（《别录》中品）
【释名】鼠粘（《别录》）、牛蒡（《别录》）、大力子（《纲目》）、蒡翁菜（《纲目》）、便牵
牛（《纲目》）、蝙蝠刺。
时珍曰∶其实状恶而多刺钩，故名
也。俚人谓之便牵牛。河南人呼为夜叉头。
颂曰∶实壳多刺，鼠过之则缀惹不可脱，故谓之鼠粘子，亦如羊负来之比。
【集解】《别录》曰∶恶实生鲁山平泽。恭曰∶鲁山在邓州东北。此草叶大
如芋，子壳似栗状，实细长如茺蔚子。
颂曰∶恶实即牛蒡子也，处处有之。叶大如芋叶而长。实似葡萄核而褐色，外壳似栗 ，
而小如指
时珍曰∶牛蒡古人种子，以肥壤栽之。剪苗 淘为蔬，取根煮曝为脯，云甚益人，今人
亦罕食之。三月生苗，起茎高者三、四尺。四月开花成丛，淡紫色。结实如枫 而小，萼
细刺百十攒簇之，一 有子数十颗。其根大者如臂，长者近尺，其色灰黪。七月采子，十月
采根。
子
【修治】 曰∶凡用拣净，以酒拌蒸，待有白霜重出，以布拭去，焙干，捣粉用。
【气味】辛，平，无毒。藏器曰∶苦。
元素曰∶辛，温，阳中之阴，升也。
杲曰∶辛，平，阳也，降也。
【主治】明目补中，除风伤（《别录》）。风毒肿，诸 （藏器）。研末浸酒，每日服三、
二盏，除诸风，去
吞
一枚，出痈疽头（苏恭）。炒研煎饮，通利小便（孟诜）。润肺散气，利咽膈，去皮肤风，通
十
二经（元素）。消斑疹毒（时珍）。
【发明】杲曰∶鼠粘子其用有四∶治风湿瘾疹，咽喉风热，散诸肿疮疡之毒，利凝滞腰
膝之气，是也。
【附方】旧四，新十二。
风水身肿欲裂∶鼠粘子二两，炒研为末。每温水服二钱，日三服。（
风热浮肿，咽喉闭塞∶牛蒡子一合（半生半熟），为末。热酒服一寸匕
痰厥头痛∶牛蒡子（炒）、旋复花等分，为末。腊茶清服一钱，日二服
头痛连睛∶鼠粘子、石膏等分，为末，茶清调服。（《医方摘要》）
咽膈不利，疏风壅，涎唾多∶牛蒡子（微炒）、荆芥穗各一两，炙甘草半两，为末。食
后汤服二钱，当缓缓取效。（寇氏《本草衍义》）
悬痈喉痛，风热上抟也。恶实（炒）、甘草（生）等分，水煎含咽，名启关
方》）
喉痹肿痛∶牛蒡子六分，马蔺子八分，为散。每空心温水服方寸匕，日再服。仍以牛蒡
子三两，盐二两，研匀，炒热包熨喉外。（《广济方》）
咽喉痘疹∶牛蒡子二钱，桔梗一钱半，粉甘草节七分，水煎服。（《痘
风热瘾疹∶牛蒡子（炒）、浮萍等分，以薄荷汤服二钱，日二服。（初虞世《古今录验》）
风龋牙痛∶鼠粘子（炒），煎水含，冷吐之。（《延年方》）
小儿痘疮，时出不快，壮热狂躁，咽膈壅塞，大便秘涩，小儿咽喉肿，胸膈不利∶若大
便利者，勿服。牛蒡子（炒）一钱二分，荆芥穗二分，甘草节四分。水一盏，同煎至七分，
温服。已出亦可服。名必胜散。（《和剂局方》）
妇人吹乳∶鼠粘二钱，麝香少许，温酒细吞下。（《袖珍方》）
便痈肿痛∶鼠粘子二钱，炒研末，入蜜一匙，朴硝一匙，空心温酒服。（《袖珍方》）
蛇蝎蛊毒∶大力子，煮汁服。（《卫生易简方》）
水蛊腹大∶恶实（微炒）一两，为末，面糊丸梧子大，每米饮下十丸。（张文仲方）
历节肿痛，风热攻手指，赤肿麻木，甚则攻肩背两膝，遇暑热则大
便秘∶牛蒡子三两，新豆豉（炒）、羌活各一两，为末。每服二钱，白汤下。（《本事方》）
根、茎
【气味】苦，寒，无毒。权曰∶甘、平。
藏器曰∶根须蒸熟曝干用。不尔，令人欲吐。
【主治】伤寒寒热汗出，中风面肿，消渴热中，逐水。久服轻身耐老（《别录》）。根∶
主牙齿痛，劳疟诸风，脚缓弱风毒，痈疽，咳嗽伤肺，肺壅疝瘕，冷气积血（苏恭）。根∶
浸
酒服，去风及恶疮。和叶捣碎，敷杖疮金疮，永不畏风（藏器）。主面目烦闷，四肢不健，
通
十二经脉，洗五脏恶气。可常作菜食，令人身轻（甄权）。切根如豆，拌面作饭食，消胀壅。
茎叶煮汁作浴汤，去皮间习习如虫行。又入盐花生捣，拓一切肿毒（孟诜）。
【发明】颂曰∶根作脯食甚良。茎叶宜煮汁酿酒服。冬月采根，蒸曝入药。刘禹锡《传
信方》∶疗暴中风，用紧细牛蒡根，取时避风，以竹刀或荆刀刮去土，生布拭了，捣绞取汁
一大升，和好蜜四大合，温分两服，得汗出便瘥。此方得之岳鄂郑中丞。郑因食热肉一顿，
便中暴风。外甥卢氏为 阳令，有此方。服，当时便瘥。
