou Bida stated: "Zhe" is pronounced like "Zhen", appearing in *Nanshi*. In the Jing region, folk custom mispronounces "Zhe" as "Zheng", calling it "Zhengfan". In Jiangnan, "Zheng" is further mispronounced as "Ding". Huang Tingjian said: Ding flowers are very abundant in the wilds of Jiangnan. Locals collect the leaves, burn them to ash, and use this ash to dye purple into black without needing Mingfan (alum). I therefore changed its name to Shanfan.

[Collection & Explanation] Li Shizhen said: Shanfan grows in the wilds of the Yangtze, Huaihe, Lake regions, and Shu. The larger trees can reach a height of one zhang. The leaves grow alternately, not opposite at nodes; they are glossy, tough, slightly serrated, and do not wither in winter. In March, it blooms with profuse white flowers, resembling six-petaled snowflakes, with yellow stamens that are highly fragrant. The fruits are the size of peppercorns, greenish-black when unripe, turning yellow when ripe, and are edible. The leaves have an astringent taste; people use them to dye yellow, as a coagulant for tofu, or mix them into tea. Note: Shen Kuo in *Bitan* stated: Ancients used Yunxiang to protect books from insects, calling it Yunc grass, which is the current Qilixiang. Its leaves resemble pea leaves, growing in small clusters, and smell extremely fragrant when sniffed. In autumn, the leaves have a slight white powder-like coating, which is effective against insects. Another note: *Cangjie Jiegu* states: Yunxiang resembles Xiehao, is edible, and prevents paperworms. Xu Shen's *Shuowen Jiezi* states: Yun resembles Medicago (Muxu). Cheng Gong Sui's *Yunxiang Fu* states: Stems resemble autumn bamboo, branches resemble green pines. Guo Yigong's *Guangzhi* records Yunxiang glue. *Duyang Bian* states: Yunxiang is a herb from Tian Country. Its fragrance is white and jade-like, remaining incorruptible even when buried in soil. Yuan Zai built the Yunhui Hall and used its powder to coat the walls. Based on these accounts, Yunxiang is not a single species. Shen Kuo's identification of it as Qilixiang lacks clear basis? The description of leaves resembling peas, smelling fragrant, and having a powdery coating in autumn does not match the current Qilixiang; its shape resembles Wu Yao leaves more closely. It is likely Shen Shi speculated subjectively. Zeng Duanbo identified Qilixiang as Yuruihua, but whether this is accurate remains unknown?

[Properties & Flavor] Sour, astringent, slightly sweet, non-toxic.

[Indications] Chronic dysentery, thirst relief, killing fleas and bookworms. Use thirty leaves together with three slices of old ginger, soak in water, steam until hot, and wash the affected eyes suffering from rotten margin wind-eye (Li Shizhen).