Library

(Recorded in the Lower Grade of *Shennong Bencao Jing*)

**Names:** Jinfei Cao (Golden Boiling Grass, from *Shennong Bencao Jing*), Jinqian Hua (Gold Coin Flower, from *Bencao Gangmu*), Didijin (Dripping Gold, from *Bencao Gangmu*), Daogeng (Stealing Geng, from *Erya*), Xiaju (Summer Chrysanthemum, from *Bencao Gangmu*), Daishen (Wearing Mulberry Fruit, from *Mingyi Bielu*).

Su Song stated: The flowers are lush and green, round and drooping downwards, hence named Xuanfu.

Li Shizhen stated: All names are derived from the shape of the flower. *Erya* records: "[Image], is Daogeng." Presumably, "Geng" corresponds to Metal, referring to its yellow flowers blooming in summer, which "steals" the essence of Metal. *Youyang Zazu* records: Jinqian Hua, also known as Pishisha, was first introduced to China during the reign of Emperor Wu of Liang.

**Collection and Explanation:** *Mingyi Bielu* states: Xuanfu grows naturally in marshes, rivers, and valleys. Flowers are harvested in May, dried in the sun, and processed over twenty days.

Tao Hongjing stated: It grows in low, wet areas near roadsides, resembling chrysanthemum but larger. There is another root called Xuanfu Gen, produced in Henan and northern regions, resembling Xiongqiong (Ligusticum sinense), used only for making Xuanfu Paste, with no other uses; it is not the root of this Xuanfu flower.

Zheng Baosheng stated: Leaves resemble Shuisu (Perilla frutescens), flowers are yellow like chrysanthemum, harvested from June to September.

Su Song stated: It is now found everywhere. Seedlings emerge after February, mostly near water, resembling Honglan (Baphicacanthus cusia) but without thorns, growing one to two chi tall, with willow-like leaves and thin stems. Flowers bloom in June like chrysanthemums, small as copper coins, deep yellow. People in the fields of Shangdang call it Jinqian Hua, harvesting flowers in July and August. The Jinqian Hua planted in gardens near by has identical flowers and leaves and grows very vigorously, likely being Xuanfu.

Su Song stated: Xuanfu leaves resemble large chrysanthemums or mugwort. Flowers bloom in autumn, large as paulownia seeds, pale yellow, with a fragrance surpassing chrysanthemum. There is another flower called Xuanhua, which is Convolvulus arvensis, not this flower. See relevant entry.

Li Shizhen stated: The flower resembles Jinqian Ju (Chrysanthemum coronarium). Those growing by water have small, single-petaled flowers; those cultivated by people have large, clustered stamens, due to soil fertility. Its roots are fine and white. Folk legend says it sprouts where dew drops fall, hence easy to propagate, which is incorrect.

**Flower**

**Processing:** Lei Xiao stated: After harvesting flowers, remove stamens, calyx, and pedicel, steam them from Si hour (9-11 AM) to Wu hour (11 AM-1 PM), then dry in the sun for use.

**Nature and Flavor:** Salty, Warm, slightly toxic. *Mingyi Bielu* states: Sweet, slightly warm, cold and purgative.

Zhen Quan stated: Sweet, non-toxic. Meng Shen stated: Non-toxic. Su Song stated: Bitter, sweet, pungent.

**Indications:** Qi stagnation with fullness under the hypochondrium, palpitations, removing fluid retention, eliminating cold-heat between the five zang organs, tonifying the center and directing qi downward (*Shennong Bencao Jing*).

Eliminating phlegm accumulation in the chest, expectoration resembling glue or lacquer, phlegm-fluid in heart and hypochondrium, retained fluid in bladder, wind-damp bi syndrome, dead flesh in skin, eye discharge, benefiting the large intestine, unblocking blood vessels, enhancing complexion (*Mingyi Bielu*). Treating edema, expelling abdominal distension, opening the stomach, stopping vomiting and inability to eat (Zhen Quan). Moving phlegm-fluid, removing wind from head and eyes (Su Song). Softening hardness and resolving masses, treating belching.

**Elucidation:** Su Song stated: Zhang Zhongjing used Qiwu Xuanfu Daizhe Tang for post-sweat/post-purge shanghan with epigastric hardness and persistent belching; and Sanwu Xuanfu Tang for miscellaneous gynecological conditions. Hu Qiaijushi used Xuanfu Wan for phlegm-fluid causing distension in both hypochondria, applying it frequently. Cheng Wuji stated: Hardness implies firm qi; the salinity of Xuanfu softens hard masses.

Zhu Zhenheng stated: Kou Zongshi mentioned its ability to move phlegm-fluid and remove wind from head/eyes, indicating it is a dispersing herb. Patients with deficiency should not take it excessively, as it causes cold purgation of the large intestine; caution is advised.

Li Shizhen stated: Xuanfu enters the Hand-Taiyin Lung and Hand-Yangming Large Intestine meridians. Its efficacy in treating various diseases lies solely in moving fluids, descending qi, and unblocking blood vessels. Li Weigong stated that smelling its flowers damages the eyes. Tang Shenwei's *Bencao* erroneously included Xuanhua root here; this has been corrected.

**Attached Formulas:** One old formula, three new formulas.

Wind-stroke with obstruction: Xuanfu flower, washed, baked, and powdered, formed into pills the size of wu zi (paulownia seeds) with refined honey. Take 5-7 or 10 pills at night with tea soup (*Jingyan Houfang*). Post-abortion bleeding, mixing of deficiency and cold, wiry and hollow pulse: Xuanfu Hua Tang: Use Xuanfu flower 3 liang, scallion stalks 14, Xinjiang (safflower silk) a little. Water 3 sheng, boil to 1 sheng, take in one dose (*Jinkui Yaolue*).

Erosive ear ulcer: Burn Xuanfu flower to ash, powder it, mix with sheep fat, and apply (*Jijian Fang*).

Pediatric eyebrow tinea, where eyebrows and eyelashes fail to regrow after tinea subsides: Use Ye Youhua (i.e., Xuanfu flower), Chijian (i.e., Tianma seedling), and Fangfeng in equal parts, powder them. Cleanse the area, mix with oil, and apply (*Zongwei Lun*).

**Leaves**

**Indications:** Apply to metal wounds to stop bleeding (Meng Shen). Treat carbuncles and swelling/toxins (Li Shizhen).

**Root**

**Indications:** Wind-damp (*Mingyi Bielu*).