【附方】旧五，新一十六。
时气余热不退，烦躁发渴，四肢无力，不能饮食∶用牛蒡根捣汁，服一小盏，效。（《圣
惠方》）
天行时疾∶生牛蒡根，捣汁五合，空腹分为二服。服讫，取桑叶一把，炙黄，以水一升，
煮取五合，顿服取汗，无叶用枝。（孙真人《食忌》）
热攻心烦恍惚∶以牛蒡根（捣汁）一升，食后分为二服。（《食医心镜》）
伤寒搐搦，汗后覆盖不密，致腰背手足搐搦者，牛蒡根散主之∶牛蒡根十条，麻黄、牛
膝、天南星各六钱锉，于盆内研细，好酒一升同研，以新布绞取汁。以炭火半秤烧一地坑令
赤，扫净，倾药汁入坑内，再烧令黑色，取出于乳钵内细研。每服一钱，温酒下，日三服。
（朱肱《活人书》）
一切风疾十年、二十年者∶牛蒡根一升，生地黄、枸杞子、牛膝各三升，用袋盛药，浸
无灰酒三升内，每任意饮之。（《外台秘要》方）
老人中风，口目 动，烦闷不安。牛蒡根（切）一升（去皮晒干，杵为面），白米四合
（淘净）。和作 ，豉汁中煮，加葱、椒五味，空心食之。恒服极效。（《寿亲养老书》）
老人风湿久痹，筋挛骨痛。服此壮肾，润皮毛，益气力∶牛蒡根一升（切），生地黄一
升（切），大豆二升（炒），以绢袋盛，浸一斗酒中，五六日，任性空心温服二、三盏，日二
服。（《集验方》）
头面忽肿，热毒风气内攻，或连手足赤肿，触着痛者∶牛蒡子根（一名蝙蝠刺），洗净
研烂，酒煎成膏，绢摊贴肿处。仍以热酒服一、二匙，肿消痛减。（《斗
不
可禁者，摩膏主之∶取牛蒡茎叶，捣取浓汁二升，无灰酒一升，盐花一匙头， 火煎稠成膏，
以摩痛处，风毒自散。摩时须极力令热，乃效。冬月用根。（《箧中方》）
头风白屑∶牛蒡叶捣汁，熬稠涂之。至明，皂荚水洗去。（《圣惠方》）
喉中热肿∶鼠粘根一升，水五升，煎一升，分三服。（《延年方》）
小儿咽肿∶牛蒡根捣汁，细咽之。（《普济方》）
热毒牙痛，热毒风攻头面，齿龈肿痛不可忍∶牛蒡根一斤（捣汁），入盐花一钱。银器
中熬成膏。每用涂齿龈上，重者不过三度，瘥。（《圣惠方》）
项下瘿疾∶鼠粘子根一升。水三升，煮取一升半，分三服。或为末，蜜丸常服之。（《救
急方》）
小便不通，脐腹急痛∶牛蒡叶汁、生地黄汁二合，和匀，入蜜二合。每服一合，入水半
盏，煎三五沸，调滑石末一钱服。（《圣济总录》）
疖子肿毒∶鼠粘子叶贴之。（《千金方》）
石 出脓，坚实寒热∶鼠粘子叶为末，和鸡子白封之。（《外台秘要》）
诸疮肿毒∶牛蒡根三茎（洗）。煮烂捣汁，入米煮粥，食一碗，甚良。（《普济方》）
积年恶疮，反花疮、漏疮不瘥者。牛蒡根捣，和腊月猪脂，日日封之。（《千金方》）
月水不通，结成症块，腹肋胀大，欲死∶牛蒡根二斤（锉）。蒸三遍，以生绢袋盛之，
以酒二斗浸五日，每食前温服一盏。（《普济方》）
(Recorded in the Middle Category of *Bie Lu*)
[Names] Shunian (from *Bie Lu*), Niubang (from *Bie Lu*), Dali Zi (from *Ben Cao Gang Mu*), Bangweng Cai (from *Ben Cao Gang Mu*), Bianqianniu (from *Ben Cao Gang Mu*), Bianshi.
Li Shizhen stated: Its fruit is ugly and covered with many hooked thorns, hence the name "Eshi" (Evil Fruit). Common people call it "Bianqianniu". People in Henan call it "Yechatou" (Night Yak Head).
Su Song stated: The fruit shell has many thorns; when a mouse passes over it, it gets stuck and cannot escape, thus it is called "Shunianzi" (Mouse-sticky Seed), similar to "Yangfulai" (Cocklebur).
