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(Recorded in the Lower Category of *Bie Lu*)
[Correction] Merged with the entry for "Reed collected from rivers" originally found in *Shi Yi*.
[Names] Wei (pronounced 'wei'), Jia (pronounced 'jia'); the flower is called Peng.
Li Shizhen states: According to Mao Chang's commentary on the *Classic of Poetry*, when reeds first sprout, they are called Jia; before heading out, they are called Lu; when fully grown, they are called Wei. "Wei" implies greatness; "Lu" implies a dark yellowish-black color; "Jia" implies excellence and beauty.
[Collection and Explanation] Su Gong says: Reed roots grow in low, wet areas. The stems and leaves resemble bamboo, and the flowers resemble those of silvergrass (Di), forming a plume-like inflorescence called Peng.
Su Song says: It grows everywhere now, in low, wet ponds and marshes. Its appearance is entirely like bamboo, but the leaves embrace the stem without branches. The flowers are white and spike-like, resembling mugwort flowers. The roots also resemble bamboo roots but have sparse nodes. Only those taken from the bottom of the water with a sweet and pungent taste are usable. Those exposed above water or floating on the surface are not suitable for medicinal use. According to Guo Pu's annotation of the *Erya*, Jia is Lu; Wei is the mature form of Lu. [Text missing/garbled here, likely referring to a similar plant] is called KT (likely Di), which is silvergrass. Their flowers are all called [sound term]. Their shoots are all called [term], edible like bamboo shoots, such as those used to make bamboo mats. The so-called [item] refers to what is currently used as firewood. Those growing by the water with a bluish-green lower part are called Bi Lu, which are also rare. Thus, both reeds and silvergrass can be used interchangeably.
Li Shizhen says: There are several types of reeds: those about one zhang long, hollow, with thick skin and dark green color are mature Weis. Their bodies resemble bamboo, and their leaves resemble broad reed leaves. The roots used medicinally have identical properties and flavors. Those that have not yet unfurled leaves were anciently called Zi [Lu]. [A certain physician] states: Reed roots must be selected from those growing against the current, and should be plump and thick green. Remove the rhizome scales, nodes, and reddish-yellow skin before use.
[Flavor and Toxicity] Sweet, cold, non-toxic.
[Indications] Clears exogenous heat in Xiao Ke (wasting-thirst syndrome); stops frequent urination (*Bie Lu*). Treats regurgitation, vomiting, and inability to eat; warms the stomach (Su Gong). Resolves intense heat, opens the stomach, treats dysphagia and intractable hiccups (Su Ming).
[Flavor and Toxicity] Slightly bitter, cold, non-toxic.
[Indications] Clears exogenous heat in the diaphragm; stops thirst; promotes urination; resolves pufferfish and various fish and crab toxins (Ning Yuan). Resolves various meat toxins (Li Shizhen).
[Elucidation] Li Shizhen says: According to the preface of *Lei Gong Pao Zhi Lun*: "When eating and drinking wine, one must decoct Lu Gen and Hou Po." The annotation states: Use equal parts of Lu Gen growing against the current and Hou Po, decoct in water and drink. This is because Lu Gen is sweet to benefit the Stomach and cold to descend Fire.
[Attached Prescriptions] Six old prescriptions, six new prescriptions.
Fresh Ginger 10 liang, Tangerine Peel and Poria 5 liang each. Decoct in 2 dou of water to obtain 8 sheng. Strain and divide into five doses. Cure upon sweating (*Waitai Miyao*).
Decoct Reed Root in water to make a concentrated juice; drink frequently, 2 sheng at a time. Highly effective. If decocted with clear urine from an uncircumcised boy, it cures within three doses (*Zhouhou Fang*).
Diaphragmatic Qi stagnation, irritability, inability to eat: Reed Root 5 liang (chopped). Decoct in 3 large bowls of water to obtain 2 bowls. Strain and take warm (*Jingui Yuhan Fang*).
Regurgitation and rebellious Qi: Reed Root and Cogongrass Rhizome 2 liang each. Decoct in 4 sheng of water to obtain 2 sheng. Divide and take (*Qianjin Fang*).
Plague-like disorder with irritability: Reed Root 3 qian, Ophiopogon Tuber 1 qian. Decoct in water and take (*Qianjin Fang*).
