Library

(Sourced from the Song Dynasty *Jiayou Bencao*)

**[Names]** Wangyou (Forget Sorrow, from *Shuowen Jiezi*), Liao Chou (Cure Sorrow), Jian Cao (Sword Grass, from *Tusuxiang Bencao*), Ji Nü (Prostitute, from *Wu Pu Bencao*), Yi Nan (Promoter of Male Offspring).

Li Shizhen states: The character "Xuan" was originally written as "Xuan" (谖). "Xuan" means to forget. The *Classic of Poetry* says: "Where can one obtain the Xuan grass? Plant it on the north hall." This implies that when worries and thoughts cannot be dispelled by oneself, one wishes to plant this grass and appreciate it to forget sorrow. People in Wu call it Liao Chou. The *Book of Dong Zhongshu* records related accounts. Its tender shoots are edible and have an odor similar to scallions. Since deer eat nine types of detoxifying herbs, and Xuan is one of them, it is also called Lu Cong (Deer Onion). *Zhou Chu's Fengtu Ji* states: "If a pregnant woman wears its flower, she will give birth to a boy." Hence the name Yi Nan. Li Jiuhua in *Yanshou Shu* says: "The tender shoots serve as vegetables; consuming them stirs wind energy, making one feel dizzy and intoxicated, hence named Wangyou." This is another interpretation. Ji Kang in *Yangsheng Lun* mentions: "Shennong regarded Xuan Cao as a herb that forgets sorrow," referring to its consumption. Zheng Qiao in *Tongzhi* claimed Xuan Cao is also known as Hehuan, which is incorrect. Hehuan is recorded in the section on Trees.

**[Collection and Explanation]** Su Song says: Xuan Cao grows in fields everywhere, commonly known as Lu Cong. Flowers are harvested in May, roots in August. Nowadays, people often pick its tender shoots and flower buds to make pickles.

Li Shizhen says: Xuan prefers low and wet lands, growing in clumps during winter. The leaves are soft like those of cattail or garlic, replacing old with new, remaining green all year round. In May, stems emerge and bloom; the flowers have six petals drooping downwards, opening in the morning and wilting by evening, lasting until late autumn. The flowers come in red, yellow, and purple colors. It bears triangular fruits containing seeds as large as paulownia seeds, black and glossy. Its root resembles Ophiopogonis Radix (Maidong) and propagates easily. *Nanfang Caomu Zhuang* states: "In Guangling, there is a type of water onion resembling Lu Cong, with flowers either purple or yellow, likely of the same category." Some claim Lu Cong flowers have patterns and bloom at different times than Xuan, which is erroneous. Grown in fertile soil, the flowers are dense, deep-colored, patterned, double-layered, and bloom for months; grown in poor soil, they are thin, pale, and bloom briefly. Ji Han's *Yinan Hua Xu* also states: "In Jingchu, it is called Lu Cong, suitable for pickles, providing strong evidence." Currently, people in the East dry its flower buds for sale, named Huanghua Cai (Daylily).

**[Properties and Flavor]** Sweet, cool, non-toxic.

**[Therapeutic Actions]** Boiled and eaten, it treats dark and difficult urination, bodily restlessness and heat, and eliminates Jiudan (Alcohol Jaundice) (from *Daming Bencao*). Promotes digestion, benefits damp-heat (Li Shizhen). Made into pickles, it benefits the chest and diaphragm, calms the five zang organs, brings joy and freedom from worry, lightens the body, and improves vision (Su Song).

**Root**

**[Therapeutic Actions]** Treats Shalin (Gravel Strangury), promotes the downward movement of water qi. For general yellowing due to Jiudan, crush and take the juice (from *Zangqi Bencao*). For severe heat causing epistaxis, grind to extract one large cup of juice, mix with half a cup of ginger juice, and sip slowly (from *Zongshi Bencao*). For Ruichui (blocked lactation) and Ru Yong (breast abscess) with swelling and pain, grind with wine to drink, and apply the dregs externally (Li Shizhen).

**[Elucidation]** Zhu Zhenheng says: Xuan belongs to Wood, its nature directs downward to the Yin aspect. Named Yi Nan, does it not harbor subtle implications?

**[Attached Prescriptions]** Four new prescriptions.

Generalized Edema: Dry Lu Cong roots and leaves, powder them. Take 2 qian per dose, add 0.5 qian of dust from under mats, taken before meals with rice water.

Urinary Retention: Decoct Xuan Cao roots and drink frequently (*Xinglin Zhaiyao*).

Hematochezia after Defecation: Stir-fry Xuan Cao roots with ginger in oil, take with wine (*Shengji Zonglu*).

Poisoning from Elixir Pills: Grind Xuan Cao roots to extract juice and consume (*Shilin Guangji*).