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(From *Bencao Shiyi* / Supplement to Materia Medica)

**Names**: Jianghui (*Bencao Gangmu* / Compendium of Materia Medica), Cu (pronounced "Zusui").

**Collected Explanations**: Hongjing stated: The sprouts of Duruo resemble Lianjiang.
Cangqi stated: Lianjiang resembles Ginger, grows in Lingnan and Jiannan regions, and is widely consumed by people.
Shizhen stated: According to the *Yiwuzhi*, it grows among sand and stones, resembles ginger, is as large as a snail shell, has a pungent odor close to foulness. Southerners use it as a pickle. The method involves peeling the skin, marinating it with black plums and salt juice, thus completing the preparation. Additionally, Zheng Qiao stated: Lianjiang resembles Shanjiang but has larger roots.

**Flavor and Properties**: Pungent, Hot, Non-toxic.

**Indications**: Cold in the stomach, vomiting clear fluids, inability to eat (Cangqi). Warms the middle jiao, directs rebellious qi downward, aids digestion, and benefits intelligence (Shizhen).

(From *Shennong Bencao Jing*, Upper Grade)

**Corrections**: Merged into the "Extra-class Shanjiang" entry of *Bencao Tujing*.

**Names**: Duheng (*Shennong Bencao Jing*), Dulian (*Beilu* / Additional Records), Zijiang (pronounced "Zhua", *Yaoxing Lun*).

Song stated: This herb is also named Duheng. However, there is already an entry for Duheng in the Middle Grade of the Grass category, which refers to what *Erya* calls Tulü. Duruo refers to what *Guangya* calls Chu Heng. Their categories are distinct, yet ancient authors often confused and cited them interchangeably. Thus, the *Nine Songs* says: "Gathering fragrant plants on the isle, Duruo." The *Li Sao* says: "Mixing Duheng with fragrant angelica." Wang Yi and others did not distinguish between them, merely calling them fragrant herbs, hence the two names were mixed. Ancient prescriptions sometimes used them, but modern practitioners rarely do, so few recognize them.

**Collected Explanations**: *Beilu* stated: Duruo grows in the marshes of Wuling and Yuanju; roots are harvested in February and August and sun-dried.
Hongjing stated: It is now found everywhere. The leaves resemble ginger but have visible veins; the root resembles Galangal but is thinner, with a pungent and aromatic flavor. It closely resembles the root of Inula (Xuanfu), almost causing confusion, differing only slightly in leaf size. The *Chu Ci* says: "The person in the mountains, fragrant as Duruo," referring to this.
Gong stated: It is abundant in the Jianghu region, growing in shady places. The sprouts resemble Lianjiang, the root resembles Galangal, but it lacks pungency entirely. What Hongjing described as resembling Xuanfu root is indeed true Duruo.
Baosheng stated: The sprouts resemble Shanjiang, flowers are yellow-red, fruits are red and as large as jujube pits, resembling cardamom inside. Those from Lingnan and Xiazhou are excellent. *Fanzi Jiran* stated: Duheng and Duruo originate from Nanjun and Hanzhong; the larger ones...
Song stated: There is a type of Shanjiang in Weizhou; stems and leaves resemble ginger, bloom purple flowers, do not produce seeds, and roots are harvested in August for medicinal use.
Shizhen stated: Few people recognize Duruo today; it occasionally grows in the mountains of the Chu region. Locals also call it Liangjiang; the root resembles ginger and tastes pungent. The Zijiang mentioned by Zhenquan in his commentary on Cardamom, and the Shanjiang mentioned in the extra-class of Su Song's *Tujing*, are all this plant. Some refer to the larger ones as Galangal and the thinner ones as Duruo. During the Tang Dynasty, it was offered as tribute from Xiazhou.

**Processing**: Yue stated: Do not use the root of Yadie when processing; it looks very similar but differs in flavor and efficacy. When harvesting roots, scrape off the yellow-red skin with a knife, finely chop, and dry in the shade using a triple-layered silk bag. Before use, soak in honey overnight, then strain and use.

Root

**Flavor and Properties**: Pungent, Slightly Warm, Non-toxic.

Zhicai stated: Works well with Xin Yi and Xi Xin; adverse interaction with Chai Hu and Qian Hu.
Su Song stated: Shanjiang: Pungent, Neutral, slightly toxic.

**Indications**: Rebellious qi under the chest and hypochondrium, warming the middle, wind entering the Naohu point, headache and swelling, excessive tearing and runny nose. Long-term consumption benefits essence and eyesight, lightens the body, and prevents forgetfulness (*Shennong Bencao Jing*). Treats dizziness and falling, eye diseases, relieves pain, and eliminates bad breath (*Beilu*). Shanjiang: Dispels wind-heat from the skin/subcutaneous tissue, can be made into fried soup. Also treats sudden cold, cold rebellion in the stomach, and abdominal pain due to Huoluan.

**Enlightenment**: Shizhen stated: Duruo is an upper-grade herb listed by Shennong, a key medicine for treating syndromes of the Foot-Shaoyin and Foot-Taiyang meridians, yet the world does not know how to use it. What a pity.