Library

(Superior Grade in *Shennong Bencao Jing*)

[Names] Shuzhe (from *Shennong Bencao Jing*), Jiegu (from *Mingyi Bielu*), Longdou (from *Shennong Bencao Jing*), Nancao (from *Mingyi Bielu*).
Li Shizhen said: Xuduan, Shuzhe, and Jiegu are all named after their therapeutic functions.

[Collection and Explanation] *Mingyi Bielu* states: Xuduan grows in the valleys of Changshan. It is harvested in the seventh and eighth lunar months and dried in the shade.
Tao Hongjing stated: According to *Tongjun Yaolu*, Xuduan is a creeping vine with fine leaves and stems resembling *Perilla frutescens* (Renz). The root is large, yellowish-white, and juicy; the roots are harvested in the seventh and eighth lunar months. Currently, what is used are those with segmented stems and leaves, yellowish wrinkled bark, resembling chicken feet, also called Sangshang Jisheng (Mistletoe on Mulberry). There is also a tree known as Jiegu Tree, over one zhang tall, with leaves resembling *Oenothera* and bark used for treating metal wounds. In Guangzhou, there is another Xuduan Vine, also known as Nuoteng. When its stem is broken, the exuded juice is collected in a vessel and drunk to treat deficiency injuries and severe trauma; washing the head with it promotes hair growth, and inserting broken branches into the ground allows them to take root. These are likely not the true Xuduan. Li Dangzhi identified it as Huji (Cirsium japonicum), which differs greatly from this description, although Huji also treats blood disorders.
Su Gong stated: It is found in valleys everywhere. The variety currently used by common people has leaves resembling ramie but with square stems, and roots resembling Daji (Cirsium japonicum var. setosum), appearing yellowish-white. Tao's description is incorrect.
Su Song stated: It is now also found in Shaanxi, Hezhong, Xingyuan, Shu, Yue, Jin, Jiang, and other prefectures. Seedlings emerge after the third lunar month; the stem is quadrangular, resembling ramie, with opposite leaves. Flowers appear in the fourth lunar month, red and white, resembling motherwort flowers. The root resembles Daji, reddish-yellow. Upon careful examination: *Fan Wang Fang* states that Xuduan is Mabei (Cirsium setosum), similar in leaf shape to Xiaoji (Cirsium setosum var. brevicapitatum) but larger. The leaves resemble *Brassica rapa* subsp. *chinensis* but are smaller and denser, with thorns on both sides that prick the skin; the flowers are purple, resembling the illustration from Yuezhou. However, various types are sold in markets, few of which can be distinguished as good or bad. Physicians consider those with segmented joints and yellowish wrinkled bark to be authentic.
Kou Zongshi stated: When using Xuduan, do not use Caomaogen (roots of grass-like plants), as they resemble the true herb; mistaken ingestion causes tendons to become soft.
Li Shizhen stated: There are various theories regarding Xuduan. Tongjun described it as a creeping vine with leaves like Renz. Li Dangzhi and Fan Wang both identified it as Huji. *Rihuazi Zhujia Bencao* identified it as Daji, also known as Shanniujitiiao, making it difficult to rely upon. However, since the Han dynasty, Daji has been used as Xuduan, a tradition long established. Investigating the reality, the descriptions by the two Sus (Su Gong and Su Song) seem consistent with Tongjun's account and should be considered correct. The current usage prefers varieties from Sichuan, which are reddish and slender, and produce dust-like particles when broken; these are considered superior. Zheng Qiao's *Tongzhi* claims that Fan Wang's description refers to Nan Xuduan (Southern Xuduan), but without basis, likely merely to distinguish it from Chuan Xuduan (Sichuan Xuduan).

[Processing] Kou Zongshi stated: Upon harvesting the roots, slice them transversely and chop them. Remove the hard fibers inside. Soak in wine for one shichen (two hours), then dry by baking for medicinal use.

[Properties and Flavor] Bitter, slightly warm, non-toxic. *Mingyi Bielu* adds: Pungent. Lei Xiao stated: Shennong, Leigong, and Li Dangzhi considered it bitter and non-toxic; Bian Que considered it pungent and non-toxic.
Xu Zhicai stated: Dihuang (Rehmanniae Radix) acts as its guiding drug; it is incompatible with Leiwan.

[Indications] Treats Shanghan (Cold Damage), tonifies deficiencies, treats metal wounds, abscesses, fractures, and dislocations; reconnects bones and sinews; treats difficulty in lactation in women. Long-term use strengthens Qi and increases vitality. Treats Bingzhong (uterine bleeding) and Louxue (persistent spotting) in women; internal bleeding from metal wounds; relieves pain, generates flesh; treats traumatic stasis causing lower back pain and toxicity; unblocks and circulates Blood vessels (Zhen Quan). Augments Qi, tonifies Wu Lao Qi Shang (Five Exhausions and Seven Injuries); breaks up masses and resolves blood stasis. Treats all postpartum diseases in women, Taile (fetal leakage), cold uterus, sallow complexion with edema, reduces urination volume, stops spermatorrhea and hematuria (Meng Shen).

[Elucidation] Li Shizhen stated: Zhang Shuqian, a Secretary of the Song Dynasty, while serving as Prefect of Jianzhou, had a patient in his residence suffering from bloody dysentery. A physician prescribed Pingwei San (One liang) mixed with powdered Chuan Xuduan (Two qian half). Each dose was two qian, decocted in water and taken orally, resulting in immediate cure. In the Renzi year of Shaoxing, dysentery was epidemic in Kuaiji. Zhang Shuqian's son transmitted this formula, and it proved effective frequently. It is also effective for pediatric dysentery.

[Attached Formulas] Two old formulas, two new formulas.
Linli (Dysuria): Crush fresh Xuduan and extract the juice for oral administration. This is the root of Mabei (*Cirsium setosum*). (*Gujin Luyan*)
Fetal restlessness during pregnancy, prone to miscarriage at two or three months: Take Chuan Xuduan (soaked in wine) and Duzhong (stir-fried with ginger juice until silk threads are removed), each two liang. Grind into powder, mix with cooked jujube paste, and form pills the size of wutong seeds. Take thirty pills per dose, washed down with rice broth.
Postpartum disorders such as blood syncope, chest oppression, irritability and heat, weak breath nearly ceasing, hardness in the heart region, alternating chills and fever: Take one handful of Xuduan bark. Decoct in three sheng of water until reduced to two sheng. Divide into three doses. Administer another dose after walking the distance of one li. No dietary restrictions apply. This medicine saves lives in critical postpartum conditions. (*Zimu Milu*)
Traumatic injuries and joint sprains: Apply crushed leaves of Jiegu Cao (Adenophora tetraphylla or similar local species) topically for immediate effect. (*Weisheng Yijian Fang*)