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(Recorded in the Middle Category of *Shennong Bencao Jing* [Classic of Materia Medica])

[Names] Nüluo (from *Mingyi Bielu* [Additional Records of Famous Physicians]), Songshang Jisheng (Parasite on Pine).
Li Shizhen states: The origin of the name is unknown.

[Collection and Explanation] *Mingyi Bielu* records: Songluo grows on pine trees in the valleys of Xiong'er Mountain. It is harvested in May and dried in the shade.
Tao Hongjing states: It is abundant in Dongshan. It grows on various trees, but those growing on pine trees are considered authentic. The *Book of Songs* says: "Niao and Nüluo spread upon the pines." Niao is a parasitic plant, with those growing on mulberry trees considered authentic; those on pines are not used. There are differences between them.
Li Shizhen states: According to research, Mao Chang's commentary on the *Book of Songs* states: Nüluo is Tusi (Dodder). *Wu Pu Bencao* [Materia Medica by Wu Pu] records: Tusi is also known as Songluo. Tao Hongjing believed that Niao is the parasite on mulberry trees, while Songluo is the parasite on pine trees. Lu Tuan in *Piya* states: Niao is the parasite on pine and cypress trees, while Nüluo is the creeping vine on pine trees. He further states: That which grows on trees is called Nüluo, while that which grows on grass is called Tusi. Zheng Qiao in *Tongzhi* [Comprehensive Records] states: There are two types of parasites: the larger one is called Niao, and the smaller one is called Nüluo. Lu Ji in *Shi Shu* [Commentary on the Book of Songs] states: Tusi creeps on grass, is yellow-red like gold, and is not Songluo. Songluo spreads on pine trees, its branches are green, which is distinctly different from Tusi. Luo Yuan in *Erya Yi* [Elucidations of Erya] states: Nüluo is green and slender, without mixed vines. Thus, the *Shan Gui* [Mountain Spirit] chapter of the *Chu Ci* says: "Clad in liana, girded with Nüluo," referring to its green, long appearance like a sash. Tusi is yellow-red and not similar. However, both plants grow by attaching to wood and sometimes intertwine. Thus, the *Ancient Yuefu* says: "In the southern mountains, lush Dodder flowers; in the northern hills, green Nüluo trees. From old, flowers and leaves share one root; today, branches divide into two places." The *Tang Yuefu* says: "Dodder is naturally heartless, tossed about by the wind. Who made the Nüluo branch come to forcibly embrace? Even these two plants have one heart; human hearts are inferior to plants." Based on these statements, Nüluo as a creeping vine on pine trees should be identified according to the theories of Lu Tuan and Luo Yuan. Those who identify it as Tusi are mistaken.

[Flavor and Toxicity] Bitter, sweet, neutral in nature, non-toxic.

[Indications] Calms anger and evil qi, stops spontaneous sweating and wind-headache, treats cold-dampness swelling and pain in the female yin (from *Shennong Bencao Jing*). Treats phlegm-heat warm malaria, can be used as an emetic decoction, promotes urination (from *Mingyi Bielu*). Treats alternating chills and fever, vomits stagnant phlegm and saliva in the chest, removes head sores and goiters/lumps on the neck, makes people... (text ends abruptly here)

[Elucidation] Li Shizhen states: Songluo can pacify liver pathogenic factors and eliminate chills and fever. When combined with Guali (Melon Seed) and other herbs, it induces vomiting of phlegm; it does not induce vomiting by itself. Ge Hong's *Zhouhou Beiji Fang* [Handbook of Prescriptions for Emergencies]: For treating phlegm in the chest, headache, loss of appetite, in patients with strong constitution. Use Songluo and Duheng each 3 liang, Guali 30 pieces, soaked in 1 sheng 2 he of wine for two nights. In the morning, drink 1 he to induce vomiting. If no vomiting occurs, take another 1 he in the evening. Sun Simiao's *Qianjin Fang* [Essential Prescriptions Worth a Thousand Gold]: For treating heat accumulation of phlegm in the chest and diaphragm, Duange Tang [Diaphragm-Cutting Decoction]: Use Songluo and Gancao (Licorice Root) each 1 liang, Hengshan (Croton Seed) 3 liang, Guali 21 pieces, boiled in 1.5 sheng of water and 1.5 sheng of wine to yield 1.5 sheng. Divide into three doses to induce vomiting.