Library

(Zhen, pronounced like "zhēn". Recorded in the Song Dynasty *Kaibao Bencao*.)

**[Names]** Chicheng (Red Tamarisk) (*Ri Hua Ben Cao*), Chi Yang (Red Poplar) (*Gu Jin Zhu*), Chuisi Liu (Weeping Willow) (*Ben Cao Gang Mu*), Ren Liu (Human Willow) (*Ben Cao Gang Mu*), Sanmian Liu (Three-Sleep Willow) (*Yan Yi*), Guanyin Liu.

Li Shizhen states: According to Luo Yuan's *Er Ya Yi*: When rain is about to fall, the Tamarisk (*Chen*) knows it beforehand, rises with qi to respond, and can endure frost and snow without perishing; thus, it is the sage among trees. Hence, its character includes the radical for "sage" (Sheng), and it is also named Yu Shi (Rain Master). Some say: Upon receiving rain, its branches hang down like threads, so it should be written as "Yu Si" (Rain Thread). Furthermore, *San Fu Gu Shi* records: In Emperor Wu of Han's imperial garden, there was a willow shaped like a human, called Ren Liu (Human Willow), which stood up and slept three times a day. Thus, the sagacity of the Tamarisk lies not only in knowing rain and enduring snow. Today, it is commonly known as Changshou Xianren Liu (Longevity Immortal Willow) or Guanyin Liu, said to be used by Guanyin (Avalokitesvara) to sprinkle water. Chen Cheng says: People today call it Sanchun Liu (Three-Spring Willow) because it blooms beautifully three times a year.

**[Collection and Explanation]** Su Song says: Red Tamarisk grows in the sandy lands of Hexi. The bark is red, and the leaves are fine.

Ma Zhi says: *Er Ya* records: Chen is the River Willow. Guo Pu's annotation states: It is now the small poplar with red stems by the river. Lu Ji's *Shi Shu* states: It grows beside water, with bark red as crimson, and branches and leaves like pine.

Li Shizhen says: The Tamarisk has a small trunk and weak branches, rooting easily when inserted into the ground. The bark is red, and the leaves are fine as silk, graceful and lovely. It flowers three times a year; the flower spikes are three to four cun long, pinkish-red like Polygonum flowers. During the Southern Qi dynasty, Shu Willows were presented from Yizhou; their branches were long and thread-like, which refers to this willow. Duan Chengshi's *Youyang Zazu* mentions: In Liangzhou, there are red and white Tamarisks; the larger ones are used for charcoal, and their ash juice can boil copper into silver. Thus, Shen Jiong's fu states: Tamarisk resembles cypress but is fragrant. Wang Zhen's *Nong Shu* states: Mountain willow is red and brittle, while river willow is white and bright. Therefore, there are also white varieties of Tamarisk. Chen Cheng says: They are abundant in Bianjing. People in the Hexi region take smooth branches to make whips.

**[Flavor and Properties]** Sweet, salty, warm, non-toxic.

**[Indications]** For poison caused by donkey or horse blood entering flesh wounds: Take wood chips, heat them over fire, and apply as a hot compress; also soak in boiled decoction. (*Kaibao Bencao*). Branches and leaves: Resolve masses, detoxify alcohol, promote urination (Li Shizhen).

**[Prescriptions]** Three new prescriptions.

Abdominal masses: Decoct Guanyin Liu (Tamarisk), expose to dew overnight, and drink several times on an empty stomach at dawn; the mass will naturally dissipate. (*Wei Sheng Yi Jian Fang*)

All types of wind pathogens, regardless of duration: Half jin of Chen Ye (Tamarisk leaves, chopped; branches may also be used), half jin of Jingjie (Schizonepetae Herba), five sheng of water. Boil until two sheng remain, clarify, add five he of Baimit (White Honey) and five he of Zhuli (Bamboo Sap), store in a new bottle, seal with oiled paper, and simmer in a double boiler for one fu time (approx. 2 hours). Take one small cup per dose, three times daily. (*Pu Ji Fang*)

Chen Ru (Tamarisk resin/sap)

**[Indications]** Combined with diaphoretic medicines to treat metal weapon injuries (Jin Chuang).