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(From *Bencao Huibian*)

[Ji Jie] Li Ji stated: Insect wax (Chongbaisha) differs from white beeswax (Mila); it is produced by small insects. These insects secrete a white lipid that adheres to tree branches. People mistakenly believe it is formed by insect feces falling on the trees, which is incorrect. In autumn, it is scraped off, boiled in water until melted, filtered, and placed in cold water, where it solidifies into blocks. When broken, its texture resembles white gypsum and is crystal clear. People mix it with oil to make candles, which is far superior to beeswax.

Li Shizhen stated: Before the Tang and Song dynasties, the white wax used for making candles and in medicine was all beeswax (Mila). This insect wax (Chongbaisha) was only known to people since the Yuan dynasty and has now become a daily necessity. It is produced in Sichuan, Huguang, Southern Yunnan, Lingnan Fujian, and various southeastern commanderies such as Wu and Yue. The best quality comes from Sichuan, Yunnan, Hengzhou, and Yongzhou. The wax tree's leaves and branches resemble those of the holly tree (Dongqing), remaining evergreen throughout the year. In May, it blooms with clusters of white flowers and bears abundant fruits, similar in size to Vitex negundo seeds (Manjingzi), green when raw and purple when ripe. The fruits of the holly tree are red. The insect is as large as a louse egg. After the Mangzhong solar term, it crawls along the branches, feeding on sap and excreting saliva, sticking to tender stems, transforming into white lipid, and eventually forming wax, resembling frozen frost. After the Chushu solar term, it can be harvested, called "wax residue" (Lazha). If one waits until after the Bailu solar term, it becomes too sticky to scrape. The residue is refined and filtered clean, or steamed in a steamer basket, dripped into containers, and allowed to solidify into blocks, resulting in wax. When young, the insect is white and produces wax; when old, it turns reddish-black and forms cocoons on the branches. Initially the size of millet grains, they grow larger in spring, reaching the size of a chestnut, appearing purple-red, clinging to branches in clusters, resembling tree fruits. This is because the insect is preparing to lay eggs and build nests, similar to *Ootheca mantidis* (Piaoxiao) or bird nests. Commonly called "wax seed" (La zhong) or "wax child" (La zi). Inside each cocoon are white eggs, fine as lice nits, numbering hundreds per cocoon. On the day of Lixia (Start of Summer) the following year, they are picked, wrapped in bamboo leaves, and tied to individual trees. After Mangzhong, the cocoons break, eggs hatch, and the larvae emerge from under the leaves to climb the trees again to produce wax. The area under the tree must be kept clean to prevent ants from eating the insects. There is also a water wax tree (Shuilashu) with leaves slightly resembling elm, which can also support insect wax production. Sweet oak (Tianzhu) trees can also produce wax.

[Qi Wei] Sweet in taste, warm in nature, non-toxic.

[Zhu Zhi] Promotes tissue regeneration, stops bleeding, relieves pain, tonifies deficiency, reconnects tendons, and knits bones (Zhenheng). Can be incorporated into pill formulations.

[Fa Ming] Zhu Zhenheng stated: White wax belongs to Metal and possesses the qi of astringency and firmness, making it an essential herb for external surgery. When combined with Albizia bark (Hehuanpi) in ointments for flesh regeneration, it yields miraculous effects, though its internal use has not been tested.

Li Shizhen stated: The leaves of the wax tree also treat sores and swelling; thus, white wax is an essential herb for external surgery, just as *Ootheca mantidis* (Sangpiaoxiao) shares affinity with mulberry wood.

[Fu Fang] One new prescription.

Scalp Tinea Capitis (Tou Chuang): Frequently apply candle wax to the affected area, avoiding sun exposure. Over time, hair will naturally regrow. (*Jixuan Fang*)