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(Shennong Bencao Jing, Upper Grade)

[Correction] The "named but unused" Migen (Rhizome and Root of Rubia cordifolia) from the Mingyi Bielu is merged into this entry.

[Names] Qian (pronounced qiàn), Maosou (pronounced sōu), Rulu (pronounced rú lǘ), Dixue (from *Mingyi Bielu*), Ranfeicao (from *Shuben Bencao*), Xuejianchou (from *Tusux Zhenjun Bencao*), Fengchezao (from *Tusux Zhenjun Bencao*), Guoshanlong (from *Bencao Shiyi), Niuman.
The *Bencao* states that it grows in the east but is scarce, unlike in the west where it is abundant; thus, the western variety is called Qian, which is also the origin of this name. Lu Ji said: People in Qi call it Qian, while people in Xu call it Niuman. Furthermore, when the grass is lush, it is called Sou; when it trails, it is called Ru; when it covers continuously, it is called Lu. This theory of transformation is likely a folk legend. The *Tusux Zhenjun Bencao* states: Sibicao (Four-Supplement Grass), its root is Qiancao. It is also known as Xitianwangcao. Canger stated: The previously "named but unused" Migen is actually the root of Qiancao. The characters for Qian and Miao are similar, resulting from copying errors. They should be merged.

[Collection] The *Mingyi Bielu* states: Qian root grows in the valleys of Qiaoshan. Harvest the roots in February and March, and dry them in the sun.
It further states: Migen grows in the shady valleys of mountains. It climbs over trees and shrubs. The stems have thorns, and the fruits resemble peppercorns.
Tao Hongjing said: This is the Qiancao used today to dye crimson red. Although present in eastern regions, it is scarce compared to the west. The *Book of Songs* mentions "Rulu on the slope," referring to this plant.
Su Song said: Ranfeicao has leaves resembling jujube leaves, pointed at the tip and broad at the base. Both stems and leaves are astringent. Four to five leaves grow oppositely at the nodes, spreading over vegetation.
The roots are purple-red and are found everywhere; harvest in August.
Su Song also noted: Gardeners now cultivate it in raised beds. Thus, the *Records of the Grand Historian* states: "A thousand mu of gardenia and Qiancao yield profits equivalent to those of a marquis with a thousand households," indicating its high economic value.
Li Shizhen said: Qiancao sprouts in December, spreading several feet. The stem is square, hollow with internal fibers, and covered with fine thorns, segmented every few inches. Each node bears five leaves, resembling Wu Yao (Lindera aggregata) leaves but rough and astringent, green on the upper surface and lighter green underneath. Flowers appear in July and August, bearing fruits the size of small peppercorns containing fine seeds.

[Preparation] Lei Xiao said: When preparing, use a copper knife on a locust wood anvil to slice it, then dry in the sun. Do not contact lead or iron vessels. Do not use Cheliugencao (Root of *Salix rubella*), which resembles it closely but tastes sour and astringent. Accidental ingestion causes internal cataracts; immediately administer Gancao (Licorice) decoction to detoxify, and the toxic fumes will dissipate.

[Properties and Flavor] Bitter, cold, non-toxic. Zhen Quan said: Sweet. Ma Zhi said: Sour. For medicinal use, stir-fry before use. Zhu Zhenheng said: Hot. Wang Haogu said: Slightly sour and salty, warm. Belongs to Yin within Yin.
The *Mingyi Bielu* states: Migen: Salty, neutral, non-toxic.
Meng Shen said: Incompatible with Shugu (Paeonia lactiflora). Its juice can moderate Xionghuang (Realgar).

[Indications] Wind-bi caused by cold-dampness, jaundice, tonifying the Middle Jiao (from *Shennong Bencao Jing*). Stops bleeding, treats internal collapse and lower bleeding, insufficiency of the Bladder, and injuries from falls and Gu poison. Long-term consumption benefits essence and Qi, lightening the body. Can treat Xuelin (blood strangury) and Xiexue (bleeding diarrhea) (Zhen Quan).
Suppurative sores. (Ma Zhi) Decoct in wine for administration (Ma Zhi). Unblocks meridians, treats wind-pain in bone joints, invigorates blood and promotes blood circulation (Li Shizhen).

