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(Written as "Wei". Listed in the Upper Grade of *Shennong Bencao Jing* [Divine Farmer's Materia Medica])

**[Names]** Nüwei (from *Shennong Bencao Jing*), Weirui (from *Wu Pu Bencao* [Materia Medica of Wu Pu]), Weirui (pronounced Wei Yi), Weiwei (from *Erya* [Ancient Dictionary]), Weixiang (from *Bencao Gangmu* [Compendium of Materia Medica]), Ying (from *Erya*, pronounced Xing), Yuzhu (from *Mingyi Bielu* [Record of Famous Physicians]), Dijie (from *Mingyi Bielu*).

Li Shizhen states: According to Huang Gongshao's *Gujin Yunhui* [Compilation of Rhymes Ancient and Modern], "Weirui" refers to the appearance of tree and grass leaves drooping downwards. The roots of this herb are long with many fibers, resembling the hanging tassels of a hat cord that convey dignity and decorum; hence it is named so. The tassels on feathered canopies and banners all imitate the form of Weirui, which is correct. Zhang's *Ruiying Tu* [Illustrated Book of Auspicious Signs] records: "When the ruler observes rituals completely, Weirui grows before the palace." It is also called Weixiang. Thus, the meaning of "dignity and decorum" can be seen here. *Mingyi Bielu* writes it as "Weirui," which is an abbreviation. *Shuowen Jiezi* [Explanations of Simple Characters and Analysis of Compound Characters] writes it as "Weirui," with a similar pronunciation. *Erya* writes it as "Weiwei," with similar characters. Its leaves are glossy and resemble bamboo, and its roots have many nodes; hence the names "Ying," "Yuzhu," and "Dijie." *Wu Pu Bencao* also has the names "Wunu" and "Chongchan." In Song dynasty editions, there is a name "Maxun," which is a corruption of "Wuwu."

**[Correction of Errors]** Tao Hongjing says: *Shennong Bencao Jing* contains "Nüwei" but not "Weirui," while *Mingyi Bielu* contains "Weirui" but not "Nüwei," yet their functions are exactly the same. I suspect Nüwei is Weirui, differing only in name.

Meng Gong says: The efficacy and vines/leaves of Nüwei are completely different from those of Weirui. Currently, the red ink text in *Shennong Bencao Jing* describes the efficacy of Nüwei, whereas the black ink text in *Mingyi Bielu* describes the efficacy of Weirui.

Chen Cangqi says: In materia medica texts, Nüwei and Weirui are transmitted together. Tao Hongjing considers them one substance, while Su Song considers them two different substances, listing Nüwei separately in the Middle Grade. However, Nüwei treats cholera, diarrhea, dysentery, and borborygmus, which aligns perfectly with the Upper Grade Nüwei; thus, they are not two different substances.

Su Song says: Observing ancient prescriptions, Hu Qia's Nuwei Pill for treating epidemic qi with severe diarrhea uses Nüwei; Nuwei is used in Cold-Diarrhea Intestinal-Connecting Pills for treating cold injury; Nuwei is added to Xiao Huangjiu for treating deficiency-type dysentery. Examining these prescriptions, it seems to be the Middle Grade Nüwei, because its nature is warm and it treats cholera and diarrhea. Furthermore, Nuwei is used in Yinshu Wine for treating thief-wind causing dryness and numbness of hands and feet and limb spasms; Nuwei Paste in *Gu Jin Lu Yan* treats body sores and mottling, resembling the Upper Grade Nüwei from the red ink of *Shennong Bencao Jing*, because it treats wind-stroke causing inability to move and improves complexion. Also, Weirui is used in Xu Ming Biejia Tang for treating cold damage unresolved after seven or eight days, and for treating weak legs in Biejia Tang; Weirui Yin in *Yannian Fang* treats wind-heat causing stiff neck pain and irritability in limbs and bones; Weirui Pill treats sudden head heat due to deficient wind-heat. This resembles the Upper Grade Weirui from the black ink of *Mingyi Bielu*, because it treats deficient heat, damp-toxin lower back pain. Since these three are distinct, it is clear they are not one substance. Moreover, Weirui is sweet and neutral, while Nüwei is acrid and warm; how can they be one substance?

Li Shizhen says: The "Nüwei" in *Shennong Bencao Jing* is actually the term "Weiwei" from *Erya*, which is "Weirui" in *Mingyi Bielu*. It was corrupted into "Nüwei" during ancient copying. Ancient prescriptions using Nüwei for wind-cold and deficiency-wind were actually using Weirui, perpetuating the error in the materia medica. Various scholars failed to investigate, and because there was a Nüwei of the same name in the Middle Grade, this led to such tedious debate. Now correcting this error, I will use "Weirui" from *Mingyi Bielu* as the main entry for ease of reference. The Nüwei that treats diarrhea and dysentery is a creeping herb, see the relevant entry.

