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[Classified as Lower Grade in *Bie Lu*]
【Names】Xiao Suan (Small Garlic, from *Bie Lu*), Mao Suan (pronounced like "Mao"), Hun Cai (Pungent Vegetable).
Li Shizhen said: The character "Suan" (Garlic) is phonetic, derived from "Suan" (Calculate), and also pictographic of the garlic root's shape. China originally only had this type. Later, during the Han Dynasty, people obtained Hu Suan (Foreign Garlic) from the Western Regions, so they called this one Xiao Suan (Small Garlic) to distinguish it. Thus, Cui Bao in *Gu Jin Zhu* stated: "Suan is Mao Suan, commonly known as Xiao Suan." In the Hu state, there is garlic with ten cloves per bulb, named Hu Suan, commonly known as Da Suan (Large Garlic), which is correct. Garlic is one of the Five Pungents (Wu Hun), so Xu Shen in *Shuo Wen Jie Zi* calls it Hun Cai. The Five Pungents are also called Five Acrids (Wu Xin), referring to their pungent and foul odor that confuses the spirit and damages nature. Those who practice body cultivation consider Xiao Suan, Da Suan, Jiucai (Chinese Chive), Yuntao (Rapeseed), and Huyi (Coriander) as the Five Pungents; Daoists consider Jiucai, Xie (Welsh Onion), Suan, Yuntao, and Huyi as the Five Pungents; Buddhists consider Da Suan, Xiao Suan, Xingqu (Asafoetida), Cicong, and Cong as the Five Pungents. Xingqu is Asafoetida. Although each school differs, all are pungent and熏蒸 (fuming/stinging) substances. Raw consumption increases anger, cooked consumption induces lust, and they damage spiritual purity, hence they are abstained from.

【Collection and Explanation】 *Bie Lu* states: Suan is Xiao Suan. It is harvested on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month.
Tao Hongjing said: When Xiao Suan leaves are sprouting, they can be boiled and eaten mixed with other foods. By May, when the leaves wither, the roots are taken, called "Zi", and eaten directly; they are also very pungent and foul-smelling.
Su Baosheng said: Xiao Suan grows wild and is found everywhere. The smaller ones are called "Zi" (pronounced "Luan") or "Zi" (pronounced "Li"). Its seedlings, leaves, roots, and bulbs resemble Hu (Da Suan/Large Garlic) but are several times finer. *Erya* states: "Zi is Shan Suan (Mountain Garlic)." *Shuo Wen Jie Zi* states: "Suan is Hun Cai. Among delicious vegetables, the Hun Cai from Yunmeng is the finest. Those growing in mountains are named Zi."
Su Song said: Bencao texts call Da Suan "Hu" and Xiao Suan "Suan," whereas the Hun Cai mentioned in *Shuo Wen Jie Zi* refers to Da Suan, and Zi is Xiao Suan. Books record such different aliases for the same object; one must examine carefully when using medicinal materials.
Kou Zongshi said: Xiao Suan is Zi. Its seedlings are like chive needles, roots are white, and the larger ones are like the tubers of Dioscorea polystachya (Wuyu). Boiled with roots, it is called Zhai Suan.
Li Shizhen said: There are two types of domesticated garlic: those with small roots and stems, few cloves, and a spicy taste are Suan, i.e., Xiao Suan; those with large roots and stems, many cloves, and a spicy-sweet taste are Hu, i.e., Da Suan. According to Sun Yan's *Erya Zhengyi*: "Emperor Deng climbed a mountain, suffered poisoning from You Yu (likely a toxic plant), was near death, recovered after chewing and eating Suan, and thus collected and planted it, which can neutralize the toxicity of fishy, muttony, insect, and fish poisons." Also, Sun Mian in *Tang Yun* stated: "Zhang Qian traveled to the Western Regions and first brought back Da Suan seeds." Based on this, Xiao Suan seeds have existed since ancient times after transplantation. Hence, *Erya* calls Zi "Shan Suan" to distinguish it from domesticated garlic. Da Suan seeds were introduced from Hu lands and appeared in China only during the Han Dynasty. Thus, *Bie Lu* calls Hu "Da Suan" to show that Chinese garlic is smaller. Wang Zhen in *Nong Shu* stated: "There is a type called Ze Suan (Marsh Garlic), which spreads easily and regenerates after cutting. Seeds are harvested when ripe and scattered for planting. People in Wu use its roots for pickles, superior to chives and garlic." This corresponds to the Xiao Suan mentioned in *Bie Lu*. Since it was originally transplanted from marshes, it bears the name "Ze," while Kou mistakenly wrote "Zhai." Previous scholars explained domesticated Xiao Suan as wild Shan Suan or Ze Suan, failing to investigate thoroughly. Although Xiao Suan originates from Zi, once cultivated by human effort, its nature and qi cannot remain unchanged. Therefore, distinction is necessary.

Suan (Refers to the root of Xiao Suan)
【Flavor and Properties】Acrid, Warm, slightly toxic.
Tao Hongjing said: Acrid flavor and hot nature. Damages the body; should not be consumed long-term.
Sun Simiao said: Non-toxic. Do not consume for long periods in March, as it harms will and nature. The *Huangdi Shu* (Yellow Emperor's Book) states: Consumed with fish, it causes loss of Qi and pain in the scrotum.
Rui said: Patients with Hong Kong foot wind disease (gout/rheumatism) and those recovering from seasonal epidemics should avoid it.

