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(Jiao. Listed as Middle Grade in the *Shennong Bencao Jing*.)
【Names】Qin Jiao (from *Tang Bencao*), Qin Zhao (recorded by Xiao Bing).
Su Gong said: Qin Jiao is commonly written as "Qin Jiao" (homophone for glue), its original name is Qin [Jiao], same as the character "Jiu" (to twist/cross).
Li Shizhen said: Qin Jiao grows in the Qin region, named so because the roots have a cross-twisted pattern like a sieve, hence called Qin Jiao or Qin [Jiao].
【Collection & Explanation】The *Bie Lu* states: Qin Jiao grows in valleys of Feiniao; roots are harvested in February and August and dried in the sun.
Tao Hongjing said: It is now produced in Gansong, Long... [text missing]; when used, the outer skin should be removed.
Su Gong said: Those produced in Jingzhou, [missing] Zhou, and Qizhou are of good quality.
Su Song said: It is widely found in He and Shan prefectures. The roots are earthy yellow and interlaced, about one chi long, varying in thickness. Branches and stems are five to six cun high. Leaves are spreading, green along with the stems, resembling lettuce leaves. Flowers bloom in purple in June, similar to Kudzu flowers, and bear seeds in the same month. Roots are typically harvested in spring and autumn and dried in the shade.
【Processing】[Missing Name] said: Qin Jiao must be identified by the texture at the root base: left-twisted fibers are called "Qin," which treats diseases; right-twisted fibers are called "Jiao," which induces Hong Kong Foot (podagra/tinea pedis). When using Qin Jiao, wipe off the yellow-white hairs with cloth, then soak in Huanyuan Decoction overnight, dry, and use.
Li Shizhen said: For Qin Jiao, it is sufficient to select those with left-twisted fibers as superior. Dividing Qin and Jiao into two names is erroneous.
【Nature & Flavor】Bitter, neutral, non-toxic. The *Bie Lu* adds: Pungent, slightly warm. Da Ming adds: Bitter, cold.
Zhang Yuansu said: Slightly warm in nature, bitter and pungent in flavor; Yin containing slight Yang, capable of ascending and descending, enters the Hand-Yangming Large Intestine Meridian.
Li Dang said: Shi Chang Pu (Acorus Tatarinowii Rhizome) acts as its guide drug; it fears Cow's Milk.
【Indications】Cold-heat pathogenic factors, wind-bi due to cold-dampness, pain in limbs and joints, diarrhea and difficult urination (*Shennong Bencao Jing*). Treats wind disorders regardless of duration, general body spasms and stiffness (*Bie Lu*). Treats Chuan Shi Gu Zheng (consumptive bone-steaming fever, e.g., tuberculosis), Gan accumulation, and epidemic febrile diseases (Da Ming). Taken with cow's milk, promotes urination and defecation, treats Jiu Huang (alcoholic jaundice) and Huang Dan (jaundice), resolves alcohol toxicity, and removes Tou Feng (head wind/headache) (Zhen Quan). Clears Wind-Dampness from the Yangming meridian, treats hemiplegia, trismus, toothache, mouth ulcers, intestinal wind with bloody stool, nourishes blood and tendons (Zhang Yuansu). Drains heat, benefits Gallbladder Qi (Wang Haogu). Treats stomach heat and deficiency-fever from consumptive disease (Li Shizhen).
【Elucidation】Li Shizhen said: Qin Jiao is a herb for the Hand and Foot Yangming meridians, also entering the Liver and Gallbladder meridians. Therefore, it is essential for conditions such as hemiplegia, jaundice, and irritability with thirst, as it clears Damp-Heat from the Yangming. If Yangming has Dampness, the body feels sore, painful, and hot; if it has Heat, there is afternoon tidal fever and bone-steaming. Thus, the *Shenghui Fang* treats acute consumption with irritability and body soreness using Qin Jiao and Chai Hu (Bupleurum Root) each 1 liang, and Gan Cao (Licorice Root) 5 qian. Pulverized, take 3 qian per dose mixed with plain water. To treat pediatric bone-steaming tidal fever, reduced appetite, and emaciation, use Qin Jiao and Zhi Gan Cao (Honey-fried Licorice Root) each 1 liang. Take 1–2 qian, decocted in water. Qian Yi added Bo He Ye (Mint Leaf) 5 qian to this formula.
【Attached Prescriptions】6 old prescriptions, 7 new prescriptions.
Five Types of Jaundice: Cui Yuanliang's *Haishang Fang* states: There are several types of jaundice: jaundice from wine injury, jaundice from accidentally eating mouse feces, jaundice from overwork, accompanied by excessive phlegm and nasal discharge, red veins in eyes, worsening emaciation, or red face and nausea. Use 1 da liang of Qin Jiao, cut into two doses. Each dose soaked in half sheng of wine, squeezed for juice, taken on an empty stomach; stop if bowel movement occurs. It is easier to cure in drinkers, proving effective repeatedly. *Zhenyuan Guangli Fang*: Treats jaundice where both interior and exterior are yellow, with red urine, heart irritability, and dry mouth. Use 3 liang of Qin Jiao and 1 da sheng of cow's milk, decoct to obtain 7 he, divide into two warm doses. This prescription comes from Xu Renze. Another prescription by Sun Simiao: add Mang Xiao (Mirabilite) 6 qian. Acute Diarrhea with Thirst: Qin Jiao 2 liang, Zhi Gan Cao (Honey-fried Licorice Root) 0.5 liang. Take 3 qian per dose, decocted in water... (*Taiping Shenghui Fang*). Acute Consumption with Irritability: See below under Elucidation. Pediatric Bone-Steaming: Same as above. Difficult Urination or Zhuan Bao (bladder torsion causing retention), abdominal fullness and distress; if not treated urgently, it can be fatal. Use 1 liang of Qin Jiao, 1 zhan of water, decoct to 0.7 portion, divide into two doses. Another prescription: add Dong Kui Zi (Abutilon Seed) in equal amounts, pulverize, take one bi (coin-sized measure) with wine. (*Shenghui Fang*). Fetal Restlessness: Qin Jiao, Zhi Gan Cao (Honey-fried Licorice Root), Lu Jiao Jiao (Deer Horn Gelatin, stir-fried) each 0.5 liang. Pulverize. Take 3 qian per dose, decocted in water... Early stage of Fa Bei (back carbuncle) when suspected. Immediately decoct Qin Jiao with cow's milk and take; after obtaining rapid loose stools three to five times, it heals. (Cui Yuanliang's *Haishang Jiyan Fang*). Non-healing wound ulcers, treating all types. Pulverize Qin Jiao and apply externally. (*Zhizhi Fang*)