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(Top Grade in *Shennong Bencao Jing*)

**[Names]** Shiling (Wu Pu in *Shennong Bencao Jing* wrote "Ling Shi"), Shilong Teng, Xuan Shi (same as above), Naidong (Su Gong), Yunhua (Wu Pu), Yunying (Wu Pu), Yundan (Wu Pu), Shixue (Su Gong), Yunzhu (Wu Pu. *Mingyi Bielu* also names it Lueshi, Lingshi, Mingshi, Shicuo). Su Gong said: The common name is Naidong. Because it envelops stones and trees while growing, it is named Luoshi. People in southern mountains call it Shixue; it is very effective for treating postpartum blood accumulation.

**[Collection and Explanation]** *Mingyi Bielu* states: Luoshi grows in the valleys of Mount Tai, or on the shady side of rocky mountains, or on high mountain rocks, or near human dwellings. It is harvested in May.

Tao Hongjing said: I do not recognize this herb, and it is rarely used in medical prescriptions. Some say it is a stone-like substance; since it grows near human dwellings, it is not actually a stone, similar to Shihu (Dendrobium) which takes its name from stones.

Su Gong said: This plant grows in shady and moist places, remaining evergreen in winter and summer. Its fruits are black and round. The stems creep and wrap around trees and rocks. If growing among stones, the leaves are fine, dense, round, and short; if wrapping around trees, the leaves are large and thin. People also cultivate it for decoration.

Ma Baosheng said: It is found everywhere, growing between wood and stones, not withering in winter. The leaves resemble those of small citrus plants. Where the stem nodes touch surfaces, they take root and envelop the sides of stones. The flowers are white, and the fruits are black. The stems and leaves are harvested in June and July and dried in the sun.

Chen Zangqi said: Those growing on stones are of good quality; those growing on wood derive efficacy from the wood's nature and are similar to Bili (Ficus pumila). There are more than ten types of vines such as Shixue and Dijin that belong to this category. Generally, they all treat wind-blood disorders, warm the waist and legs, turn hair white, and prevent aging. Su Gong’s statement that Shixue is Luoshi is significantly erroneous. Luoshi has round, upright green leaves; Shixue has pointed leaves with one end being red.

Li Shizhen said: Luoshi grows attached to stones. When its vines are broken, they exude a white juice. The leaves are smaller than a finger, thick, woody, and tough, with a green front and pale back, rough and not shiny. There are two varieties: pointed leaves and round leaves. Their functions are identical, likely being the same species. Su Gong’s description is not incorrect but lacks detail.

**[Processing]** Lei Xiao said: After harvesting, wipe off the hairs with coarse cloth, soak in cooked Licorice water for one shichen (approx. 2 hours), cut, and dry before use.

**[Flavor and Toxicity]** Bitter, warm, non-toxic. *Mingyi Bielu* says: Slightly cold. Wu Pu said: Shennong considered it bitter and slightly warm; Lei Gong considered it bitter, neutral, and non-toxic; Bian Que and Tong Jun considered it sweet and non-toxic.

Li Dangzhi said: Greatly cold. It is the sovereign of herbs. It can be harvested at any time.

Li Shizhen said: Sweet, slightly sour, not bitter.

Xu Zhicai said: Eucommia bark (Duzhong) and Tree Peony bark (Mudanpi) act as its guides. It clashes with Iron Filings (Tielluo) and fears Fritillaria (Beimu) and Acorus (Changpu). It kills Yin poison.

**[Indications]** Wind-heat causing muscle necrosis and sores, dry mouth and scorched tongue, unresolving carbuncles, swelling and closure of throat and tongue, inability to drink water or eat (*Shennong Bencao Jing*). Sudden fright entering the abdomen, expelling evil qi, nourishing the Kidney, treating pain in the lower back and hips, strengthening sinews and bones, benefiting joints. Long-term consumption lightens the body, improves vision, enhances complexion, prevents aging, and prolongs life. Enhances spiritual connection (*Mingyi Bielu*). Treats all wind disorders, turns hair white, and aids longevity (Chen Zangqi). For Viper bite sores and toxins, chest oppression: consume the juice and wash the wound. For axe or knife wounds: apply externally for immediate healing (Su Gong).

**[Elucidation]** Li Shizhen said: Luoshi has durable properties and a mild flavor. Shennong listed it in the Top Grade, and Li Dangzhi called it the Sovereign of Medicines. Its main functions are treating wind-heat carbuncles of the sinews, bones, and joints, turning hair white, and resisting aging. Yet physicians rarely know to use it; is it because it is considered humble and thus neglected? It should be taken by soaking in wine. The *Renctun Tang Fang* states: White turbid urine results from the failure of Heart and Kidney interaction, or excessive alcohol and sexual indulgence, leading to severe condition known as "Upper Indulgence." This implies deficiency heat and insufficient Kidney essence, allowing Earth pathogen to disturb Water. As Shi Zaiyan stated: In summer, Earth is dry and Water is turbid; in winter, Earth is firm and Water is clear, illustrating this principle. Physicians often use harsh tonification, which worsens the disease. Only by taking Bojin San can Fire and Water interact harmoniously, making the source clean and the flow clear. Use Luoshi, Ginseng, and Poria each 2 liang, and Dragon Bone 1 liang. Grind into powder. Take 2 qian per dose, with rice water on an empty stomach, twice daily.

**[Attached Prescriptions]** One old prescription, two new ones.

White Turbid Urine: Prescription same as above.

Sore Throat with Swelling and Obstruction, Panting and Inability to Breathe, Life-threatening in Moments, Divine Efficacy: Prescription: Use 1 liang of Luoshi grass. Add 1 sheng of water, decoct to 1 da zhan. Sip slowly; patency will return shortly (*Waitai Miyao*).

Carbuncle and Ulcer Pain, Pain Relief: Lingbao San: Use Guixi Yao (growing on shady, moist stone banks among bamboo fences, symbiotic with Luoshi is good; symbiotic with wood is useless. The vine is soft and fine, leaves opposite each other, triangular shape, use stems and leaves) 1 liang (wash and dry, avoid fire), Gleditsia Sinensis Spine 1 liang (stir-fry in yellow on new tile), Licorice Node 0.5 liang, Large Trichosanthes Fruit 1 (take seeds, stir-fry until fragrant), Frankincense and Myrrh each 3 qian. Take 2 qian per dose with 1 zhan of water and 0.5 zhan of wine, decoct slowly over low heat to 1 zhan, take warm (*Waike Jingyao*).