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(Pronounced "Rao". Listed as a Lower Grade herb in the *Shennong Bencao Jing* [Classic of Materia Medica].)

[Names] Li Shizhen stated: "Rao" means abundant or plentiful. It is named so because its flowers are numerous and lush.

[Collection and Explanation] The *Bie Lu* [Supplement to the Classic of Materia Medica] states: "Rao Hua grows in the valleys of Xianyang and in Zhongmu, Henan. The flowers are harvested in the sixth lunar month and dried in the shade."

Tao Hongjing stated: "The Rao Hua from Zhongmu, which was brought down from the Yellow River area at that time, resembles Yuan Hua (Daphne genkwa flower) but is extremely fine and white in color."

Su Gong stated: "Its seedling resembles Coriandrum sativum (Hu Su), and the stem has no thorns. The flowers are small and yellow; they are collected in the fourth and fifth lunar months, and are completely unlike Yuan Hua."

Zheng Baosheng stated: "It is found everywhere, but the variety from Yongzhou is considered the best. It grows on hills and plains, with seedlings growing to a height of about two chi."

Cheng stated: "It is now very common in the regions of the capital and Luoyang."

Li Shizhen stated: "According to Su Song's *Tu Jing* [Illustrated Pharmacopoeia], the Yuan Hua produced in Jiangzhou is yellow and is called Huang Yuan Hua (Yellow Daphne genkwa). Its illustration shows a small plant with flowers growing in clusters. I suspect this is actually Rao Hua. When fresh, it is yellow; when dried, it appears white, which explains why Tao [Hongjing] described it as fine and white. Some say there is no Rao Hua and substitute it with Taohua (Peach Blossom), merely to take advantage of its purgative effect."

[Flavor and Properties] Bitter, Cold, Toxic. The *Bie Lu* states: Pungent, Slightly Cold, Toxic.

[Indications] Treats Shanghan Wen Nue [Cold Damage Warm Malaria]; eliminates the twelve types of water retention in the body; breaks up accumulations and hard masses (Ji Ju, Da Jian Zheng Jia); clears out lingering pathogenic factors in the intestines and stomach; expels dietary stagnation and pathogenic factors of Cold and Heat; promotes urination (from *Shennong Bencao Jing*). Treats cough caused by Phlegm-Fluid retention (from *Bie Lu*). Treats rebellious Qi causing coughing and wheezing, swelling and fullness in the throat, Zhu Qi [infectious disease/ghost qi], Gu Du [poisonous accumulation], and Pi Qi Kuai [lump due to stagnant Qi] (Text cuts off here).

[Elucidation] Cheng stated: "Zhang Zhongjing used Rao Hua in the *Shanghan Lun* [Treatise on Cold Damage] to treat diarrhea, taking advantage of its ability to promote water metabolism. Once the water is eliminated, the diarrhea stops; this is the rationale. When using it today, one must exercise caution, avoiding both overdose and underdose. It should only be used when the specific indications are present."

Li Haogu stated: "In Zhang Zhongjing's Xiao Qing Long Tang [Minor Green Dragon Decoction], it is stated: 'If there is slight diarrhea, remove Mahuang (Ephedrae Herba) and add Rao Hua equivalent to the size of an egg, stir-fried until reddish-brown.' It is used for its diuretic properties."

Li Shizhen stated: "Rao Hua is likely a type similar to Yuan Hua, and its flavor, properties, and indications are roughly similar."