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(From *Bencao Shiyi* [Supplement to Materia Medica])
[Collected Explanations] Chen Zangqi stated: It grows in the shady places of rivers and valleys in Jiangnan. The seedlings resemble those of *Hemerocallis citrina* (Daylily), and its root resembles *Asparagi Radix* (Tianmendong). When used, the core should be removed.
[Flavor and Properties] Sweet, cold, non-toxic.
[Indications] Moistens the five zang organs, relieves thirst, eliminates vexation and heat, brightens the eyes; its efficacy is similar to that of *Ophiopogonis Radix* (Maidong).

(From *Bencao Gangmu* [Compendium of Materia Medica])
[Names] The root is called Suigu Zi (Bone-Crushing Seed).
Li Shizhen said: The name derives from the leaf shape resembling bamboo leaves. "Suigu" refers to its ability to induce abortion (expel the fetus).
[Collected Explanations] Li Shizhen said: It grows in fields and wilderness everywhere. Seedlings emerge in spring, several inches high, with slender stems and green leaves, exactly like the stems and leaves of fine bamboo sprouting from fallen bamboo seeds. One clump has dozens of fibrous roots; on these roots form seeds, identical to *Ophiopogonis Radix*, but harder. It can be harvested at any time. In the eighth and ninth lunar months, it sends up flower stalks bearing small, elongated spikes. Villagers harvest its roots and seedlings, crush them to extract juice, mix it with rice to make yeast for wine, which is very fragrant and potent.
[Flavor and Properties] Sweet, cold, non-toxic.
[Indications] Leaves: Eliminate vexation and heat, promote urination, clear the Heart. Roots: Can induce abortion and facilitate delivery.

("Zhi" pronounced as "zhi". Added in the Song Dynasty's *Jiayou Bencao*).
[Names] Jishe Cao (Chicken Tongue Grass) (*Bencao Shiyi*), Bizhu Zi (Green Bamboo) (ibid.), Danzhuye (Light Bamboo Leaf) (ibid.), Erhuan Cao (Earring Grass) (ibid.).
Chen Zangqi said: *Commelina communis* grows in flatlands in Jiangdong and Huainan. The leaves resemble bamboo, one or two chi high, flowers are deep blue-green, a pleasing color, with pods like bird beaks.
Li Shizhen said: Zhuyecai grows in flatlands everywhere. Seedlings appear in the third and fourth lunar months, with purple stems and bamboo-like leaves, edible when tender. Flowers bloom in the fourth and fifth lunar months, shaped like moths, with two petals like wings, lovely in their azure hue. The pods are pointed and curved like bird beaks, containing seeds inside, about the size of small beans. Inside the bean are tiny seeds, gray-black and wrinkled, resembling silkworm feces. Skilled craftsmen harvest its flowers, extract the juice for use as painting pigment and dye for colored sheepskin lanterns, producing a blue-green color like dark eyebrow powder.
Seedlings
[Flavor and Properties] Bitter, greatly cold, non-toxic.
[Indications] Chills and fever from miasma malaria, phlegm-fluids, carbuncles and sores, stagnation due to flesh disorders, erysipelas in children, fever with mania and epilepsy, abdominal distension and fullness, edema of the body and face, dysentery with heat, snake and dog bites, toxicity from carbuncles and sores (Chen Zangqi). Boiled and eaten with *Adzuki Beans*, it drains water retention and damp-bi, promoting urination (Su Song). Relieves throat obstruction (Li Shizhen).
[Attached Prescriptions] Four new prescriptions.
Obstruction of urination: Take 1 liang of *Commelina communis* (Zhujicai) and 1 liang of *Plantaginis Herba* (Cheqiancao), crush to extract juice, add a little honey, and take on an empty stomach. (*Jijian Fang*)
Dysentery with red and white discharge: Decoct Langucacao (i.e., *Commelina communis* seedlings) and drink daily. (*Huoyou Quanshu*)
Throat obstruction with swelling and pain: Apply juice of *Commelina communis* locally. (*Xiuzhen Fang*)
Swelling and pain of the five types of hemorrhoids: Soften Erhuancao (also known as Bicane'erhua), insert into the affected area, and effect will be immediate. (Wei Yilin, *Defang Fang*)