Library

[Correction] Transferred from the Herb Section to this section.
[Names] Nu Hui (from *Kaibao Bencao*), Ne Hui (from *Shiyi*).
Li Shizhen says: The meaning of the names is unknown.
Zang Jing (cited by Su Song) says: Commonly called "Elephant Gallbladder" because its taste is bitter like gallbladder bile.
[Collection and Explanation] Tao Hongjing says: Lu Hui grows in...
Su Song says: Currently, only Guangzhou has supplies. The tree grows in mountains and wilds, dripping resinous tears. Collection is not restricted by month.
Li Shizhen says: Lu Hui was originally in the Herb Section. Both *Yapu* and *Tujing* describe it as tree resin. However, *Yitongzhi* states that those produced in Java, Srivijaya, and other countries belong to the grass category, resembling a horseshoe crab's tail, and are pounded into paste using jade mortars. This differs from previous descriptions; why? Could it also be woody yet herbaceous in form?
[Flavor and Properties] Bitter, Cold, Non-toxic.
[Indications] Treats wind-heat causing vexation and oppression, heat qi in the chest and diaphragm, brightens the eyes and calms the heart spirit, treats pediatric epilepsy and convulsions, cures five types of Gi disease (malnutrition syndrome), kills three types of parasites, treats hemorrhoidal sores, and resolves Radix Codonopsis (Baidu) toxicity (*Kaibao Bencao*). Treats various heat patterns of pediatric Gi disease (Li Quan). Pounded into powder and applied to... teeth.
[Elucidation] Li Shizhen says: Lu Hui is a medicine for the Jueyin Meridian. Its efficacy specializes in killing parasites and clearing heat. All the aforementioned diseases are caused by heat and parasites.
Soaking... Roasting...
[Attached Formulas] One new formula.
Pediatric Spleen Gi Disease: Lu Hui and Crataegus pinnatifida (Shijuanzi) in equal parts, pounded into powder. Take 1–2 qian each time with rice water (*Weisheng Yijian Fang*).

(*Tang Bencao*)
[Correction] Transferred from the Herb Section to this section.
[Names] Hutong Jian (from *Bencao Gangmu*), Hutong Lü.
Tao Hongjing says: Hutong Lei is the resin of the Hutong tree, hence named "Lei" (tears). Writing it as "Lü" is incorrect; "Lü" and "Lei" are merely phonetic errors.
Li Shizhen says: *Xiyu Zhuan* records: Cheshi State has many Hutong trees. Yan Shigu annotates: Hutong resembles Paulownia but not Mulberry, hence the name Hutong. When insects eat the tree and sap flows down, it is commonly called Hutong Lei (Hutong Tears), resembling human tears. Those that penetrate soil and rocks forming lumps like halite are called Hutong Jian (pronounced jian). Some say "Lü" should be written as "Li" (drip), which is not an error, similar to how pine resin is called Qingli (black asphalt). This interpretation is also acceptable.
[Collection and Explanation] Su Gong says: Hutong Lei is produced west of Suzhou in flat marshes and valleys. It resembles Huangfan (yellow alum) but is solid. Some contain rotting wood, said to be Hutong resin submerged in saline soil. The tree is tall and robust, with bark and leaves resembling Populus alba, Firmiana simplex, or Morus alba, hence named Hutong Mu, suitable for making vessels.
Su Baosheng says: Grows west of Liangzhou. Initially looks like willow, growing large like mulberry or paulownia. Its sap enters the ground, staining soil and rocks, resembling ginger, extremely salty and bitter, dissolving in water like alum or saltpeter. Collected in winter.
Meng Shen says: There are two types: Mu Lü (wood lü) is not suitable for medicinal use; only Shi Lü (stone lü) is used. Collected from stones, shaped like small stone flakes, with yellow-earth color being the best grade.
Su Song says: Merchants from Western Fan also sell it now. Li Shizhen says: Mu Lei is flowing resin, resembling ointment. Shi Lei is resin embedded in soil and rock, forming lumps. Because it absorbs saline qi, it is superior as a medicine.
[Flavor and Properties] Salty, Bitter, Great Cold, Non-toxic.
Su Gong says: Can suppress Realgar. Can be used as solder for gold and silver.
[Indications] Treats severe toxic heat, fullness and vexation in the heart and abdomen. Mix with water and induce vomiting. For cattle and horses suffering from acute jaundice with black sweat, grind 2–3 liang in water and administer orally, resulting in immediate recovery (*Tang Bencao*). Treats wind-parasitic toothache, kills fire toxin and facial toxin (Meng Shen). Treats wind-Gi affecting gums, chronic alveolar osteitis. Can soften all hard objects. Excessive intake causes vomiting (...).
[Elucidation] Su Song says: Rarely used in ancient formulas. Now widely used in dentistry, it is a most essential substance.
Li Shizhen says: Shi Lei absorbs saline qi from the earth, so its cold nature clears heat, and its salty flavor enters the bones to soften hardness.
[Attached Formulas] Six new formulas.
Damp-heat toothache, preferring cool air: Hutong Lei mixed with Moschus (Shexiang) and applied.
Toothache with bleeding: Half liang of Hutong Lei, pounded into powder. Apply nightly. Or add a small amount of Moschus.
Rapid-progressing gingivostomatitis (Zouma Yagan): Hutong Jian and Dan Sha (Cinnabar) in equal parts, pounded into powder and applied (*Yilin Jiyao*).
Gingival recession with pus, blood, and foul odor: One liang of Hutong Lei, one sheng of Lycium chinense root (Gouqigen). Use 5 qian per dose, decoct in water and rinse hot. Another method: Hutong Lei and Thlaspi arvense (Tingli) in equal parts. Pound into powder and apply (*Shenghui Fang*).
Teeth decayed and blackened: Caused by Kidney deficiency. One liang of Hutong Lei, half liang of Cinnabar (Dansha), one fen of Moschus (Shexiang), pounded into powder and applied (*Shengji Zonglu*).