Plague-like disorder with distension and pain: Reed Root 1 sheng, Fresh Ginger 1 sheng, Tangerine Peel 5 liang. Decoct in 8 sheng of water to obtain 3 sheng. Divide and take (*Taiping Shenghui Fang*).
Poisoning from eating dog meat, hardness below the heart, abdominal distension, dry mouth, sudden fever and delirium: Drink juice decocted from Reed Root (*Meishi Fang*).
Poisoning from eating horse meat: Same prescription as above (*Shenghui*).
Fish poisoning: Same prescription as above (*Zhouhou Fang*).
Crab poisoning: Same prescription as above (*Qianjin*).
Poisoning from traditional Chinese medicine arrows: Same prescription as above (*Qianjin*).
Stems and Leaves
[Flavor and Toxicity] Sweet, cold, non-toxic.
[Indications] Plague-like disorder with vomiting and rebellious Qi; Lung Abscess with irritability and heat; carbuncles and sores. Burn to ash, leach with water, and decoct into a paste to cauterize foul flesh and remove black spots (Li Shizhen). Treat traumatic injuries, promote tissue regeneration, and eliminate scars (Xu Zhicai).
[Elucidation] Li Shizhen says: Ancient prescriptions often used Lao Shui (water agitated vigorously) and fire from aged reeds for decoction, because this water is mild and the fire is not excessive. Since reeds are hollow inside, they can enter the Heart and Lungs to treat deficiency-heat in the Upper Jiao.
[Attached Prescriptions] Seven new prescriptions.
Plague-like disorder with irritability, thirst, and abdominal distension: A handful of Reed Leaves, decoct in water and take. Another method: Reed Leaf 5 qian, Glutinous Rice 2.5 qian, Bamboo Shavings 1 qian. Decoct in water, add Ginger Juice and Honey 0.5 he each, boil for two more boils, and sip occasionally (*Shenghui Fang*).
Unceasing hematemesis: Burn the outer skin of reeds and silvergrass to ash (do not burn white), grind into powder. Add a small amount of Concha Tridacnae Powder, mix evenly. Take 1-2 qian with Ophiopogon Decoction. Three doses can save one person (*Shenghui Fang*).
Lung Abscess with cough, irritability, slight fever, and rough skin on the chest and back: Weijing Tang: Cut Weijing (Reed Shoots) 2 sheng, add 2 dou of water, Tao Ren (Peach Seed) 50 pieces, Coicis Semen (Coix Seed) and Gua Ban (Melon Seeds) 0.5 sheng each. Decoct to obtain 2 sheng and take. Pus and blood will be vomited out, and the patient will recover (Zhang Zhongjing's formula).
Back abscess ulceration: Grind aged Reed Leaves into powder. Cleanse the area with Scallion and Pepper Soup, then apply. Extremely effective (*Qiankun Mi Yun*).
Carbuncle and sore with foul flesh: Equal parts of White Charcoal Ash and Silvergrass Ash. Decoct into a paste and apply. Cauterizes all foul flesh; afterwards, apply a flesh-regenerating paste. Also removes black spots. This medicine should only be kept for ten days; otherwise, it loses efficacy (Ge Hong's *Zhouhou Fang*).
Pediatric alopecia areata: Cleanse with Salt Solution, then apply Ash of Cattail and Reed (*Shengji Zonglu*).
Peng (Reed Flower)
[Flavor and Toxicity] Sweet, cold, non-toxic.
[Indications] Plague-like disorder. Decoct in water to make a concentrated juice and take; highly effective (Su Gong). Decoct in water and take to resolve fish and crab toxins (Su Song). Burn [to ash/use externally].
[Attached Prescriptions] Two new prescriptions.
Dry plague-like disorder with abdominal distension and pain: One handful of Reed Plumes. Decoct in water to make a concentrated juice; take 2 sheng in one dose (*Zhouhou Fang*).
Various blood disorders: Water Reed Flower, Carthami Flos (Safflower), Sophorae Flos (Pagoda Tree Flower), White Celosiae Flos, and Cogongrass Flower in equal parts. Decoct in 2 zhong of water to obtain 1 zhong and take (Wan Biao, *Jishan Tang Jingyan Fang*).