Library

(Top Grade in *Shennong Bencao Jing*)

[Names] Longxu (Dragon Whisker, from *Benjing*), Longxiu (from *Shanhai Jing*), Guan (from *Bielu*), Caoxuduan (Grass Continues the Broken Bone, from *Benjing*), Jinyuncao (Jinyun Grass, from *Gangmu*), Fangbin (from *Bielu*), Xiwangmuzan (Hairpin of the Queen Mother of the West).

Li Shizhen stated: Cutting grass and bundling it is called "chu". This herb grows in wet places among rocks by water; it can be cut and bundled to feed horses, hence its name "Longchu" (Dragon Bundle).

*Shuyou Ji* records: In the place on islands in the East Sea where King Mu of Zhou kept his eight swift horses, there was a herb named Longchu; this refers to that herb. Thus, the ancient saying goes: "A bundle of Longchu transforms into a dragon steed." This also aligns with the meaning of "chu huan" (grass-fed and grain-fed animals) mentioned by Mencius. "Longxu" and "Wangmu Zan" are named after their shape. "Jinyun" is a county name belonging to modern Chuzhou; Xian Du Mountain produces this herb, hence the name. Cui Bao in *Gujin Zhu* said: The world says that when the Yellow Emperor rode a dragon to heaven, the ministers grabbed the dragon's whiskers, which fell to the ground and grew into grass named Longxu; this is erroneous. In Jiangdong, people weave mats from this grass, naming them "Xi Wangmu Mats"; could these not also be whiskers dropped by the Queen Mother of the West while riding a tiger?

[Collection and Explanation] *Bielu* states: Shilongchu grows in the wet valleys of Liangzhou. The stems are harvested in May and July and dried in the sun. Those with many nodes and plump grains are considered superior.

Tao Hongjing stated: The stems are green, slender, and connected; the fruits are red. It is now found in watery rocky areas near the roads, resembling the Longxu grass from Dongyang used for making mats, but with more nodes.

Zang Qi stated: It is now produced in Fenzhou, Qinzhou, and Shizhou, and is also found everywhere.

Baosheng stated: It grows in clumps, the stems resemble [text missing/symbol], and is available locally. Commonly known as Longxu Cao (Dragon Whisker Grass), it can be used to make mats. The roots are harvested in August and September and dried in the sun.

Li Shizhen stated: Longxu grass grows in clumps, resembling Zongxin Cao (Heart of Zongzi Grass) and Fuci (Water Chestnut). The seedlings grow straight up, and in summer, small spikelet flowers open at the stem tips, producing fine fruits, without branches or leaves. Nowadays, people in Wu often cultivate it to weave mats, while wild growth elsewhere is scarce. *Benjing* clearly states that Longchu is another name for Longxu, whereas Tao Hongjing claimed Longchu resembles Longxu but has more nodes, seemingly treating them as two different substances; this is incorrect.

Stem

[Properties and Flavor] Bitter, slightly cold, non-toxic. *Bielu* states: Slightly warm.

[Indications] Evil qi in the heart and abdomen, difficult urination, strangury (Lin syndrome), urinary retention, wind-dampness, Guizhu (ghostly infection/epidemic disease), and malignant toxins. Long-term consumption tonifies deficiency and emaciation, lightens the body, clarifies the ears and eyes, and prolongs life (*Benjing*). Tonifies internal deficiency and insufficiency, treats epigastric fullness/stuffiness, lack of luster in the body, sweating, eliminates heat and pain in the urethra, treats roundworms and indigestion (*Bielu*).

Old Mat

[Indications] Strangury and sudden urinary obstruction. Take one square chi of broken, soiled mat, decoct in water, and drink the juice (Zang Qi).