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

**Names:** Qijing (Stem of Lacquer Plant, from *Mingyi Bielu*), Mao'er Yanjingcao (Cat's Eye Grass, from *Bencao Gangmu*).

Tao Hongjing stated: This is the seedling of *Dajix* (Euphorbia pekinensis). When leaves are plucked while growing, white juice flows out, hence the name Zeqi (Spurge), and it can also bite/injure human flesh. For other details, see below.

**Collection and Explanation:** *Mingyi Bielu* states: Zeqi is the seedling of *Dajix*. It grows in the rivers and marshes of Mount Tai. The stems and leaves should be harvested on the third day of the third lunar month and the seventh day of the seventh lunar month, then dried in the shade.

Su Song stated: This plant is found in Jizhou, Dingzhou, Mingzhou, and nearby regions.

Li Shizhen stated: Both *Mingyi Bielu* and Tao氏 (Tao Hongjing) claimed that Zeqi is the seedling of *Dajix*. *Rihua Zi* further stated that it is the flower of *Dajix*, and its seedlings are edible. However, *Dajix* seedlings cause purgation/diarrhea and cannot be used as vegetables. Upon examining *Tusuxiangbencao* and *Baocanglun* among other texts, they all state that Zeqi is Mao'er Yanjingcao (Cat's Eye Grass), also known as Lvyelühuacao (Green Leaf Green Flower Grass) and Wufengcao (Five-Phoenix Grass). It is abundant in rivers, lakes, plains, and marshes. It sprouts in spring; one cluster branches into a tuft. The tender stems resemble those of *Machixian* (Portulaca oleracea); the green leaves resemble those of *Muxu* (Medicago sativa). The leaves are round, yellowish-green, and somewhat resemble cat eyes, hence the name "Cat's Eye." Typically, five leaves branch from the stem tip, with five small stalks emerging from the center. Each stalk bears fine bluish-green flowers, supported by small leaves, arranged neatly and uniformly, hence also named Wufengcao and Lvyelühuacao. Breaking the stem releases a sticky white juice. The root is white and hard-boned. Those who consider this to be the seedling of *Dajix* are mistaken. Harvested in May, it is effective for treating Shuigu (Hydrops/Ascites) and Xiangjiaojiao (Podagra/Foot swelling and pain), which aligns well with the original text of *Shennong Bencao Jing*. Since Han dynasty scholars compiled *Mingyi Bielu*, mistakenly identifying it as the seedling of *Dajix*, subsequent families have followed this error. Users should exercise caution.

**Stems and Leaves**

**Flavor and Properties:** Bitter, slightly cold, non-toxic. *Mingyi Bielu* states: Pungent. Su Song stated: Cold, slightly toxic. Xu Zhicai stated: *Xiaodou* (Vigna angularis) acts as its guide drug; it opposes *Shuyu* (Dioscorea opposita).

**Indications:** Skin heat, abdominal hydrops (ascites), edema of the four limbs and face, insufficiency of kidney qi in men (*Shennong Bencao Jing*). Promotes urination and defecation, brightens the eyes, and lightens the body (*Mingyi Bielu*). Treats Gutu poison (parasitic disease).

**Elucidation:** Li Shizhen stated: Zeqi promotes water metabolism, and its efficacy is similar to *Dajix*. Therefore, people see the white juice in its stems and mistakenly identify it as *Dajix*. However, both the roots and shoots of *Dajix* are toxic and purgative, whereas the root of Zeqi is hard and unusable, and its shoots are non-toxic, edible as vegetables, and beneficial for male kidney qi. The two are vastly different.

**Attached Prescriptions:** Two old prescriptions, six new prescriptions.

For lung cough with rebellious Qi and deep pulse, treat with Zeqi Tang: Zeqi 3 jin (boil in 5 dou of flowing eastward water until reduced to 1.5 dou, discard dregs), add Banxia 0.5 sheng, Zishen, Baiqian, and Shengjiang each 5 liang, Gancao, Huangqin, Renshen, and Guixin each 3 liang. Decoct to obtain 5 sheng. Take 5 he per dose, three times daily. (Zhang Zhongjing, *Jingui Yaolue Fang*)

For Fu Xia (subcutaneous mass) under the heart the size of a cup, unable to eat: Zeqi 4 liang, Dahuang, Tingli (stir-fried) each 3 liang.

For ten types of Hydrops: Zeqi 10 jin. In summer, take tender stems and leaves, add 1 dou of wine, grind to extract juice (approx. 2 dou). Slowly boil in a silver pot until resembling thin malt syrup.

For Hydrops and Gutu disease: Fresh Mao'er Yanjingcao, dry and powder. Form pills the size of quail eggs using jujube paste. Take 2 pills per dose, dissolved in warm water, twice daily. Stop when warmth is felt in the abdomen and urination becomes smooth. (*Qiankun Miyun*)

For Xiangjiaojiao with redness and swelling, painful walking: Mao'er Yanjingcao, Lusiteng, Fengke in equal proportions. Take 1 liang, add 5 bowls of water, decoct to 3 bowls. Use for fumigation and washing. (*Weisheng Yijian Fang*)

For toothache: A handful of Mao'er Yanjingcao, grind thoroughly, soak in hot water to extract juice. Hold in mouth and gargle, then spit out saliva. (*Weisheng Yijian Fang*)

For Luoli (scrofula) in men and women: 1-2 bundles of Mao'er Yanjingcao, 2 buckets of well water. On the noon hour of the fifth day of the fifth lunar month, boil in a pot until reduced to 1 bucket. Discard dregs, clarify, and boil again until reduced to 1 bowl. Store in a bottle. Before application, wash the sore clean with a decoction of椒 (Sichuan pepper), Cong (Scallion), and Huaizhi (Locust branch). Then apply this ointment. It heals after several applications. (*Bianmin Tuzuan Fang*)

For Tchuang sores with parasites: Dry Mao'er Yanjingcao, powder it, and mix with sesame oil for topical application. (*Weisheng Yijian Fang*)