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(Recorded in the Middle Category of *Shennong Bencao Jing*).
[Correction] Merged with "Spina Ziziphi Spinosae Flos" (Flower of Thorny Jujube) from *Mingyi Bielu*.
[Names] Spina Ziziphi Spinosae (from *Mingyi Bielu*), Spina Ziziphi Aculeus (from *Mingyi Bielu*), Xi (from *Mingyi Bielu*), Maqu (pronounced 'Qu'). Li Shizhen said: The one growing alone and tall is called Zao (Jujube), while those planted in rows and low are called Ji (Thorny Jujube). Therefore, the character 'Ji' implies density for Zao, and flatness/low growth for Ji.
[Explanation] *Mingyi Bielu* states: Baiji (White Thorny Jujube) grows in the valleys of Yongzhou. The flowers of Spina Ziziphi grow by the roadside; harvest the flowers 120 days after the Winter Solstice, and harvest the fruits in April.
Dang Zhi said: Baiji is the thorn of the Sour Jujube tree. Nowadays, people substitute it with the seedling of *Asparagus cochinchinensis* (Tianmendong), which is not authentic.
Su Gong said: There are two types of Ji: Red and White. The stem of Baiji is white like powder; its seeds and leaves are the same as those of Red Ji. It occasionally appears among Ji bushes and is also rare. Among the spines, the white ones are preferred for medicinal use. However, there are two types of spines: straight and hooked. Straight spines are suitable for tonifying formulas, while hooked spines are suitable for treating sores and swellings. The flower is simply its flower, with no other substance involved. *Asparagus cochinchinensis* is also named Dianji; people in the south use it to substitute Baiji.
Su Song said: There are two types of Ji: Red and White. *Qieyun* states: Ji is a small jujube tree. It is found everywhere in fields and countryside, growing in clumps three or two chi high. Its flowers, leaves, stems, and fruits all resemble those of the jujube tree.
Kou Zongshi said: The original text clearly states that Baiji is also named Jizhen and Jici. Various scholars unnecessarily create confusion, which I do not adopt here. Baiji refers to the plant that is lush and purple, with a thin white membrane naturally peeling off first on the branches. Thus, the meaning of "Bai" (White) in Baiji is derived from this feature.
[Properties and Flavor] Pungent, Cold, Non-toxic.
[Indications] Heart and abdominal pain, abscesses with pus discharge, relieving pain and qi stagnation, benefiting marrow and essence.
[Attached Formulas] Six old formulas, eight new formulas.
Hematuria (Blood in urine): Three sheng of Spina Ziziphi Aculeus, five sheng of water. Decoct until two sheng remain. Divide into three doses. (*Waitai Miyao*).
Umbilical and abdominal pain: Severe due to deficiency-cold of the Kidney causing cramping. One he of hooked Spina Ziziphi Aculeus (roasted), two qian and half of Areca Seed (Binglang). Add one cup of water, decoct until five fen remains. Add half a cup of good wine, boil three to five times. Divide into two doses. (*Shenghui Fang*).
Head Wind Pain (Headache due to wind): Forty-nine hooked Spina Ziziphi Aculei (charred but retaining efficacy), one Clove (Dingxiang), musk amount equivalent to a soap bean. Grind into powder. Snuff into either nostril according to the side of pain. (*Shenghui Fang*).
Entropion (Inverted eyelashes): One hundred twenty Chi Longzhua (hooked Spina Ziziphi Aculei), two Earthworms (Dilong), one hundred twenty joints of Equisetum (Muzei), two kernels of Momordica charantia (Mubiezi, stir-fried). Grind into powder. Pluck out the inverted eyelashes, apply daily... [Text incomplete].
Dental caries decayed by worms: Two hundred Spina Ziziphi Aculei (those rotted and fallen from jujube trees). Add three sheng of water, decoct until one sheng remains. Rinse mouth with the liquid. Alternatively, extract juice by charring and apply daily, then apply powder of Realgar (Xionghuang) afterwards. Cure. (*Waitai Miyao*).
Pediatric throat obstruction (Houbi): Char Spina Ziziphi Aculei to ash. Take half qian with water. (*Shenghui Fang*).
Pediatric trismus (Jingkou - convulsions preventing suckling): Baiji, char and grind into powder. Take one qian with water. (*Shenghui Fang*).
Pediatric erysipelas (Dandu): Decoct roots of Ji in water to obtain juice. Wash the affected area. (*Qianjin Fang*).
Carbuncles, ulcers, fistulas: Formula same as above.
Carbuncle and malignant swelling: Three hooked and rotted Spina Ziziphi Aculei, seven Cloves (Dingxiang). Put together in a bottle, char until efficacious. Mix with feces of an infant within one month of age. Apply topically three times a day.
Another formula: Three hundred curved-head Spina Ziziphi Aculei, two liang of aged Tangerine Peel (Chenpi). Add five sheng of water, decoct until one and a half sheng remains. Divide into doses. (*Shenghui Fang*).
Various swellings with pus: Char Spina Ziziphi Aculei to ash. Take one qian with water. Pus head will emerge overnight. (*Qianjin Fang*).
Various pediatric malnutrition syndromes (Gan): Equal parts of Spina Ziziphi Aculei and Melon Stalk (Gua Di). Grind into powder. Snuff into nose, three times a day. (*Shenghui Fang*).
Branch
[Indications] Burn with oil and apply to hair to remove dirt (Kou Zongshi).
Spina Ziziphi Spinosae Flos (from *Mingyi Bielu*)
[Properties and Flavor] Bitter, Neutral, Non-toxic.
[Indications] Internal leakage from metal wounds (from *Mingyi Bielu*).
Fruit
[Indications] Atrophy and obstruction of heart and abdomen, clearing heat, promoting urination (from *Mingyi Bielu*).
Leaf
[Indications] Ulcers on the shin. Crush and apply externally. Can also be sun-dried, ground into powder, and mixed with sesame oil for topical application (Li Shizhen).