[Collection and Explanation] *Bie Lu* states: Eshi grows in the plains and marshes of Lushan. Gong stated: Lushan is located northeast of Dengzhou. This herb has leaves as large as taro leaves, the seed shell resembles that of a chestnut, and the fruit is slender like *Leonuri Fructus* (Chongweizi).
Su Song stated: Eshi is the same as Niubangzi (Arctii Fructus), found everywhere. The leaves are larger than taro leaves and longer. The fruit resembles grape seeds and is brownish; the outer shell looks like a chestnut but is small, about the size of a finger.
Li Shizhen stated: In ancient times, people cultivated Niubang by planting it in fertile soil. The tender shoots were washed and eaten as vegetables; the roots were boiled, dried, and made into jerky, which was said to be very beneficial to the human body. Nowadays, few people eat it. It sprouts in March, with stems reaching three or four chi in height. It blooms in clusters in April, with pale purple flowers. The fruits resemble maple keys but are smaller, with numerous fine thorns clustered on the calyx; each fruit contains dozens of seeds. The roots can be as thick as an arm and nearly one chi long, with a grayish-black color. Seeds are harvested in July, and roots in October.
[Processing] Lei Xiao stated: When used, select and clean thoroughly. Mix with wine and steam until white frost reappears on the surface. Wipe off with cloth, dry by baking, and grind into powder for use.
[Flavor and Properties] Acrid, neutral, non-toxic. Zang Qi stated: Bitter.
Yuan Su stated: Acrid, warm, Yin within Yang, ascending.
Guo stated: Acrid, neutral, Yang, descending.
