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(Phonetically "Shi". Listed as a Superior Grade herb in the *Shennong Bencao Jing* [Classic of Materia Medica].)

[Names] Li Shizhen says: According to Ban Gu's *Baihu Tongyi*, Confucius stated that the name "Shi" (Yarrow) is derived from "Shi" (Divination). The elderly have lived many years and have extensive experience, thus they can know things thoroughly. Lu Tuan's *Piya* states: This is a grass with a long lifespan, hence the character includes the component for "elderly" (Qi). The *Bowuzhi* [Insects and Animals] mentions: Yarrow grows three hundred stems after a thousand years; its root has become old, therefore it can predict fortune and misfortune.

[Collection and Explanation] The *Mingyi Bielu* [Record of Famous Physicians] states: Yarrow fruit grows in the valleys of Mount Shaoshi. The fruits are harvested in the eighth and ninth lunar months and dried in the sun.
Su Gong says: This grass grows everywhere, and its stems can be used for divination. Tao Hongjing mistakenly identified Zhi fruit (Broussonetia papyrifera fruit) as Yarrow fruit. Zhi fruit tastes sweet, whereas Yarrow tastes bitter; this error is now corrected.
Su Song says: Currently, near the White Turtle Shrine in Shangcai County, Caizhou, the growing Yarrow resembles mugwort and grows in clumps. It is five or six chi tall, with one plant having ten to twenty stems, and up to fifty stems at most. The stems grow straight, distinguishing them from other mugworts. Flowers appear after autumn, emerging from the branch tips, reddish-purple in color, resembling chrysanthemums, bearing fruits similar to those of Artemisia argyi. The *Records of the Grand Historian: Chapter on Tortoise Divination* states: A divine turtle swims on lotus leaves only after living a thousand years. One hundred stems of Yarrow share a single root. In the place where it grows, there are no tigers or wild wolves among beasts, nor venomous stinging insects among bugs. Xu Guang's annotation notes: Liu Xiang said that a divine turtle becomes spiritual after a thousand years, and Yarrow produces one hundred stems from one plant after a hundred years. Mr. Chu states: When Yarrow reaches one hundred stems, there must be a divine turtle guarding it below, and green clouds often cover it above. The commentary says: When the world is peaceful and the King's Way prevails, Yarrow stems can grow to one zhang high, with clumps reaching one hundred stems. Today, obtaining Yarrow with eighty or more stems and eight chi in length is already difficult. Obtaining sixty or more stems and six chi in length is sufficient for use. However, the Yarrow submitted by Caizhou does not match these descriptions. Thus, this type is also a divine object and is not commonly found.
Li Shizhen says: Yarrow belongs to the Artemisia genus and is a divine grass. Therefore, the *I Ching* [Book of Changes] states: The virtue of Yarrow is round and spiritual. The Emperor uses Yarrow nine chi long, feudal lords seven chi, officials five chi, and scholars three chi. Zhang Hua's *Bowuzhi* states: Preference is given to those where the tip is larger than the base, followed by Mugwort, then Bramble. All are washed during the full moon. Thus, if Yarrow is unavailable for casting lots (She Gua), Bramble or Mugwort can be used as substitutes.

Yarrow Fruit
[Properties and Flavor] Bitter, sour, neutral in nature, non-toxic.
[Indications] Tonifies Qi and nourishes the flesh and skin, brightens the eyes, enhances intelligence, and grants foresight. Long-term consumption prevents hunger, aging, and keeps the body light (from the *Shennong Bencao Jing*).

Yarrow Leaves
[Indications] Treats Pi disease (Li Shizhen).
[Attached Prescriptions] New Prescription One.
Abdominal Pi Masses: Yarrow leaves, single-clove garlic, Pangolin scales (powdered), salt. These are pounded together with good vinegar into a paste. Apply according to the size of the mass. The duration is two incense sticks. The mass will transform into pus and blood and be expelled through the stool. (Liu Songshi, *Baoshou Tang Fang*)