Library

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

[Names]
(None)

[Collection and Explanation]
Chen Zangqi stated: It grows in forests, marshes, and valleys. The wood grain is crooked and irregular, hence the name "Lv" (Palm).

[Flavor and Nature]
Sweet, warm, non-toxic.

[Indications]
Treats emaciation due to wind and blood deficiency, tonifies the waist and knees, benefits yang function, and is suitable for soaking in wine for drinking (Chen Zangqi).

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

[Collection and Explanation]
Chen Zangqi stated: Huailimu (Dalbergia odorifera) originates from Annan and the South Sea region. When used for beds and tables, it resembles Zitan (Rosewood) but is redder in color and hard in nature.
Li Shizhen stated: The wood is hard and purple-red. Some have patterns and are called Huailimu, which can be used to make vessels, fan ribs, and other items. Writing it as "Huali" (Pear wood) in common usage is incorrect.

[Flavor and Nature]
Pungent, warm, non-toxic.

[Indications]
Treats postpartum lochia rushing to the heart, zhen jia (abdominal masses) with qi stagnation, red and white leukorrhea; all should be chopped and decocted for oral administration (Li). Breaks up blood stasis, treats cold coughs; boil the juice and take it hot. Using its wood as a pillow causes headaches due to its heat nature.

(From *Song Jiayou Bencao* / Song Jiayou's Materia Medica)

[Names]
Zonglv (Palmae Fructus et Fibra).
Li Shizhen stated: The fibers in the bark resemble horse manes, hence the name. "KT" (referring to specific character variants for palm fiber), commonly written as "Zong". "KT" sounds like "Lu", meaning mane. " " (referring to specific character variants), sounds like "Bing".

[Collection and Explanation]
Su Song stated: Zonglv is produced in Lingnan and Xichuan, and is now also found in Jiangnan. The trunk is one or two zhang high, without branches. The leaves are large and round, like a chariot wheel, clustered at the top of the tree. Below the leaves, there are overlapping layers of bark wrapping around, with each circle constituting one node. Harvested every twenty days, the old bark falls off and new bark regenerates above. Yellow-white flowers bloom in the sixth and seventh lunar months. Fruits mature in the eighth and ninth lunar months, appearing in clusters like fish roe, black in color. The bark is harvested in the ninth and tenth lunar months. *Shan Hai Jing* states: On Mount Shicui, the trees are mostly Zonglv, referring to this plant. Chen Zangqi stated: Its bark can be made into ropes that do not rot even after being buried in the earth for a thousand years. In the past, someone excavated a tomb and found a rope that had already taken root. In Lingnan, there are trees such as Guanglang (Arenga pinnata), Binglang (Areca catechu), Yezhi (Cocos nucifera), Dongye, Husan, and Duoluo, whose leaves are similar to Zonglv. Li Shizhen stated: Zonglv is abundant in Sichuan and Guangdong, and is now cultivated in Jiangnan, but is difficult to grow. Initially, the leaves resemble those of Baiji (Bletilla striata); when it reaches two or three chi in height, several large leaves at the tip expand like fans, standing upright and splitting outward. The stem is triangular and evergreen. The trunk is straight and branchless, wrapped in bark near the leaves, with each layer forming a node. The trunk body is dark red-black, consisting entirely of fibrous veins, suitable for making bell mallets, and can also be turned into vessels. The bark has silky fibers interwoven like fabric; once peeled and separated, they can be woven into clothes, hats, mats, chairs, etc., providing great utility to people. It must be stripped two or three times a year; otherwise, the tree will die or cease growing. In the third lunar month, several yellow buds emerge from the stem at the tree top. Inside these buds are neatly arranged small grains, which are the precursors of flowers, resembling fish carrying eggs, called "Zongyu" (Palm Fish) or "Zongsun" (Palm Shoots). As they grow out of the buds, they form flower spikes, yellowish-white. The fruits hang in clusters, bean-sized, turning from yellow when raw to black when ripe, and are very hard. Some say there are two types of this tree in the south: one has bark fibers suitable for making ropes; the other is smaller, lacks fibers, and only its leaves are suitable for making brooms. Zheng Qiao's *Tongzhi* incorrectly identifies Wanghui as Zonglv. Wanghui refers to fallen brooms, specifically Difuzi (Kochia scoparia). There is also Pukui (Livistona chinensis), whose leaves are similar but softer and thinner, suitable for fans and hats. Xu Shen's *Shuowen Jiezi* is also mistaken in classifying it as Zonglv.

Shoots, Seeds, and Flowers

[Flavor and Nature]
Bitter, astringent, neutral, non-toxic.
Chen Zangqi stated: Slightly toxic, irritates the throat, should not be taken lightly.
(Some physician) stated: Warm, highly toxic, inedible.
Li Shizhen stated: Regarding Zongyu, everyone says it is toxic and inedible, but people in Guangdong and Shu cook it with honey and soak it in vinegar to offer to Buddhas or send to distant friends. Su Dongpo also wrote poems about eating Zongsun; this is achieved by processing to remove the toxicity.

[Indications]
Astringes the intestines, stops dysentery and intestinal wind, treats metrorrhagia and leukorrhea, and nourishes blood (Chen Zangqi).

[Attached Prescriptions] One New Prescription.
Lower GI Bleeding: Cook Zongsun thoroughly, slice, dry, and powder. Take 1-2 qian with honey water or wine. (*Jijian Fang*)

Bark

[Flavor and Nature]
Same as the seeds.

[Indications]
Stops epistaxis and hematemesis, breaks up masses, treats intestinal wind and bloody dysentery, metrorrhagia and leukorrhea; use calcined ash (Meng Shen). Treats traumatic injuries, scabies, and tinea; promotes tissue regeneration and stops bleeding (Li).

[Invention and Commentary]
Zongshi stated: Calcined Zongpi (Palm Fiber) treats women's abnormal uterine bleeding and hematemesis, but must be combined with other herbs.
Li Shizhen stated: Zonghui (Palm Ash) is astringent. If there is excessive blood loss with resolved stasis, it is appropriate to use, embodying the principle that "astringents can treat collapse." It works better when used together with Luafa (Human Hair). Old, decayed Zong is especially effective in medicine.

[Attached Prescriptions] Six New Prescriptions.
Unstopping Epistaxis: Blow Zonghui (Palm Ash) into the respective nostrils. (Li Jushi's Formula)
Unstopping Metrorrhagia: Zongpi (Palm Bark), (calcined to retain properties), taken on an empty stomach with light wine, 3 qian. Another formula: Add equal parts of Bai Fan (Alumen).
Unstopping Hematuria: Zongpi (half calcined, half stir-fried) powdered, 2 qian per dose, very effective. (*Weisheng Jiabao Fang*)
Unstopping Lower Bleeding: 8 liang Zongpi (Palm Bark), 1 Gualou (Trichosanthes fruit), calcined to ash. Take 2 qian mixed with rice drink. (*Baiyi Xuanfang*)
Watery Dysentery: Zongpi (Palm Bark) calcined and powdered, taken with water, one cun bi (measure). (*Jinxiao Fang*)
Urinary Retention: Zongmaomao (Palm Hairs/Fibers) (calcined to retain properties), taken with water and wine, 2 qian, immediately promotes urination, tested repeatedly with great efficacy. (*Shesheng Fang*)