[Indications] Brightens the eyes and tonifies the middle Jiao, dispels wind injuries (*Bie Lu*). Treats wind-toxin swelling and various sores (Zang Qi). Grind into powder, soak in wine, take 2-3 cups daily to dispel various winds, swallow one piece to expel the head of carbuncles and ulcers (Su Gong). Stir-fry, grind, decoct and drink to promote urination (Meng Shen). Moistens the lungs, disperses qi, benefits the throat and diaphragm, removes skin wind, and unblocks the twelve meridians (Yuan Su). Eliminates macules and rashes toxins (Li Shizhen).
[Elucidation] Guo stated: There are four uses for Shunianzi: treating wind-damp hives, wind-heat in the throat, dispersing toxins from various swollen sores, and promoting the flow of stagnant qi in the waist and knees.
[Attached Prescriptions] Four old prescriptions, twelve new prescriptions.
Wind-water causing body swelling as if cracking: Ershi (Niubangzi) 2 liang, stir-fried and ground into powder. Take 2 qian with warm water each time, three times a day.
Wind-heat causing edema and throat obstruction: Niubangzi 1 he (half raw, half cooked), ground into powder. Take with hot wine, amount equal to one cun bi.
Phlegm-jue headache: Niubangzi (stir-fried) and Xuanjinflores (Inulae Flos) in equal parts, ground into powder. Take 1 qian with winter tea liquor, twice a day.
Headache extending to the eyes: Shunianzi and Shigao (Gypsum Fibrosum) in equal parts, ground into powder, mixed with tea liquor for administration.
Throat and diaphragm discomfort, wind obstruction, excessive saliva: Niubangzi (lightly stir-fried) and Jingjie Sui (Schizonepetae Spica) each 1 liang, Zhi Gancao (Prepared Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma) 0.5 liang, ground into powder. Take 2 qian with water after meals; effects will appear gradually. (Kou Zongshi's *Bencao Yanyi*)
Xuan yong (suspended abscess) and sore throat, caused by wind-heat rushing upward. Eshi (stir-fried) and Gancao (raw) in equal parts, decoct in water and gargle/swallow, named Qiguan Fang.
Hou bi (throat obstruction) pain and swelling: Niubangzi 6 fen, Malinzi (Iris Tectorii Semen) 8 fen, ground into powder. Take one fang cun bi with warm water on an empty stomach, twice a day. Additionally, take 3 liang of Niubangzi and 2 liang of salt, grind evenly, stir-fry until hot, and wrap in cloth to compress the outside of the throat. (*Guangji Fang*)
Throat and acne/rash: Niubangzi 2 qian, Jiegeng (Platycodonis Radix) 1.5 qian, Fen Gancao Jie (Powdered Licorice Knots) 0.7 qian, decoct in water and take. (*Dou Zheng Fang*)
Wind-heat hives: Niubangzi (stir-fried) and Fuping (Mintuia Herba) in equal parts, take 2 qian with mint tea, twice a day. (Chu Yushi's *Gujin Luyan*)
Wind-carious toothache: Shunianzi (stir-fried), decoct in water, hold in mouth and spit out when cool. (*Yannian Fang*)
Pediatric smallpox, slow eruption, high fever and restlessness, throat/diaphragm obstruction, constipation, pediatric throat swelling, chest/diaphragm discomfort: If stool is normal, do not use. Niubangzi (stir-fried) 1.2 qian, Jingjie Sui 2 fen, Gancao Jie 4 fen. Decoct 1 cup of water to 0.7 cup, take warm. Can also be taken after eruption. Named Bisheng San. (*Heji Jufang*)
Women's mastitis (blowing breast): Shunian 2 qian, Shexiang (Moschus) a little, swallow finely with warm wine. (*Xiuzhen Fang*)
Bi ong (perineal abscess) pain and swelling: Shunianzi 2 qian, stir-fried and ground into powder, add 1 spoon of honey, 1 spoon of Puxiao (Natrii Sulfas), take with warm wine on an empty stomach. (*Xiuzhen Fang*)
Snake/scorpion venom/poison: Dali Zi, decoct juice and take. (*Weisheng Yijian Fang*)
Water gu (ascites with abdominal distension): Eshi (lightly stir-fried) 1 liang, ground into powder, make pills the size of wutong seeds, take 10 pills with rice water. (Zhang Wenzhong's prescription)
Lijie (joint) pain and swelling, wind-heat attacking fingers, red swelling and numbness, severe cases attack shoulders/back/knees, constipation with heat: Niubangzi 3 liang, Xin Douchi (Stir-fried Fermented Soybean) and Qianghuo (Notopterygii Rhizoma et Radix) each 1 liang, ground into powder. Take 2 qian with plain water. (*Benshi Fang*)
Roots and Stems
[Flavor and Properties] Bitter, cold, non-toxic. Quan stated: Sweet, neutral.
