Library

(Recorded in the Lower Category of *Shennong Bencao Jing*)

[Names] L Lou (from *Mingyi Bielu*), Jue Ju (pronounced "Jie Ju").
Li Shizhen states: The character Ru originally depicts the appearance of its root being pulled and extended. "Jue Ju" should be written as "Jie Ju"; as stated in the *Book of Songs*: "My hands are busy," describing the state of working with both hands and mouth.

[Collection and Explanation] *Mingyi Bielu* records that Ru grows in the river valleys of Dai Commandery. The roots are harvested in the fifth month and dried in the shade. Those with black heads are of superior quality. Lei Xiao states: The plant is four to five chi tall, with round yellow leaves growing in opposite pairs of four. It bears yellow flowers in the fourth month and black fruits in the fifth month. The root is yellow, exuding yellow juice when broken. Leaves are harvested in the third month; roots in the fourth and fifth months.
Tao Hongjing states: The first variety comes from Goryeo, with a yellow color. When initially cut, the juice flows out and coagulates into a black substance like lacquer, hence the name "Lacquer Head." The second variety comes from nearby regions, named "Grass Ru," which is white. These are often made black by scorching the root ends with hot iron to pass off as Lacquer Head, which is not genuine.
Su Song states: It is now also found in Heyang, Zizhou, and Qizhou. Seedlings emerge in the second month; the leaves resemble those of *Euphorbia lathyris* (Daji) and bear yellow flowers. The root resembles a radish, with reddish-yellow skin and white flesh.
When initially cut, the juice flows out and coagulates into a black substance like lacquer. It bears pale red flowers in the third month, or sometimes pale yellow, and does not produce seeds. Tao Hongjing's description of the variety from Goryeo is close to this.
There is another variety of Grass Ru that is white. Both varieties were used in ancient prescriptions. For instance, Yao Sengtan treated carbuncles and sores with foul flesh using Bai Ru San (White Ru Powder), applying it until the foul flesh fell off, then continuing with various ointments. If new flesh did not grow, Huang Ru San (Yellow Ru Powder) was applied. If the foul flesh remained, Qi Tou Chi Pi (Lacquer Head Red Skin) and Bai Lu Ru San (White Lu Ru Powder) were mixed in equal parts for application. This indicates that both red and white varieties can be used.
Li Shizhen states: *Fanzi Jiran* records that Ru grows in Wudu, with the yellow variety being superior. Grass Ru grows in Jiankang and is white. It is now found everywhere, growing in mountainous plains. Seedlings emerge in early spring, reaching two to three chi in height. The root is large and long, resembling a radish or *Vitex negundo* (Manjing), sometimes branched, with yellow-red skin and white flesh, exuding yellow milky juice when broken. The stems and leaves resemble *Euphorbia lathyris*, but the leaves are longer, slightly broader, and not very pointed, exuding white juice when broken. Short leaves grow oppositely against the stem, forming a rounded tip. Stems emerge from the leaves, branching into two or three small twigs. Fine purple flowers bloom in the second and third months, bearing bean-sized fruits composed of three fused seeds, green when fresh and black when ripe, containing white kernels resembling those of *Euphorbia lathyris*. People often mistakenly call its root Ye Lang Du (Wild Wolf Poison). This is incorrect. The leaves of Ye Lang Du resemble those of *Phytolacca acinosa* (Shanglu) and *Rheum palmatum* (Dahuang), and its root lacks milky juice.

[Flavor and Toxicity] Pungent, cold, slightly toxic. *Mingyi Bielu* adds: Sour. Lei Xiao records: Shennong considered it pungent; Qibo considered it sour and salty, toxic; Li Dangzhi considered it greatly cold.
Xu Zhicai states: Licorice Root (*Gancao*) acts as an assistant herb; it is incompatible with Ophiopogon Tuber (*Maimendong*).

[Therapeutic Actions] Erodes foul flesh, decaying sores, and necrotic tissue; kills scabies mites; expels pus and bad blood; dispels severe wind-heat; treats forgetfulness and melancholy (from *Shennong Bencao Jing*). Removes heat-bi; breaks up masses and accumulations.

[Innovation and Commentary] Kou Zongshi states: It is particularly effective for treating equine scabies; the dosage for internal use is minimal.
Li Shizhen states: *Suwen* records: To treat uterine blood depletion and pain, a pill made of Crow Bone and Ru is administered (see formula under Crow Fish entry). Wang Bing states: Ru is used for its ability to dissipate bad blood. Additionally, *Book of Southern Qi* records: Prince Long of the commandery was twenty years old and excessively obese. Xu Sibai prescribed Ru Wan (Ru Pill), after which his body naturally slimmed down. Thus, Ru can be used for dietary therapy, provided the dosage is carefully considered. *Meng Shen Bixiao Fang* records: To treat onychia (paronychia) causing swelling and ulceration at the toe edges, use two liang of Ru, soaked in vinegar overnight, then decocted with five he of lard to yield three he of ointment. Apply three times daily until resolved. *Taiping Shenghui Fang* records: To treat head wind with vertigo, it is also included in Chitou Wan (Owl Head Pill).

[Attached Prescriptions] Two old, two new.
Slow Abscess with Swelling and Pain: One liang of Ru, ground into powder. Take two qian bi with warm water (from *Taiping Shenghui Fang*).
Cold Damage with Sore Throat, Toxic Swelling: A piece of authentic Ru the size of a fingernail, placed in the mouth, chewed, and the juice swallowed. Mild comfort is desirable (from Zhang Wenzhong's *Beiji Fang*).
Middle Jiao Heat Obstruction with Uncontrollable Forgetfulness: Three fen of Ru, two liang of roasted Licorice Root (*Gancao*), and Niter. Ground into powder. Take one qian each time, administered with warm wine at cockcrow, stopping when effective (from *Taiping Shenghui Fang*).
Scabies with Itching: Powdered Ru mixed with Calomel (*Qingfen*), applied with sesame oil (from *Duoneng Bisshi*).