**[Collection and Explanation]** *Mingyi Bielu* records: Weirui grows in valleys and hills of Mount Tai. Harvest after Start of Spring, and dry in shade.

Pu says: Leaves are greenish-yellow, opposite each other like ginger leaves. Harvest in February and July.

Tao Hongjing says: It is found everywhere now. The root resembles Polygonati Rhizoma [Huangjing], with slight differences. Those who practice ingestion of herbs also use it.

Su Song says: It is found in Chuzhou, Shuzhou, Hanzhong, and Zhounzhou. The stem is strong and straight, resembling bamboo arrow shafts, with nodes. Leaves are narrow and long, white on the surface and green underneath, also resembling Polygonati Rhizoma [Huangjing]. Roots are yellow with many fibers, as thick as a finger, one to two chi long. Some say it is edible. It blooms blue flowers in March and bears round fruits.

Li Shizhen says: It is found in mountains everywhere. The root grows horizontally like Polygonati Rhizoma [Huangjing], slightly smaller, yellowish-white, soft in texture with many fibers, and hardest to dry. Leaves resemble bamboo, growing in pairs. Roots can be planted and propagate easily. Tender leaves and roots can be boiled, rinsed, and eaten as vegetables.

Root

**[Processing]** Says: When using, do not use Polygonati Rhizoma [Huangjing] and Gelsemi Radix [Gougen], as these two resemble Weirui. Weirui has fibrous hairs on the nodes, spotted stems, and small yellow spots at the leaf tips, which distinguish it. After harvesting, scrape off the node skin with a bamboo knife, wash clean, soak in honey water overnight, steam, then bake dry for use.

**[Flavor and Toxicity]** Sweet, neutral, non-toxic. Pu says: Shenneng considered it bitter; Tongjun, Lei Gong, Bian Que considered it sweet and non-toxic; Huangdi considered it acrid.

Xu Zhicai says: Feared by Lu Jian [halite/alkali].

**[Indications]** Nüwei: Treats wind-stroke with sudden heat, inability to move, tendon knots and flesh swelling, and various deficiencies. Long-term use removes facial darkening, improves complexion and luster, lightens the body, and prevents aging (*Shennong Bencao Jing*). Weirui: Treats knotting qi in heart and abdomen, deficient heat and damp-toxin lower back pain, cold in the penis, eye pain, rotting eyes, and tearing (*Mingyi Bielu*). Epidemic febrile diseases with chills and fever, internal supplementation for insufficiency, removing deficient labor and guest heat. For headache and restlessness, adding it yields good results (Zhen Quan). Tonifies middle and supplements qi (Xiao Bing). Relieves vexation and oppression, stops thirst, moistens lungs and heart, tonifies five labors and seven injuries, deficiency and damage, and painful waist and legs. Treats epidemic heat mania; safe to ingest without taboos (Da Ming). For those taking mineral drugs experiencing disharmony, boil and drink the juice (Tao Hongjing). Treats wind-warmth with spontaneous sweating and burning heat, labor-malaria with chills and fever, spleen and stomach deficiency, frequent urination in men, seminal emission, and all types of deficiency damage (Li Shizhen).

**[Elucidation]** Cao Guo says: Weirui can ascend and descend; it is yin within yang. Its uses are fourfold: treating wind pathogen affecting the four extremities, rotting and tearing of both eyes, damp-dribbling lower back pain in men, and facial darkening in women.

Li Shizhen says: Weirui is neutral in nature and sweet in flavor, soft and moist, and edible. Therefore, in Zhu Gong's *Nanyang Huoren Shu* [Book of Active People in Nanyang], for treating wind-warmth with spontaneous sweating, heavy body, and difficulty speaking, Weirui Decoction [Weirui Tang] is used, with it as the sovereign drug. I often use it to treat deficient labor with chills and fever/malaria, and all deficiency syndromes, replacing Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma [Renshen] and Astragali Radix [Huangqi]. It is neither cold nor drying, yielding great special merits, not merely removing wind-heat and damp-toxin. This is something unexplored by predecessors.

