Library

(Recorded in the Middle Category of *Shennong Bencao Jing*)
[Correction] Merged with *Hanyou* (Dried Lotus Root) from *Bencao Shiyi*.
[Names] Mumeng (Tao Hongjing), Huangsun (*Mingyi Bie Lu*), Hunghun (*Mingyi Bie Lu*), Hanyou. Wu Pu said: In Chu, it is called Wangsun. In Qi, it is called Changsun, also known as Haishen. In Wu, it is called Baigongzhang, also known as Manyan. Li Shizhen said: Zishen is also named Mumeng; Hehuan in the Wood section is also named Hunghun. These share the same names but are different substances.
[Collection and Explanation] *Mingyi Bie Lu* states: Wangsun grows in the rivers and valleys of Haixi, and beneath the city walls of Runan. Wu Pu said: It spreads with red patterns on stems and leaves, which are proportional in size.
Tao Hongjing said: Physicians today all call it Hunghun, claiming it is Mumeng, but few people in the market recognize it. Su Gong said: According to Chen Yanzhi's *Duanju Fang*, Mumeng in the Materia Medica is also named Wangsun. Xu Zhicai's *Yaodui* contains Mumeng but not Wangsun. This clearly indicates they are one substance. The leaves of Mumeng resemble Ji Ji (*Saposhnikovia divaricata*) but are larger; the root is over a chi long, with purple skin and flesh. Meng Shen said: Hanyou grows in the Taihang Mountains, resembling lotus root. Li Shizhen said: Wangsun leaves grow at the apex, resembling the leaves of Ziheche (*Placenta Hominis*). Consulting Shennong and *Wu Pu Bencao*, Zishen is also named Mumeng. Tao Hongjing also stated that physicians today call Zishen Mumeng. However, Wangsun here does not bear the name Mumeng, yet Tao added under Wangsun: "also named Mumeng," without describing its shape. In the Tang Dynasty, Su Gong began to distinguish Zishen and Mumeng as two different substances, stating that Zishen leaves resemble those of Yangti (*Rumex japonicus*), while Wangsun leaves resemble those of Ji Ji. But the Mumeng used in ancient prescriptions was always Zishen; the Mumeng used by later generations was actually Wangsun, not Zishen. This distinction must not be overlooked. During the reign of Emperor Xuanzong of Tang, the recluse Jiang Fu submitted a memorial stating: There is Hanyou in Mount Zhongnan; consuming it extends life, and it resembles kudzu powder. The Emperor had it made into noodle soup and bestowed it upon high ministers. General Gan Shoucheng of Youxiaoqi said: Hanyou is Mumeng. Physicians have long abandoned its use, and Jiang Fu changed its name to mystify it. Based on this, Mumeng is indeed Wangsun. Generally, Zishen only treats blood disorders, accumulations, malaria, and dysentery; whereas Wangsun primarily treats pathogenic qi in the five zang organs and bi-syndrome pain. Its efficacy in treating hundred diseases can be inferred accordingly. Su Gong cited the indications for Mumeng from *Duanju Fang*, which actually pertain to Zishen, not Wangsun. Therefore, it is now moved and attached under Zishen.
Root
[Flavor and Toxicity] Bitter, neutral, non-toxic. Wu Pu said: Shennong and Lei Gong considered it bitter and non-toxic; the Yellow Emperor considered it sweet. Meng Shen said: Hanyou: Sweet, neutral, non-toxic.
[Indications] Pathogenic qi in the five zang organs, cold-damp bi-syndrome, soreness and acidity in the four limbs, cold pain in the knees (*Shennong Bencao Jing*). Treats hundred diseases, tonifies qi (*Mingyi Bie Lu*). Hanyou: Mainly treats longevity without hunger, and blackens hair (Meng Shen).