Zang Qi stated: Rootlets must be steamed and sun-dried before use. Otherwise, it induces vomiting.
[Indications] Treats taiyang syndrome with chills/fever and sweating, wind-stroke facial swelling, xiaoke (wasting-thirst) with internal heat, promotes water metabolism. Long-term use lightens the body and delays aging (*Bie Lu*). Roots: Mainly treat toothache, lao nue (chronic malaria) and various winds, weak legs with wind-toxin, carbuncles/ulcers, cough damaging lungs, lung obstruction, hernia masses, cold qi and accumulated blood (Su Gong). Roots: Soak in wine and take to dispel wind and evil sores. Mix with leaves, crush and apply to whip wounds and metal wounds, never fear wind (Zang Qi). Mainly treat facial/head oppression, weak limbs, unblock twelve meridians, wash away evil qi from five zang organs. Can be eaten as vegetables regularly to lighten the body (Zhen Quan). Cut roots like beans, mix with flour for rice, reduce bloating. Boil stems/leaves for bathing water to remove crawling sensations on skin. Add salt and peanuts, crush and apply to all swellings/toxins (Meng Shen).
[Elucidation] Su Song stated: Roots made into jerky are excellent. Stems/leaves are suitable for boiling juice to brew wine. Harvest roots in winter, steam and dry for medicine. Liu Yuxi's *Chuanxin Fang*: Treat acute wind-stroke using tight, thin Niubang roots. Avoid wind when harvesting, scrape dirt with bamboo or荆 knife, wipe with raw cloth, crush and squeeze to get 1 sheng of juice, mix with 4 he of good honey, take warm in two doses. Sweating indicates recovery. This formula was obtained from Zheng Zhongcheng of Yue/E. Zheng suffered wind-stroke after eating hot meat. His nephew Lu served as magistrate of Fengyang and had this formula. Upon taking it, he recovered immediately.
[Attached Prescriptions] Five old prescriptions, sixteen new prescriptions.