Chen Cangqi says: Chen Shou's *Records of Wei · Biography of Fan A* states: Qingnian, also known as Huangzhi and Dijie. This is Weirui, extremely similar to Pianjing. Besides its primary function, it improves intelligence, regulates blood and qi, and strengthens the body. Mixed with Laccae Resina [Qiyeye] powder and taken, it benefits the five zang organs, increases essence, removes three parasites, lightens the body, prevents aging, turns hair white, moisturizes skin, and warms waist and legs. Only contraindicated in heat conditions. Ji Shao of Jin had a cold disease in his chest, suffering from bitter saliva after drinking alcohol; he recovered by taking it. The grass resembles bamboo; harvest roots, flowers, and leaves and dry in shade.

In the past, Hua Tuo saw immortals consuming it in the mountains and told Fan A; taking it allowed him to live to a hundred years.

Su Song says: Chen Cangqi identified Qingnian as Weirui. No one in the world recognizes it, so I dare not accept it as true.

Li Shizhen says: Su Song, in his commentary on Polygonati Rhizoma [Huangjing], suspected Qingnian was Polygonati Rhizoma [Huangjing], differing from this statement. Now verifying, Polygonati Rhizoma [Huangjing] and Weirui have largely similar flavors, natures, and functions, but Weirui's efficacy is superior. Thus, Qingnian, also called Huangzhi, shares a name with Polygonati Rhizoma [Huangjing]; also called Dijie, it shares a name with Weirui. Therefore, although these two substances can be used interchangeably, it is acceptable.

**[Attached Prescriptions]** One old, six new.

Ingestion Method: Harvest Weirui roots in February and September. Cut one dan into pieces, boil in two dan of water from morning to evening. Mash by hand, squeeze juice through a cloth bag, and simmer until thick. Dry the dregs into powder, mix with the thickened juice, and form pills the size of chicken heads. Take one pill each time, washed down with white decoction, three times daily. Guides qi and vessels, strengthens sinews and bones, treats wind-damp-toxin in the middle, removes facial wrinkles and improves complexion. Long-term use extends life. (Ge Xian, *Shenyin Shu* [Book of Divine Secrets]). Red eyes with dryness and pain: Weirui, Red Peony Root [Chishaoyao], Angelicae Sinensis Radix [Danggui], and Coptidis Rhizoma [Huanglian] in equal parts. Decoct for soup, fumigate and wash. (*Weisheng Jiabao Fang* [Family Prescriptions for Health and Family]). Seeing black flowers, red pain, and dimness: Ganlu Tang [Sweet Dew Decoction]. Use four liang of Weirui (baked). Take two qian each time, with one cup of water, add two mint leaves, one slice of ginger, and a little honey. Simmer together to 70%, take warm at bedtime, once daily. (*Shengji Zonglu* [General Records of Holy Relief]). Sudden stranguria: One liang of Weirui, four liang of Banana Root [Bajiaogen]. Two large bowls of water, simmer to one and a half bowls. Add two qian of Talcum [Huashi], divide into three doses. (*Taiping Shenghui Fang* [Holy Benefit Formulas of Taiping Era]). Fever with dry mouth, astringent urination: Use five liang of Weirui, decoct juice and drink. (*Waitai Miyao* [Secret Essentials of the Outer Cabinet]). Mineral drug-induced fever: Three liang of Weirui, two liang of Roasted Licorice Root [Zhigancao], one liang of Raw Rhinoceros Horn [Shengxijiao]. Four sheng of water, boil to one and a half sheng, divide into three doses. (*Shenghui Fang* [Benefit Formulas]). Post-epilepsy edema: After pediatric epilepsy subsides, blood and qi are deficient upwards, heat is in the skin, whole body and face swell. Weirui, Okra Seeds [Kuizi], Gentiana Scabra [Longdan], Poria [Fuling], and Peucedani Radix [Qianhu] in equal parts, grind to powder. Take one qian each time, decoct in water and drink. (*Shengji Zonglu* [General Records of Holy Relief]).

**[Appendix]** Luyao (from *Kaibao Bencao* [Kaibao Materia Medica]). Zhi says: Luyao is sweet, warm, non-toxic. Treats wind-blood, removes various colds, benefits the elderly and raises yang. Soak in wine and drink. Grows west of Gucang. Seedlings and roots resemble Polygonati Rhizoma [Huangjing]; deer love to eat its roots.

Li Shizhen says: Hutia Jushi said: Deer eat nine types of detoxifying herbs, this is one of them. Some say it is Weirui, which is logically close. Attached provisionally for further investigation. Weiyi (pronounced Wei Yi) *Mingyi Bielu* says: Flavor sweet, neutral, non-toxic. Treats thirst with shortness of breath, makes one resistant to cold. Grows in people's gardens. Large branches with long fibers, many leaves growing in pairs, seeds like mustard seeds.

Li Shizhen says: This also seems to be Weirui, attached provisionally for investigation.