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(From *Bencao Shiyi* [Supplement to Materia Medica])

[Nomenclature] (Explanation of names).

Li Shizhen stated: The leaves of the Catalpa tree (*Catalpa ovata*) are large and fall early, hence it is called "Qiu" (Catalpa); the leaves of the Toona tree (*Toona sinensis*, referred to here as Zi) are small and mature early, hence it is called "Zi". During the Tang Dynasty, on the Start of Autumn day, people in the capital sold Qiu leaves, which women and children cut into flowers to wear, to evoke the feeling of autumn. *Erya* states: Small-leaved is "Zi", large-leaved is "Qiu". "Zi" sounds like "Que" (magpie), referring to the rough bark.

[Collection and Explanation] See under the entry for "Zi" (Toona).

King Ding of Zhou said: There are two types of Qiu. One is the Thorny Qiu, which grows tall and robust, with pale white bark marked with yellow and white spots, and branches bearing many large thorns. Its leaves resemble those of Qiu but are thinner, and have a sweet taste. When tender, they can be fried until cooked, rinsed with water, and eaten mixed with other foods.

Li Shizhen stated: Qiu trees grow in orderly rows, with straight and upright trunks that are pleasing to behold. In autumn, their branches hang down like threads, called "Qiu lines". The wood is brittle when wet but hard when dry, thus considered fine timber suitable for making chessboards; this is the red variety of Zi.

White Bark of the Wood

[Properties and Flavor] Bitter, slightly cold, non-toxic. [An unnamed physician] stated: Slightly warm.

[Indications] Treats vomiting and rebellious Qi; kills three types of parasites and skin parasites. Decocted into an ointment and applied topically, it treats malignant sores, carbuncles, abscesses, and hemorrhoids caused by malnutrition/toxins. It removes pus and blood, promotes tissue regeneration, and strengthens bones and tendons (from *Bencao Shiyi*). Promotes digestion, astringes the intestines, directs Qi downward, and treats cough due to rebellious Lung Qi. Also used in facial cosmetic preparations (efficacy unspecified).

[Prescriptions] One old prescription, one new prescription.

Sores/Ulcers: Decoct Qiu branches and wash the affected area frequently until effective. (*Zhouhou Beiji Fang* [Emergency Prescriptions Kept Up One's Sleeve])

Vitiligo: Take five jin (approx. 3 kg) of white bark from Qiu roots/trunks, add five dou (approx. 50 liters) of water, decoct to five sheng (approx. 5 liters), strain, and further reduce to a thick paste. Rub onto the affected area three times daily. (*Shengji Zonglu* [General Essential Prescriptions for Emergencies])

Leaves

[Properties and Flavor] Same as the bark.

[Indications] Crushed and applied externally to treat swollen sores. Boiled in water to wash away pus and blood. Use dried leaves collected in winter. For various abscesses that have ulcerated or where foreign bodies (thorns) remain inside, apply ten layers of Qiu leaves to the affected area (from *Bencao Shiyi*, citing *Fan Wang Fang*).

[Elucidation] Li Shizhen stated: Qiu is an important herb for external medicine, yet few modern practitioners know of it. Ge Changzhi’s *Yunyu Yangqiu* records: A person suffered from a back carbuncle that ulcerated and necrotized to the point where internal organs were visible. Various treatments failed. A physician collected Qiu leaves before sunrise on the Start of Autumn, boiled them into an ointment, and applied it externally; internally, the patient took small pills of Yunmu Gao (Mica Ointment), consuming four liang (approx. 120 g) in total, and recovered within a few days. Fan Wang, a famous physician of the Eastern Jin Dynasty, also praised the efficacy of Qiu leaves in treating sores and swelling. This demonstrates that Qiu possesses the power to draw out toxins and expel pus.

[Prescriptions] Seven old prescriptions, one new prescription.

Rebellious Qi causing cough, abdominal distension, and emaciation: Take three dou (approx. 30 liters) of Qiu leaves and three dou of water, boil thirty times, strain, and reduce to a concentrate. Form pills the size of dates. Insert into the lower orifice (anus) using a bamboo tube for immediate relief. (Cui Yuanliang, *Haishang Jiyan Fang* [Collected Effective Prescriptions from the Sea])

All toxic swellings, regardless of hardness or softness: Apply ten layers of Qiu leaves over the swelling, wrap with old cloth, and change three times daily. Toxic vapors should be seen turning into liquid flowing onto the leaves. In winter, use dried leaves softened in salt water, or crush root bark and apply; both are effective. Relieves pain and swelling, discharges pus and blood, superior to other herbs. (*Fan Wang Dongyang Fang*)

(Note: The original text contains apparent gaps or formatting errors regarding the preparation method of Qiu Paste). Take fifteen jin (approx. 9 kg) of Qiu leaves, one dan (approx. 100 liters) of water, decoct in a clean pot to obtain three dou (approx. 30 liters). Transfer to another pot and decoct to seven or eight sheng (approx. 7-8 liters). Transfer again and decoct to two sheng (approx. 2 liters). Then place in a non-porous container. When using, first melt half he (approx. 15 ml) of sesame oil, one fen (approx. 3-4 g) of beeswax, and a piece of butter/ghee the size of a chestnut together. Grind seven almonds and a little ginger together. Add two qian (approx. 6-7 g) of rice flour, mix evenly into the paste. First apply to the sore, wipe off after two days, then uniformly spread the Qiu decoction/paste over the entire wound with a comb, and cover with soft cloth. Wipe once daily and apply fresh medicine. Within five to six applications, open wounds will regenerate flesh, and unopened swellings will resolve internally. After recovery, dietary restrictions must be observed for half a year. During harvesting and decoction, filial sons, women, monks, Taoist priests, chickens, and dogs must not witness the process. ([Source Unspecified])

If not healed, grind Qiu leaves and root bark into powder and apply. (*Taiping Shenghui Fang* [Holy Hui Prescriptions of the Taiping Era])

Children with failure of hair growth: Crush the center of Qiu leaves, extract juice, and apply frequently. (*Qianjin Yi Fang* [Appendix to Essential Prescriptions Worth a Thousand Gold])

(Note: Original text appears truncated, likely referring to a specific condition such as eye or scalp issue). Burn until dry, remove ash/mud, add a little water, squeeze out juice, slowly boil in a copper vessel until resembling thin syrup, store in a porcelain box. Apply dropwise every morning. (*Puji Fang* [Universal Effective Prescriptions])

Pediatric alopecia barbae/tinea capitis: Crush Qiu leaves, extract juice, and apply. (*Zimu Milu* [Secret Record of Mother and Child])