Shiqi residual heat not subsiding, irritability/thirst, limb weakness, inability to eat: Use Niubang root, crush for juice, take 1 small cup, effective. (*Shenghui Fang*)
Tianxing epidemic disease: Raw Niubang root, crush for juice 5 he, divide into two doses on empty stomach. After taking, take one handful of mulberry leaves, roast yellow, decoct in 1 sheng water to get 5 he, take at once to induce sweat. Branches can be used if no leaves. (Sun Taoren's *Shiji*)
Heat attacking causing heart vexation and confusion: Niubang root (crushed juice) 1 sheng, divide into two doses after meals. (*Shiyi Xinjing*)
Taiyang spasms, insufficient covering after sweating leading to back/waist/limb spasms, treated by Niubang Gen San: Niubang roots 10 pieces, Mahuang (Ephedrae Herba), Niuxi (Achyranthis Bidentatae Radix), Tiannanxing (Arisaematis Rhizoma) each 6 qian, chopped. Grind finely in basin, mix with 1 sheng good wine, grind together, squeeze juice through new cloth. Burn half sheng of charcoal to heat a pit until red, sweep clean, pour medicine juice into pit, burn again until black, take out and grind finely in mortar. Take 1 qian each time with warm wine, three times a day. (Zhu Gong's *Huoren Shu*)
All wind diseases lasting 10-20 years: Niubang root 1 sheng, Shengdihuang (Rehmanniae Radix), Gouqizi (Lycii Fructus), Niuxi each 3 sheng. Put herbs in bag, soak in 3 sheng of unadulterated wine, drink as desired. (*Waitai Miyao*)
Elderly wind-stroke, mouth/eye twitching, vexation/restlessness. Niubang root (chopped) 1 sheng (peeled, dried, ground to flour), white rice 4 he (washed). Make porridge, cook in douzhi (fermented bean juice), add scallion, pepper, five flavors, eat on empty stomach. Constant use is very effective. (*Shouqin Yanglao Shu*)
Elderly chronic wind-damp bi, tendon contraction/bone pain. This formula strengthens kidneys, moistens skin/hair, boosts qi/strength: Niubang root 1 sheng (chopped), Shengdihuang 1 sheng (chopped), Da Dou (Soybeans) 2 sheng (stir-fried). Place in silk bag, soak in 1 dou of wine for 5-6 days. Drink 2-3 cups warm on empty stomach as desired, twice a day. (*Jiyan Fang*)
Sudden head/facial swelling, internal attack of heat-toxin/wind, or red swelling of hands/feet painful to touch: Niubang root (also called Bianshi), wash clean, crush, decoct in wine to make paste, spread on silk and apply to swelling. Also take 1-2 spoons of hot wine internally, swelling reduces, pain decreases. (*Doumen Fang*)
Unbearable cases, treated with Mo Gao: Take Niubang stems/leaves, crush for thick juice 2 sheng, unadulterated wine 1 sheng, salt flower 1 spoon tip. Simmer slowly to thick paste, rub on painful area, wind-toxin dissipates. Must rub vigorously to generate heat for effect. Use roots in winter. (*Qiezhong Fang*)
Toufeng (head wind) white dandruff: Niubang leaves crush for juice, simmer to thick consistency, apply. Wash off next morning with soap pod water. (*Shenghui Fang*)
Throat internal heat swelling: Shunian root 1 sheng, water 5 sheng, decoct to 1 sheng, divide into three doses. (*Yannian Fang*)
Pediatric throat swelling: Niubang root crush for juice, swallow carefully. (*Puji Fang*)
Heat-toothache, heat-wind attacking head/face, unbearable gum swelling/pain: Niubang root 1 jin (crush for juice), add 1 qian salt flower. Simmer in silver vessel to paste. Apply to gums each time, severe cases no more than three times, cured. (*Shenghui Fang*)
Neck goiter: Shunian root 1 sheng. Water 3 sheng, boil to 1.5 sheng, divide into three doses. Or grind to powder, make honey pills for regular use. (*Jiuji Fang*)
Urinary retention, urgent umblical/abdominal pain: Niubang leaf juice, Shengdihuang juice 2 he, mix evenly, add 2 he honey. Take 1 he each time, add 0.5 cup water, boil 3-5 boils, mix with 1 qian Huashi (Kaolinitum) powder and take. (*Shengji Zonglu*)
Furuncle swelling/toxin: Shunian leaf apply. (*Qianjin Fang*)
Shiyong (stone abscess) with pus, solid/hard, chills/fever: Shunian leaf powder, mix with egg white to seal. (*Waitai Miyao*)
Various sores/swellings/toxins: Niubang root 3 stems (wash). Boil soft, crush for juice, add rice to make porridge, eat 1 bowl, very good. (*Puji Fang*)
Chronic evil sores, fanhua sores, leaking sores not healing. Niubang root crush, mix with lard from December, apply daily. (*Qianjin Fang*)
Menstrual obstruction, forming masses, abdominal/flank distension, near death: Niubang root 2 jin (chopped). Steam three times, place in raw silk bag, soak in 2 dou wine for 5 days. Take 1 cup warm before each meal. (*Puji Fang*)