Library

(Cited from *Ri Hua Zi Ben Cao*)

**Names**
Duan (pronounced like "tu luan qie"), Chen (pronounced like "chen"), [Mu Shun] (pronounced like "shun"), Ri Ji (from *Ben Cao Gang Mu*), Morning-Open Evening-Fall Flower (from *Ben Cao Gang Mu*), Fence Grass (from *Ben Cao Gang Mu*), Hua Nu, Wang Zheng. Li Shizhen said: This flower opens in the morning and falls in the evening, hence the name "Ri Ji" (Sun-Reaching). The names "Jin" or "[Mu Shun]" imply that its glory lasts only for an instant. *Er Ya* states: Duan is Mu Jin (Hibiscus mutabilis). Chen is also Mu Jin. Guo Pu commented: These are two different names. Some say: White ones are called Duan, red ones are called Chen. People in Qi and Lu call it "Wang Zheng," praising its beauty and abundance. The phrase "Face like Shun Hua" in the *Book of Songs* refers to this plant.

**Collection and Explanation**
Su Song said: Mu Jin flowers resemble small sunflowers, pale red, with five leaves forming one flower, opening in the morning and closing in the evening. Households in Hunan and Hubei often plant them as hedges. Both flowers and branches are used.
The flowers are small and bright, either white or red; this is what is meant. The fruits are light and hollow. The large leaves are edible and can be boiled as a tea substitute. Currently, surgeons use the bark to treat sores and tinea, mostly sourcing those from Sichuan, which are thick and red.
Bark and roots...

**Flavor and Properties**
Sweet, neutral, smooth, non-toxic. Meng Shen (Da Ming) said: Cool.

**Indications**
Stops intestinal wind bleeding, relieves heat and thirst after dysentery. Boiled and taken, it induces sleep; it is recommended to be stir-fried before use (Zang Qi). Treats leukorrhea (both red and white), swelling, pain, scabies, and tinea; washing the eyes clarifies vision; moistens dryness and invigorates blood circulation (Li Shizhen).

**Elucidation**
Li Shizhen said: Mu Jin bark and flowers are smooth like sunflower parts, thus they can moisten dryness. Their color resembles Zijing (Bauhinia variegata), thus they can invigorate blood circulation. Those from Sichuan have strong aroma and potent efficacy, hence their superior effect.

**Attached Prescriptions**
Six new prescriptions.
Leukorrhea (Red and White): 2 liang of Jin root bark (chopped), decocted in 1.5 bowls of white wine until reduced to 1 bowl. Take on an empty stomach. (*Bai Dai Yao Qi Fang*).
Tinea Capitis/Facialis (Coin-shaped Tinea): Powder the Jin tree bark, mix with vinegar, heat in a double boiler until gelatinous, apply internally and externally. (Wang Zhongmian, *Jing Xiao Fang*).
Niu Pi Feng Xuan (Cow-Skin Lichen/Tinea): 1 liang of Chuan Jin Pi, 15 seeds of Jue Lei Zi (Aleurites montana), 5 qian of Ban Xia. Crushed, soaked overnight (7 nights) in 1 bowl each of river water and well water. Add 1 qian of Qian Fen (Calomel), dissolve in water, apply with a blunt brush, cover with green cloth. After a few days, foul saliva will discharge; this is excellent. Avoid bathing. Especially effective in summer. (*Fu Shou Fang*).
Tinea with Parasites: Decoct Chuan Jin Pi, add soap-infused water, wipe frequently. Alternatively, grind Xiong Huang (Realgar) with Jin Pi infusion; this is even better. (*Jian Bian Fang*).
Hemorrhoid Swelling and Pain: Decoct Fan Li Cao Gen (Root of Hibiscus tiliifolius), fumigate first, then wash. (*Zhi Zhi Fang*).
Rectal Prolapse: Decoct Jin Pi or leaves for fumigation and washing, then apply powder of Bai Fan (Alum) and Wu Bei Zi (Galla Chinensis). (*Jiu Ji Fang*).

**Flower**
**Flavor and Properties:** Same as the bark.
**Indications:** Intestinal wind bleeding, red and white dysentery; both should be roasted before use in medicine. Decocted as tea, it treats wind pathogens (Meng Shen). Reduces carbuncles and swellings, promotes urination, removes damp-heat (Li Shizhen).

**Attached Prescriptions**
Three new prescriptions.
Dysentery with Inability to Eat (Jin Kou): Remove stems from red Mu Jin flowers, dry in shade, and powder. First, fry two wheat cakes, dip in the powder, and eat. (Zhao Yizhen, *Ji Ji Fang*).
Wind-Phlegm Obstruction and Reversal: Dry and roast Mu Jin flowers, then powder. Take 1-2 spoons per dose, swallowed with boiling water on an empty stomach. White flowers are particularly good. (*Jian Bian Fang*).
Regurgitation and Vomiting: Thousand-petaled white Jin flowers, dried in shade and powdered. Mix with aged glutinous rice soup, take 3-5 mouthfuls. If not relieved, take again. (*Xiu Zhen Fang*).

**Fruit/Seed**
**Flavor and Properties:** Same as the bark.
**Indications:** Migraine and tension headache; smoke the burnt material to fumigate the affected area. Also treats yellow-water pustules; burn until charred but retaining properties (Cun Xing), mix with pig marrow, and apply topically (Li Shizhen).