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(Registered as a Superior Grade herb in the *Shennong Bencao Jing* [Divine Farmer's Materia Medica])

[Names] Jixie (from *Benjing*), Yumu (from *Benjing*).
Li Shizhen states: This substance grows by parasitizing other trees, much like a bird perching upon them; hence it is called Jisheng (Parasitic Plant), Yumu (Dwelling Tree), and Niaomu. It is commonly referred to as Jishengcao (Parasite Grass). The *Biography of Dongfang Shuo* states:

[Collection and Explanation] The *Bielu* [Record of Famous Physicians] states: Sangshang Jisheng (Mistletoe on Mulberry) grows on mulberry trees in the valleys of Hongnong. The stems are harvested on the third day of the third lunar month.
Tao Hongjing states: Mistletoe can be found on pine, poplar, and maple trees. Its general appearance is similar, but the point of root attachment differs, so it is named according to the host tree. It grows among branches, with roots embedded within the branch joints. The leaves are round, greenish-red, thick, lustrous, and brittle. Branches grow naturally from the sides. It remains evergreen in winter and summer, blooms white flowers in the fourth month, and bears red fruits in the fifth month, sized like small beans. It is found everywhere, but those from Pengcheng are superior. Commonly mistaken for used as Xuduan (Cynanchum Atratum Root), yet Xuduan listed separately in the Superior Grade of the *Benjing* has different therapeutic indications. Market vendors often confuse them due to lack of knowledge.
Su Gong states: This herb mostly grows on maple, oak, zelkova, willow, and water poplar trees. The leaves have no yin-yang distinction, resembling fine willow leaves but thicker and more brittle. The stems are thick and short. The seeds are yellow, sized like small dates. Only in Guozhou is there mistletoe on mulberry trees, where the seed juice is very sticky, the core is large like a small bean, and it ripens in the ninth month, turning yellow. Tao’s statement that it bears red fruits in the fifth month, sized like small beans, likely reflects that he had not seen this specific variety. People in Jiangnan traditionally use its stems as Xuduan, which is entirely unrelated.
Ma Baosheng states: Parasites exist on many types of trees, with similar stems and leaves. It is said that birds eat certain seeds and excrete them onto trees, where they germinate by absorbing qi. The leaves resemble orange leaves but are thicker and softer; the stems resemble locust tree stems but are plump and brittle. Although found everywhere, those on mulberry trees are best. However, without self-harvesting, identification is difficult. One may break the stem to check; a deep yellow color indicates authenticity. Additionally, the *Tujing* [Illustrated Canon] states: Leaves resemble Gentiana scabra (Longdan) but are thicker and broader. Stems are short, resembling chicken feet, forming a tree-like shape. Flowers appear in the third and fourth months, yellow-white. Fruits form in the sixth and seventh months, yellow-green, like small beans; those with thick, sticky juice are of good quality.
Meng Shen states: Many people collect those from zelkova trees and pass them off as Sangshang Jisheng. Those on mulberry trees are extremely rare; even if present, their morphology differs from those on zelkova. Next are those on maple trees, which have similar efficacy to those on zelkova and are yellow. Harvested in the seventh and eighth months.
Kou Zongshi states: It is said that Sangshang Jisheng is found everywhere. Yet, traveling north and south for official duties, I found it hard to obtain. Is it because annual logging and trampling prevent growth? Or does it depend on local climatic suitability? If one believes it grows because bird-dropped seeds land on branch joints and absorb qi, then wheat should produce wheat and grain should produce grain, not this distinct entity. It naturally arises from the transformative qi of creation, constituting a separate entity. Ancients only selected those on mulberry trees to harness their specific qi. Because true specimens are rare, genuine ones taken internally yield miraculous results. Previously, I sought this herb in various counties in Wu. After searching extensively without success, I informed seekers honestly. Neighboring counties sent parasites from other trees, which upon consumption...
Zhu Zhenheng states: Sangshang Jisheng is a crucial medicinal item, yet people do not understand its precise properties, which is regrettable. In coastal areas of Haizhou and beyond, the climate is warm and sericulture is absent, so mulberry trees suffer no harvesting stress. Their qi is dense and potent, allowing natural growth. How could branch joints accommodate foreign seeds? Li Shizhen adds: Mistletoe grows two or three chi high. Its leaves are round with slightly pointed tips, thick and soft, green and lustrous on the surface, pale purple and hairy on the reverse. It is said that Sichuan and Shu have abundant mulberries, where it occasionally grows. It is rarely obtained elsewhere. It must be self-harvested or collected with mulberry branches to be usable. Secular practitioners often substitute parasites from miscellaneous trees, which have different qi and properties, potentially causing harm. According to Zheng Qiao’s *Tongzhi*: There are two types of mistletoe: a larger type with leaves resembling pomegranate leaves, and a smaller type with leaves resembling Ephedrae Herba (Mahuang). Their seeds are similar. The larger is called Niao, the smaller Nuoluo. Observing the *Shuben* edition and Han’s descriptions confirms these two types, aligning with Zheng’s account.

[Processing] States: Upon collection, finely chop the roots, branches, stems, and leaves together using a copper knife, dry in the shade, and store. Do not expose to fire.

[Flavor and Toxicity] Bitter, neutral, non-toxic.
The *Bielu* states: Sweet, non-toxic.

[Indications] Lower back pain, stiffness in children’s backs, carbuncles and swellings, nourishes the flesh and skin, strengthens hair and teeth, promotes growth of beard and eyebrows, calms the fetus (from *Benjing*). Treats metrorrhagia and internal injury deficiency in women, residual postpartum ailments, promotes lactation, manages traumatic injuries, dispels bi-syndrome (from *Bielu*). Supports sinews and bones, benefits blood vessels (from Meng Shen). Treats persistent bleeding during pregnancy, stabilizes the fetus (from Zhen Quan).

[Attached Prescriptions] Four new prescriptions.
Geqi (Diaphragmatic Qi Stagnation): Crush fresh Sangshang Jisheng to extract one cup of juice, and ingest. (*Jijian Fang*).
Fetal Movement with Abdominal Pain: Sangshang Jisheng 1.5 liang, prepared Ejiao (Donkey-hide Gelatin) 0.5 liang, Aiye (Artemisia argyi Leaf) 0.5 liang. Decoct in 1.5 cups of water until reduced to 1 cup, strain, and take warm. Alternatively, omit Aiye. (*Shenghui Fang*).
Toxic Dysentery with Pus and Blood: When all six pulses are minute and there is no chills or fever. Use Sangshang Jisheng 2 liang, Fangfeng (Saposhnikovia Root) and Dakxiong (Ligusticum Chuanxiong Rhizome) 2.5 qian, roasted Gancao (Glycyrrhiza Root) 3 zhu. Grind into powder. Take 2 qian each time, decoct in 1 cup of water until reduced to 0.8 cup, and consume with the dregs. (Yang Zijian, *Huming Fang*).
Deficiency after Hematochezia: After bleeding stops, if one feels deficiency of Yuanqi (Original Qi) in the Dantian, with heavy and weak lower back and knees. Grind Sangshang Jisheng into powder. Take 1 qian each time, mixed with plain hot water at any time. (Yang Zijian, *Huming Fang*)

[Flavor and Toxicity] Sweet, neutral, non-toxic.
[Indications] Brightens the eyes, lightens the body, enhances spiritual clarity (from *Benjing*).