（《本经》上品）
【释名】薇芜（《本经》）、蕲 、
颂曰∶蕲 ，古芹芷字也。时珍曰∶蘼芜，一作 芜，其茎叶靡弱而繁芜，故以名之。
当归名蕲，白芷名蓠。其叶似当归，其香似白芷，故有蕲 、江蓠之名。王逸云∶蓠草生江
中，故曰江蓠，是也。余见
【集解】《别录》曰∶芎 叶名蘼芜。又曰∶蘼芜，一名江蓠，芎 苗也。生雍州川泽
及冤句，四月、五月采叶曝干。
弘景曰∶今出历阳，处处人家多种之。叶似蛇床而香，骚人借以为譬，方药稀用。
恭曰∶此有二种∶一种似芹叶，一种似蛇床。香气相似，用亦不殊。
时珍曰∶《别录》言∶蘼芜一名江蓠，芎 苗也。而司马相如《子虚赋》称∶芎 菖
蒲，江蓠蘼芜。《上林赋》云∶被以江蓠，揉以蘼芜。似非一物，何耶？盖嫩苗未结根时，
则为蘼芜；既结根后，乃为芎 。大叶似芹者为江蓠，细叶似蛇床者为蘼芜。如此分别，自
明白矣。《淮南子》云∶乱人者，若芎 之与 本，蛇床之与蘼芜。亦指细叶者言也。《广志》
云∶蘼芜香草，可藏衣中。《管子》云∶五沃之土生蘼芜。郭璞赞云∶蘼芜香草，乱之蛇床。
不损其真，自烈以芳
【气味】辛，温，无毒。
【主治】咳逆，定惊气，辟邪恶，除蛊毒鬼疰，去三虫。久服通神（《本经》）。
主身中老风，头中久风、风眩（《别录》）。作饮，止泄泻（苏颂）。
花
【主治】入面脂用（时珍）。
(Recorded as a Superior Grade in the *Shennong Bencao Jing* [Divine Farmer's Materia Medica])
[Names] Wei Wu (from *Benjing*), Qi Li.
Su Song stated: "Qi Li" corresponds to the ancient characters for "Qin Zhi".
Li Shizhen stated: "Mi Wu", also written as "Li Wu", has stems and leaves that are tender and luxuriantly dense, hence its name.
Angelica sinensis is called "Qi", and Angelica dahurica is called "Li". Its leaves resemble those of Angelica sinensis, and its fragrance resembles that of Angelica dahurica; thus it bears the names "Qi Li" and "Jiang Li". Wang Yi said: "Li grass grows in rivers, hence it is called Jiang Li," which is correct. See other entries for further details.
[Collection and Explanation] The *Bielu* [Additional Records by Famous Physicians] states: The leaves of Xiong Xiong (Ligusticum chuanxiong) are named Mi Wu. It also states: Mi Wu, also known as Jiang Li, is the seedling of Ligusticum chuanxiong. It grows in the marshes and rivers of Yongzhou and Yuanju counties. The leaves are harvested in April and May and dried in the sun.
Tao Hongjing stated: It is currently produced in Liyang, where it is widely cultivated by households. The leaves resemble those of Cnidium monnieri (Shechuangzi) and have a fragrance. Poets use it as a metaphor, but it is rarely used in medical prescriptions.
Meng Gong stated: There are two varieties: one with leaves resembling celery, and another resembling Cnidium monnieri. Their aromas are similar, and their uses are indistinguishable.
Li Shizhen stated: The *Bielu* records that Mi Wu is also known as Jiang Li and is the seedling of Ligusticum chuanxiong. However, Sima Xiangru in his *Zixu Fu* mentions: "Ligusticum chuanxiong, Acorus calamus, Jiang Li, Mi Wu." In his *Shanglin Fu*, he writes: "Covered with Jiang Li, mixed with Mi Wu." This suggests they might not be the same thing. Why? It appears that when the young seedlings have not yet formed roots, they are called Mi Wu; after the roots have formed, they become Ligusticum chuanxiong. Those with large leaves resembling celery are called Jiang Li, while those with fine leaves resembling Cnidium monnieri are called Mi Wu. With this distinction, the matter becomes clear. The *Huainanzi* states: "Those who confuse people are like Ligusticum chuanxiong versus Ligusticum jeholense (Gaoben), or Cnidium monnieri versus Mi Wu." This refers specifically to the variety with fine leaves. The *Guangzhi* states: "Mi Wu is a fragrant herb, suitable for keeping in clothes." The *Guanzi* states: "Fertile soil produces Mi Wu." Guo Pu praised it saying: "Mi Wu is a fragrant herb, confused with Cnidium monnieri." It does not lose its true nature, naturally emitting fragrance.
[Properties and Flavor] Acrid, Warm, Non-toxic.
[Indications] Treats coughing and rebellious qi, stabilizes frightful qi, expels evil influences, removes gu poison and gui zhu (a type of infectious disease caused by pathogenic factors), and eliminates three types of parasites. Long-term consumption can enhance spiritual clarity (*Benjing*).
Primarily treats chronic wind pathogens in the body and long-standing wind and wind-dizziness in the head (*Bielu*). Prepared as a drink, it stops diarrhea (Su Song).
Flower
[Indications] Used in the preparation of facial cosmetics/ointments (Li Shizhen).