[Elucidation] Chen Cangqi said: Qiancao treats Gu poison; decoct and drink the juice. The *Rites of Zhou* records: The Shushi official is in charge of removing Gu poison by attacking it with Jiacao (Excellent Grass). Jiacao refers to He (Lotus/Nelumbo) and Qiancao, which are most effective against Gu.
Zhu Zhenheng said: Laypeople treating gouty arthritis often use herbal remedies for rapid effects. For example, using Shisi as the sovereign herb, assisted by Guoshanlong, etc. These herbs are hot and drying; they cannot nourish Yin but can dry dampness in superficial conditions. Damp-phlegm opens upon drying, and stasis moves upon heat, hence temporary efficacy. However, in deep-seated diseases with blood deficiency, this approach depletes vitality further, worsening the condition.
Li Shizhen said: Qian root is red in color and warm in nature, with a slightly sour and salty taste. Red enters the Ying (Nutrient) level; warmth promotes stagnation resolution; sour enters the Liver, and salty travels to the Blood. It is a drug for the Blood aspect of the Foot-Shaoyin and Hand-Jueyin meridians, specifically for moving and invigorating blood. Secular formulas use it to treat amenorrhea in women; decoct one liang in wine and take it, resulting in flow within one day, which is highly effective. The *Mingyi Bielu* claims long-term use benefits essence and Qi and lightens the body, while the *Rihua Zi Bencao* claims it causes seminal emission. These views contradict each other and should not be relied upon blindly.

[Attached Formulas] Three old formulas, eight new formulas.
Unstable hematemesis: Qian root one liang, pounded into powder. Take two qian per dose, decoct in water and take cold. Alternatively, mix two qian with water and take. (Zhou Ying, *Jianyao Jizhong Fang*)
Hematemesis with dry thirst and detoxification: Use equal parts of Qian root, Xiongheidou (Black soybean, peeled), and Gancao (Honey-fried Licorice). Pound into powder, make pills the size of bullet seeds using well water. Dissolve one pill in warm water per dose.
Incessant epistaxis: Qian root and Aiye (Mugwort leaf) one liang each, Wumei meat (Meat of Chinese plum) two qian half. Pound into powder, make pills the size of wutong seeds using refined honey. Take fifty pills per dose with Wumei soup. (*Benshi Fang*)
Ejiao (Donkey-hide gelatin), Cebeiye (Honeysuckle leaf? Note: Text says Cebeiye, usually Platycladus orientalis leaf), Huangqin (Scutellaria baicalensis) five qian each, Shengdihuang (Rehmannia glutinosa root) one liang, Fahuizhi (Ash of human hair) one and a half zhan. Decoct in water until reduced to seventy percent, add ash and take. (Tang Yao, *Jingyan Fang*)
Female amenorrhea: See method in the "Elucidation" section above.
Heart fire hyperactivity, irritability, and internal heat: Qian root, decoct in water and drink. (*Shanghan Lun* related context, text abbreviated)
Relieving Gu poisoning, vomiting and defecating blood resembling rotten liver: Qian caogen (Qian root) and Heye (Lotus leaf) three liang each. Add four sheng of water, boil down to two sheng, take and recover. One must call out the name of the Gu master. (Chen Yanzhi, *Duanju Fang*)
Black whiskers and dark hair: Qiancao one jin, Shengdihuang three jin (extract juice). Add five large bowls of water, decoct Qiancao and squeeze out juice. Re-decoct the dregs three times. Mix the juices with Rehmannia juice, simmer over low heat until paste-like, store in a bottle. Take half a spoonful with warm wine on an empty stomach daily. Whiskers and hair will become black as lacquer in one month. Avoid radish and Five Spices. (*Shengji Lu*)
Preventing and resolving carbuncles and rashes: If epidemic rashes are erupting, taking this prevents complications: Decoct Qian root in water, add a little wine, and drink. (*Qixiao Liangfang*)

[Appendix] Xuéténg (Song Dynasty *Tujing Bencao*)
Su Song said: Grows in Xinzhou. Leaves resemble [missing character] leaves, roots like a thumb, yellow in color. Locals harvest in May to move blood and treat Qi masses.
Li Shizhen said: According to Yu Bo: Xuéténg is the same as Guoshanlong; the rationale is similar, though uncertainty remains. Attached here provisionally.