【Indications】Enters the Spleen and Kidney meridians. Mainly treats Huoluan (Cholera-like syndrome), abdominal discomfort, promotes digestion, regulates the Stomach and warms the Middle Jiao, dispels pathogenic factors, bi-syndrome, and toxic vapors (*Bie Lu*). Treats Xi Du (Stream Poison) (Tao Hongjing). Directs Qi downward, treats Gu Du (Parasitic Poison), and applies externally for snake bites, insect bites, and Sha Li Chuang (Sand Mite Sores) (*Ri Hua Ben Cao*). Chen Cangqi added: This Suan works well with Hu Cong (Welsh Onion). It effectively treats severe toxins, Sha Li in mountain streams, and water poisons. Mountain dwellers and local minorities often use it. Applying to Ding Zhong (Carbuncles) is very effective (Meng Shen).

Leaves
【Indications】Treats mental restlessness and pain, resolves various toxins, and treats Xiao Er Dan Zhen (Pediatric Erysipelas) (Sun Simiao).

【Analysis and Elucidation】Su Song said: Ancient formulas often used Xiao Suan to treat Cold-type Huoluan by boiling and drinking the juice. In the Southern Qi dynasty, Chu Cheng treated Li Daonian's Ji Jia (Chicken Mass) disease, resulting in recovery.
Kou Zongshi said: Hua Tuo's use of Suan Ni (Minced Garlic) referred to this Suan.
Li Shizhen said: According to Li Yanshou's *Nan Shi*: Li Daonian had been ill for five years. Chu Cheng, Governor of Wu Commandery, diagnosed him, saying: "It is neither cold nor heat, but likely caused by excessive consumption of boiled eggs." He took one sheng of Suan, boiled and ate it, vomiting out an object wrapped in saliva. Upon inspection, it was a chick with wings and feet intact. Cheng said: "Not all has been expelled." He vomited again, expelling twelve chicks in total before recovering. Some mistakenly write "Suan" as "Su." Fan Ye's *Hou Han Shu* records: Hua Tuo saw a person suffering from Ye Ge (Dysphagia/Esophageal Obstruction) unable to swallow food. He ordered them to drink two sheng of minced garlic vinegar from a cake shop. The patient immediately vomited a snake. The patient hung the snake on his cart and visited Hua Tuo, seeing dozens of snakes hanging on the north wall, realizing his miraculous skill. Xia Ziyi's *Qi Ji Fang* (Formulas for Strange Diseases) states: If light shines from the head and face, and others feel heat when approaching, it indicates Gu Du (Parasitic Poison). Take half liang of Suan juice, mix with wine, and ingest; one should vomit something resembling a snake. Observing these three texts, Suan is a key herb for expelling Gu Du, yet few later generations know this.

【Attached Formulas】Seven old formulas, seven new formulas.
For Seasonal Warm Pathogen Disease, initially presenting with headache, high fever, and large pulse: Immediately take one sheng of Xiao Suan, crush to obtain three he of juice, and take at once. Recovery occurs within no more than two doses (*Zhou Hou Bei Ji Fang*).
For Huoluan with bloating and fullness, inability to vomit or purge, named Gan Huoluan (Dry Cholera): One sheng of Xiao Suan, three sheng of water, boil down to one sheng, and take at once (*Zhou Hou Bei Ji Fang*).
For Huoluan with muscle cramps, where cold enters the abdomen causing death: Take one liang each of Xiao Suan and salt, crush and apply to the umbilicus, moxa seven cones, stops immediately (*Sheng Ji Zong Lu*).
For chronic heart pain unbearable for years, whether ten or five years, effective upon application: Boil Xiao Suan in strong vinegar until full, do not add salt. Previously used effectively, preventing recurrence (*Bing Bu Shou Ji*).
For Water Poison entering the body: Also known as Zhong Xi, Zhong Shi, or Shui Bing, similar to She Gong (Archer Bug) but without a physical form. Initially presents with aversion to cold, slight headache and eye pain, worsening from morning to evening, cold limbs. After three days, worms develop, eating the lower body, causing ulcers in the anus, non-itchy and non-painful. After six or seven days, worms eat the five zang organs, leading to uncontrollable diarrhea: Take three sheng of Xiao Suan, boil until slightly warm (too hot renders it ineffective) and bathe the body. If red spots appear on the body, do not treat as other diseases (*Zhou Hou Bei Ji Fang*).
For wounds caused by She Gong (Archer Bug): Slice garlic, apply to the wound, moxa seven cones (*Qian Jin Fang*).
To stop Malaria: Take any amount of Xiao Suan, grind into paste, add a little Huang Dan (Red Lead), make pills the size of a Chinese chestnut. Take one pill each time, facing east, swallowing with fresh well water. Very effective (Tang Shenwei).
For Yin swelling like needle pricks with sweating: One sheng of Xiao Suan, one sheng of Jiugen (Chinese Chive Root), two jin of Yangliugen (Willow Root), three sheng of wine. Boil and fumigate while hot (*Yong Lei Qian Fang*).
For E He Zhong Jie (Malignant Swelling/Nodules): Equal parts Xiao Suan and Wuzhuyu (Evodia Fruit), crush and apply, disperses immediately (*Zhou Hou*).
For Dan Du (Erysipelas) with unpredictable colors, especially around ankles: Crush garlic thickly, apply frequently changing (*Ge Shi*).
For Xiao Er Bai Tu (Pediatric Tinea Capitis/Alopecia) with circular white patches on the head: Rub with cut Suan (*Zi Mu Mi Lu*).
For Snake or Scorpion Bites: Crush Xiao Suan, take juice internally, apply dregs externally (*Zhou Hou*).
For Centipede Bite: Chew Xiao Suan and apply, effective (*Zhou Hou Bei Ji Fang*).
For You Yan (House Centipede) Entering Ear: Wash Xiao Suan, crush and drip juice into ear. Repeat if not expelled (Li Jiang, *Bing Bu Shou Ji*).