Library

(Recorded in the Upper Grade of *Bie Lu*)

**Names:** Jinyin Teng (Honeysuckle Vine, from *Bencao Gangmu*), Yuanyang Teng (Mandarin Duck Vine, from *Bencao Gangmu*), Lusi Teng (Egret Vine, from *Bencao Gangmu*), Laoweng Xu (Old Man's Beard, from *Bencao Gangmu*), Zuo Chan Teng (Left-Winding Vine, from *Bencao Gangmu*), Jinchai Gu (Golden Hairpin Thigh, from *Bencao Gangmu*), Tongling Cao (Spiritual Grass, from *Tusux Zhenjun Bencao*), Mitong Teng (Honey Bucket Vine).

Tao Hongjing stated: It grows everywhere. It is a vine that does not wither in winter, hence the name Rendong (Enduring Winter).

Li Shizhen stated: Its flowers have long petals and hanging stamens, with yellow and white colors intermixed, and the vine winds to the left; thus it has names such as Jinyin (Gold and Silver) and Yuanyang (Mandarin Duck). The name Jinchai Gu honors its efficacy. *Tusux Zhenjun Bencao* states: Mitong Teng is a Yin-type herb. Its juice can suppress sulfur and control mercury, hence the title "Tongling" (Spiritual/Communicating with Spirits).

**Collection and Explanation:** *Bie Lu* states: Rendong is harvested in the twelfth month and dried in the shade.

Su Gong stated: It is a vine that wraps over plants. The stems and seedlings are purple-red; old vines surviving winter have a thin membrane on the surface, while young vines have hairs. The leaves resemble those of Vicia faba (Broad Bean) and have hairs on both sides. The flowers are white with purple stamens. Some people currently substitute this with *Trachelospermum jasminoides* (Luoshi Teng), which is incorrect.

Li Shizhen stated: Rendong grows in all places. It climbs trees and spreads via vines; the stems are slightly purple, with opposite leaves at the nodes. The leaves resemble those of *Ficus pumila* (Creeping Fig) but are green and have prickly hairs. It flowers in the third and fourth months; the flowers are about one cun long, with one peduncle bearing two flowers and two petals, one large and one small, resembling half a shape. The stamens are long. Newly opened flowers have white stamens and petals; after two or three days, they turn yellow. The coexistence of new and old flowers creates a yellow-and-white contrast, hence the name Jinyinhua (Gold and Silver Flower); its fragrance is very strong. Flowers are harvested in the fourth month and dried in the shade; vines and leaves can be harvested anytime and dried in the shade.

**Flavor and Properties:** Sweet, warm, non-toxic.
Li Quan stated: Pungent.
Zang Qi stated: Slightly cold. To say it is warm is incorrect.

**Indications:** Treats alternating chills and fever, and edema. Long-term consumption lightens the body and prolongs life (*Bie Lu*). Treats abdominal distension and stops downward flow of Qi (Zhen Quan). Treats dysentery due to heat-toxin (bloody or watery); decoct strongly and drink (Zang Qi). Treats Feishi (Flying Corpse), Dunshi (Lurking Corpse), Fengshi (Wind Corpse), Chenshi (Sinking Corpse), Shizhu (Corpse Impregnation), Guiji (Ghost Strike), all wind-dampness conditions, and various swellings/toxins, carbuncles, sores, scabies, tinea, yaws, and other malignant sores; dissipates heat and detoxifies (Li Shizhen).

**Elucidation:** Tao Hongjing stated: Decocting Rendong to make wine for drinking tonifies deficiency and treats wind. Since it prolongs life, it should be gathered and consumed regularly, yet it is rarely used in *Xian Jing* (Immortal Classics). People generally refuse to use easily obtained herbs, preferring rare ones; this reflects the common tendency to value distant things and despise nearby ones.

Li Shizhen stated: The stems, leaves, and flowers of Rendong have identical functions. Ancients regarded it as a key herb for treating wind, removing distension, resolving dysentery, and expelling corpses, but later generations forgot these uses. Later generations regard it as a key herb for reducing swelling, dispersing toxicity, and treating sores, whereas ancients did not mention this. Thus, we know that principles change across time and cannot be judged by a single standard. According to Chen Ziming's *Waike Jingyao*: Rendong Wine treats carbuncles and back abscesses; taking it at the onset yields miraculous effects, surpassing Hongneixiao. Hong Mai and Shen Kuo recorded many prescriptions in detail. Surgeons such as the monk from Danyang, Jianqing from Jiangxi, Wang Qi from Jinling, Wang Zijun, and Liu Chunchen from Haizhou all recorded effective formulas using this herb for back abscesses. Therefore, Chancellor Zhang said: Who would expect extraordinary efficacy from something so humble? This is exactly such a case.

