Library

(Recorded in the Middle Category of *Shennong Bencao Jing*)

**[Names]** Bie (as cited in *Bencao Gangmu*); Guiqing (as cited in *Shennong Bencao Jing*).
Su Gong stated: The root is above and the sprouts are below, resembling grain plants; hence it is named "Ben" (Root). "Ben" means root.
Li Shizhen stated: In ancient times, it was used as a spice and called "Gaoben Xiang" (Cibotii Rhizome Fragrance). It is named "Bie" in *Shanhai Jing*.

**[Collection and Explanation]** *Mingyi Bielu* records: Gaoben grows in the valleys of Chong Mountain. The roots are harvested in the first and second lunar months, sun-dried, and processed over thirty days.
Tao Hongjing stated: Commonly, the rootlets of Chuanxiong Rhizoma are used, which are similar in shape and aroma. However, *Tongjun Yaolu* states that the sprouts of Chuanxiong resemble Gaoben, but their flowers and fruits differ, and their growing environments are distinct. Currently, there is another variety of Gaoben in Dongshan, very similar in shape and aroma, only larger in size.
Su Gong stated: The taste of the stems, leaves, and roots of Gaoben differs slightly from Chuanxiong. The variety produced in Dangzhou is considered the best.
Su Song stated: It is now available in various prefectures of Sichuan, Hedong, as well as Yanzhou and Hangzhou. The leaves are fragrant like Angelicae Dahuricae Radix (Baizhi) and resemble Chuanxiong Rhizoma, but while Chuanxiong resembles water celery and is large, Gaoben leaves are finer. White flowers appear in the fifth lunar month, and seeds form in the seventh and eighth lunar months. The root is purple.
Li Shizhen stated: It grows in the deep mountains of Jiangnan. The root resembles Chuanxiong Rhizoma but is lighter and hollow, with a numbing taste, making it unsuitable for brewing as a drink.

**[Properties and Flavors]** Pungent, Warm, Non-toxic. *Mingyi Bielu* states: Slightly Cold. Meng Shen stated: Slightly Warm.
Zhang Yuansu stated: The Qi is Yang, the flavor is Bitter and Extremely Pungent, Non-toxic. The Qi is dense and the flavor is thin; it ascends and belongs to Yang. It is a primary herb for the Foot-Taiyang Bladder Meridian.
Xu Zhicai stated: It is adverse to Ru Cao (unknown specific herb, possibly referring to a plant with conflicting properties) and fears Qingxiangzi (Celosiae Semen).

**[Indications]** Gynecological hernia and abdominal masses, cold and painful swelling in the genital region, abdominal urgency and pain, dispelling wind-induced headache, promoting skin growth, and beautifying complexion (*Shennong Bencao Jing*).
Repels fog and dew moisture, treats wind-pathogen invasion and traumatic injuries, and can be used for bathing preparations or facial cosmetics (*Mingyi Bielu*). Treats one hundred and sixty types of malignant wind and ghostly infections (infectious diseases), cold lower back pain caused by pathogen infiltration, promotes urination, invigorates blood circulation, and removes head wind (Zhen Quan). Treats skin blemishes, rosacea comedones, and epilepsy (Da Ming). Treats Taiyang meridian headache and vertex headache, severe cold invading the brain causing pain radiating to the teeth and cheeks (Zhang Yuansu). Treats wind-dampness on the head, face, body, and skin (Li Gao). Treats Du Mai (Governing Vessel) disorders, characterized by spinal rigidity and厥 (cold extremities/fainting) (Wang Haogu). Treats carbuncles and sores, discharging pus and filling the wound cavity (Li Shizhen).

**[Elucidation]** Zhang Yuansu stated: Gaoben is a wind-dispelling herb for the Taiyang Meridian. Its Qi is vigorous; when cold pathogen stagnates in this meridian, it is an essential herb for headaches. Vertex pain cannot be relieved without this herb. When used together with Aucklandiae Radix (Muxiang), it treats clear pathogens of fog and dew attacking the Upper Jiao; when combined with Angelicae Dahuricae Radix (Baizhi), it serves as a facial cosmetic. It treats both wind and dampness, following their respective natures. Li Shizhen stated: *Shao Shi Wenjian Lu* records: Duke Xia Ying suffered from diarrhea. Imperial physicians failed to cure him by treating it as deficiency. Huo Weng said: "Wind has invaded the Stomach." He administered Gaoben Decoction, which stopped the diarrhea. This is likely because Gaoben can dispel wind and dampness.

**[Attached Prescriptions]** Three new prescriptions.
Severe Excess Heart Pain: Use purgative drugs to eliminate toxicity. Gaoben Rhizoma (Gaoben) 1.5 liang, Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma (Cangzhu) 3 liang. Divide into two doses. Boil in 2 zhong of water until 1 zhong remains, and take warm (*Huofa Jiyao*).
Dry Dandruff: Equal parts of Gaoben Rhizoma and Angelicae Dahuricae Radix. Grind into powder, apply at night, comb in the morning; dirt will naturally remove (*Bianmin Tuzuan*).
Pediatric Scabies and Tinea: Bathe the child with Gaoben decoction, and use the same water to wash clothes (*Baoyou Daquan*).

**[Indications]** Wind-pathogen flowing into the four limbs (*Mingyi Bielu*).

**[Appendix]** Xu Huang, in the "Named but Unused" section of *Mingyi Bielu*, recorded: Pungent, Neutral, Non-toxic. Mainly treats abdominal accumulations and masses. The stem mainly treats malignant sores. It grows in marshes, has thick stems and fine leaves, and its fragrance resembles Gaoben.