Library

(Recorded in the Lower Grade of *Shennong Bencao Jing*)

[Collected Explanations] *Bielu* states: Luanhua grows in the valleys of Hanzhong. Harvested in May.
Su Gong says: The leaves of this tree resemble those of Hibiscus mutabilis (Mukun) but are thinner and finer. The flowers are yellow, resembling Sophora japonica (Huaihua), but slightly larger and longer. The fruit shell resembles Physalis alkekengi (Suanjiang), containing seeds inside like cooked peas; they are round, black, hard, and suitable for making prayer beads; this is it. Flowers can be collected in May and June. People in the south use them to dye things yellow, producing a very bright color, and also use them to treat redness and ulceration of the eyes. Currently, it is occasionally found in gardens in the South and Bianjing.
Luanhua seeds (Zhu), not seen used in medicine.

Luanhua
[Properties and Flavors] Bitter, cold, non-toxic.
Li Dangzhi says: Mingmingzi (Cassiae Semen) serves as its guiding herb.
[Indications] Eye pain with tearing and injury, reduction of eye swelling (*Shennong Bencao Jing*). Combined with Huanglian (Coptidis Rhizoma) (*Tang Bencao*).

[Names] Meishizi (Kadua Fructus) (*Kaibao Bencao*), Moshizi (*Paozhi Lun*).
Su Song says: Persians used it as a substitute for fruit at every meal, hence the Hu people called it "Meishizi" (Persian Gallnut). There is no character in Sanskrit with the same pronunciation as "Mei". Nowadays, people call it Mosh or Meshi, which is an error passed down through transmission.
[Collected Explanations] Su Gong says: Wuzishi grows in the sandy deserts of the Western Regions. The tree resembles Tamarix (Chengliu).
Tao Yuxi says: According to Duan Chengshi's *Youyang Zazu*, Wuzishi originates from Persia, where it is called Mozhe Tree. It is six to seven zhang high and eight to nine chi in circumference. The leaves are like peach leaves but longer. It blooms white flowers in March with a slightly red center. The fruits are round like bullet shots, initially green, turning yellow-white when ripe. Those pierced by insects are used for medicine. This tree produces Wuzishi one year and Balvzi the next. Balvzi is finger-thick, three chi long, with a shell, and the kernel inside is yellow like chestnuts and edible. Every other year, it produces Machaze, which is Meishizi. They alternate annually, producing different fruits from the same root system. *Yitong Zhi* records that Meishizi comes from various lands of Da Shi (Arabia). The tree resembles...

[Processing] Lei Xiao says: When using, avoid contact with copper and iron vessels, and do not expose to sudden heat shocks. Select small granules without residual pulp for best quality. Grind thoroughly in a mortar with Jiangshui (fermented rice water), dry by baking, then grind again until it turns the color of black rhinoceros horn before use.
[Properties and Flavors] Bitter, warm, non-toxic.
[Indications] Red and white dysentery, intestinal slipping, promotion of muscle growth (*Tang Bencao*). Treatment of cold deficiency dysentery, benefit blood and essence, harmonize qi and calm the spirit, darken beard and hair, treat Yin toxicity and impotence, used after calcining into ash (Li Xun).
Warm the middle jiao, treat genital sores and sweating, pediatric malnutrition (Gan disease), cold and uncontrollable diarrhea (Ma Zhi).
[Elucidation] Kou Zongshi says: Meishizi, when combined with other herbs, is used for dyeing beard; ink makers also use it.
Zhang Yuansu says: Zhang Zhongjing used it to treat genital sweating. Calcined into ash, after bathing with hot water, wrap the ash in cloth and apply/pat the area; it is very effective.
[Attached Prescriptions] Three old prescriptions, five new ones.
Unceasing bloody dysentery: Meishizi 1 liang, ground into powder, made into pills the size of small beans. Take 50 pills with millet drink before each meal (*Puji Fang*).
Chronic dysentery in children: Two Meishizi, roasted yellow and ground into powder, eaten as wontons (*Gongqi Fang*).
Postpartum dysentery: One Meishizi, calcined to retain its nature, ground into powder. Take with wine if cold, or with millet drink if hot, twice daily (*Zimu Milu*).
Toothache: Wrap 1 qian of Wuzishi powder in cotton and bite on it; spit out the saliva produced (*Shengji Zonglu*).
Rosacea (Jiu Chi) on nose and face: Use porous Meishizi from the south, grind with water into a paste. Apply nightly; very effective (Wei Shi's *Defang*).
Acute Gan disease in mouth and nose: Blow Meishizi powder into the affected lower part; it heals immediately (*Qianjin Fang*).
Major and minor mouth ulcers: Calcined Meishizi 3 fen, Gancao (Licorice Root) 1 fen. Ground into powder and sprinkled on the lesion. For infants within one month old, place a small amount on the nipple to suckle; the infant will cry upon entry, cures within three times (*Shengji Zonglu*).
Corn-like flesh spurs on toes: Three Wuzizi, one pod of Gleditsia sinensis (Fangzhijia). Calcined to retain nature, ground into powder. Mixed with vinegar and applied; immediate effect (*Qixiao Fang*).