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(Recorded in the Middle Category of *Shennong Bencao Jing*)

**Names:** Hongniangzi (Red Lady), as cited in *Bencao Gangmu*; Huihuame (Gray-spotted Moth).
Li Shizhen stated: It is named "Ji" (Chicken/Bird) because it sings at specific times. *Guangya* writes it as "Chujiu," and *Guangzhi* writes it as "Chuji," both of which are erroneous. Its feathers are colorful, hence the common names Hongniangzi and Huihuame.

**Collection and Explanation:** *Mingyi Bielu* states: It grows on Chou trees in the valleys of Hebei Commandery. It is collected in the seventh lunar month and sun-dried.
Tao Hongjing stated: It is now produced in Liangzhou. Its shape resembles that of a cold cicada but is smaller. The Chou tree resembles the lacquer tree but has an odor; similarly, Yuanqing (Lytta vesicatoria) and Tingchang have toxic properties.
Su Gong stated: It is not found in Hebei, but is now produced in Qizhou. There are two types: those with all five colors present are male and superior for medicinal use. Those with a blue-black body and white spots are female and are not used medicinally.
Zhang Yuxi stated: They are particularly abundant in the regions of Bian and Luo. Their shape is similar to silkworm moths, but their abdomen is large, head and feet slightly black, wings double-layered—the outer layer gray, the inner layer deep red—with all five colors present.
Su Song stated: *Erya* records: "Chuji, Tianji." Guo Pu's annotation says: "It is a small insect, black body with a red head." Also known as Shaji. However, the current Shaji lives on Chou wood, emerges and flies in mid-June, vibrating its wings to make a rustling sound, and people sometimes keep them in cages. Yet, its head is square and abdomen large, wing feathers green outside and red inside, while the body is not black and the head is not red; this differs significantly from Guo's description. On Chou trees, there is a type with both head and wings red, which matches the old description, and people call it Hongniangzi. But it is not named Chuji; I suspect it is this species, likely due to differences in nomenclature between ancient and modern times.
Li Shizhen stated: Chou refers to Ailanthus altissima (Tree of Heaven). This creature, when newly born, has a square and flat head, a pointed beak pointing downward, six legs, and double wings, and is black. Upon maturing, it can fly; the outer wings are grayish-yellow with spots, and the inner wings display alternating five colors. They inhabit trees, arranging themselves in rows. In late autumn, they lay eggs on the bark of Chou trees. The accounts of Su Gong and Kou Zongshi are correct. Su Song’s citation of Guo Pu identifying it as Shaji is incorrect. Shaji lives among莎草 (Cyperus rotundus), belongs to the cricket family, resembles locusts but has spots, has several layers of wings, the lower wings being bright red, and flies and makes noise in June. For details, see Lu Ji's *Maoshi Shuyi*. Luo Yuan's *Erya Yi* incorrectly identifies Shaji as Luowei (cricket/walking stick insect).

**Processing:** Li Shizhen stated: When using, remove the wings and feet. Stir-fry with glutinous rice or flour until yellow, then remove the rice or flour before use.

**Flavor and Properties:** Bitter, neutral, slightly toxic. Do not let it come near the eyes (*Mingyi Bielu*).

**Indications:** Treats evil qi in the heart and abdomen, impotence, benefits essence and strengthens willpower, promotes fertility and good complexion, tonifies the middle and lightens the body (*Shennong Bencao Jing*).
*Mingyi Bielu* states: Treats excessive seminal emission.
Zhang Yuxi stated: Unblocks blood stasis and promotes blood circulation.
Li Shizhen stated: Treats scrofula (luoli) and dissipates corneal opacities (jieyi).

**Elucidation:** Tao Hongjing stated: It is rarely used in prescriptions; it is used in Da Shexiang Wan (Large Musk Pill).
Li Shizhen stated: It is used in ancient formulas like Biwen Shagui Wan (Plague-Repelling Ghost-Killing Pill); in recent times, it is used more frequently in formulas because it is a herb for the Jueyin channel, capable of promoting and invigorating blood circulation. In *Puji Fang*, in the Boyun Gao (Cloud-Piercing Ointment) for treating corneal opacities, it is used together with Yuanqing and Banmao, also reflecting the principle of invigorating blood and dissipating nodules.

**Attached Prescriptions:** Four new prescriptions.

**Deficient Cold of the Uterus:** *Xinglin Zhaiyao* states: Infertility in women is caused by deficient cold of the uterus, deficiency of the lower yuan, irregular menstruation, amenorrhea or metrorrhagia, or metrorrhagia (heavy bleeding).
Use 120 Hongniangzi, grind into powder. Form pills with jujube paste, size of a bullet. Wrap in cotton, tie securely, insert into the vagina using a bamboo tube. After about one hour, if fever and thirst occur, take with cooked [water/decoction]. [Text fragment missing in source].

**Scrofula and Tubercles:** Use 14 Hongniangzi, 1 qian of Xurong (Frankincense), 1 qian of Pishuang (Arsenic Trioxide), 1.5 qian of Naosha (Sal Ammoniac), 0.5 qian of Huangdan (Lead Tetroxide). Grind into powder, mix with glutinous rice porridge to form cakes, and apply topically. Within one month, the nodules will naturally fall off. (*Weisheng Yijian Fang*)

**Mad Dog Bite, Fatal if Untreated:** Use 2 Hongniangzi, 5 Banmao (Mustard Beetle), removing wings and feet (add one each for patients aged 40, two each for those aged 50), 1 fen of Suisuiji (Euphorbia lathyris), 0.5 fen each of Xurong (Frankincense), Chenxiang (Agarwood), and Jiegeng (Platycodon Root), and a little酥油 (Ghee). Grind into powder. Patients aged 10 take four doses; aged 15, three doses; aged 20, two doses; aged 30, one dose. (*Tanyeweng Fang*)

**Bubo (Inguinal Abscess):** Make a hole in one chicken egg, insert 6 Hongniangzi, wrap in paper, and roast until cooked. Remove the Hongniangzi, eat the egg, and swallow with wine. Recovery occurs when thick blood is discharged via urination. (Lu Shi's *Jide Tang Fang*)