**Attached Prescriptions:** One old prescription, seventeen new prescriptions.

**Rendong Wine:** Treats carbuncles and back abscesses regardless of location (eyebrows, cheeks, head, neck, back, waist, ribs, breasts, hands, feet), yielding miraculous effects. In rural, remote, or poor areas where herbs are scarce, take it with sincerity. Wait for the abscess to rupture, then apply Shenyi Gao (Miraculous Ointment) for excellent results: Take one handful of fresh Rendong Teng (vine), grind the vine and leaves together in a mortar, add a little raw Bingzi Jiu (cake wine), adjust consistency, and apply around the periphery, leaving a central opening for drainage. Use five liang of the vine (beaten with a wooden mallet, avoid iron), and one liang of raw Dagancao Jie (Licorice root joints). Place in a clay pot with two bowls of water. Simmer gently until reduced to one bowl. Add one large bowl of pure wine, boil for ten more times, strain, and divide into three doses. Consume within one day and night. For severe cases, take two doses per day. When bowel movements become smooth, the medicinal power has reached the target. Shen Neihan noted: If fresh material is unavailable, dried may be used, but efficacy is slower than fresh. (Chen Ziming, *Waike Jingyao*)

**Rendong Yuan (Pill):** Prevents carbuncles after recovery from Xiao Ke (Wasting and Thirsting Syndrome). Take roots, stems, flowers, and leaves of Rendong in any quantity. Soak in pure wine in a bottle, simmer over bran-fire overnight, remove, dry, add a little Licorice, grind to fine powder. Make pills with wheat paste using the soaking wine, size of Wuzi (Cocculus indicus seeds). Take 50-100 pills with water or wine. This herb not only treats carbuncles but strongly quenches thirst. (*Waike Jingyao*)

**Five Hemorrhoids and Various [Fistulas]:** Same formula as above.

**All Swellings and Toxins:** Regardless of whether ulcerated or not, or if initial fever occurs: Take half a bowl of natural juice from Jinyinhua (Sweet Vine, including flower, stem, leaf). Decoct to 80%, drink, and apply the dregs topically. Resolves toxins, supports interior, diffuses Qi, and harmonizes Blood; its effect is unique and superior. (Wan Biao, *Jishan Tang Fang*)

**Ding Chuang (Carbuncle-like sores) and Bi Du (Inguinal Abscess):** Same formula as above.

**Hou Bi (Sore Throat) and Ru E (Tonsillitis):** Same formula as above.

**Apply to Swelling to Draw Out Toxin:** Da Jinyin Teng (large pieces, calcined to retain nature), Ye (dried and powdered) each 3 qian; Dahuang (dried and powdered) 4 qian. For initial swelling/toxin, mix with water and wine, apply around the periphery, ensuring an opening for gas release. (Yang Cheng, *Jingyan Fang*)

**Support Interior for Carbuncles:** Treats carbuncles, back abscesses, intestinal abscesses, mammary abscesses, unknown swellings, accompanied by pain, chills, and fever resembling Shanghan (Cold Damage). Suitable for all ages and constitutions. Unformed abscesses resolve internally; formed abscesses suppurate. Ren Dong Ye (Honeysuckle Leaf) and Huangqi (Astragalus Root) each 5 liang, Danggui (Angelica Sinensis Root) 1 liang, Gancao (Licorice Root) 8 qian. Grind to powder. Take 2 qian with 1.5 cups of wine, decoct to 1 cup. Take according to the location of the disease, twice daily. Apply dregs externally. (*Tai Ping Hui Min He Ji Ju Fang*)

**Malignant Sores Not Healing:** Take one handful of Zuo Chan Teng (crushed), add 5 fen Xionghuang (Realgar). Add 2 sheng of water, decoct in a pottery jar. Seal with seven layers of paper, pierce one hole... [Text incomplete].

**Mercurial Poison Sores:** Same formula as above.

**Chronic Sores Becoming Fistulas:** Infuse Rendong Cao in wine and drink daily. (Dai Yuanli, *Yaojue*)

**Heat-Toxin Bloody Dysentery:** Decoct Rendong Teng strongly and drink. (*Shenghui Fang*)

**Five Types of Shizhu (Corpse Impregnation):**
Feishi (Flying Corpse): Moves in skin, penetrates organs, causes stabbing pain, changes frequently.
Dunshi (Lurking Corpse): Attaches to bone/flesh, attacks blood vessels, triggered by seeing dead bodies or hearing crying.
Fengshi (Wind Corpse): Moves in limbs, pain location unknown, triggered by wind/cold.
Chenshi (Sinking Corpse): Knots in organs, pulls heart/flanks, causes cramping pain, triggered by cold.
Shizhu (Corpse Impregnation): Heavy body, mental confusion, frequent fainting, worsens at solar terms.
These are internal "corpse ghosts" attracting external pathogens. Use several hu of Rendong (chopped stems/leaves), decoct to thick juice. Take a piece the size of a chicken egg, dissolve in warm wine. Take 2-3 times daily. (*Zhou Hou Bei Ji Fang*)

**Guiji (Ghost Strike) causing Blue Skin and Pain:** Take 1 liang of Jinyinhua. Decoct in water and drink. (Li Lou, *Guai Bing Qi Fang*)

**Hongzhangjiao (Gout/Lower Limb Pain) with Tendon/Bone Pain:** Powder Lusi Teng (Jinyinhua). Take 2 qian with hot wine. (*Weisheng Yijian Fang*)

**Poison from Wild Mushrooms:** Immediately gather Yuanyang Teng (Rendong Cao) and eat. (Hong Mai, *Yijian Zhi*)

**Mouth and Tongue Ulcers:** Equal parts Chigeng Mitong Teng, Gaojiao Ditongpan, Machixiang. Crush with wine, apply with chicken feather brush to induce salivation/drainage, then heals. (*Puji Fang*)

**Rendong Gao (Ointment):** Treats various swellings, knife wounds, and malignant sores. Take 4 liang Jinyin Teng, 3 qian Xitieshi (Magnetite). Boil in 1 jin of Sesame Oil until charred, strain... [Text incomplete].