Library

(Registered as Middle Grade in *Shennong Bencao Jing*)

[Names] Yangquan (recorded in *Mingyi Bielu*), Yangyi.
Li Shizhen stated: The meanings of these names are unclear. It is called Qigu (Lac Bug Grass) because it can treat lac dermatitis.

[Collection and Explanation] *Mingyi Bielu* states: Shuyangquan grows in the valleys of Shu Commandery.
Tao Hongjing stated: It is no longer used in medical formulas, and few people recognize it.
Su Gong stated: This herb is commonly known as Qigu grass. Its leaves resemble those of chrysanthemum, its flowers are purple, its seeds resemble Goji berries (*Lycii Fructus*), and its roots resemble *Polygalae Radix* (Yuanzhi), lacking a pith but containing powdery substance. It grows in flatlands and marshes everywhere, thriving in shady and moist places. The aerial parts and leaves are harvested in the third and fourth lunar months and dried in the shade.
Zang Qi stated: Tao Hongjing’s annotation on Fir wood mentions: "Qigu grass has fine leaves and often grows beside rocks; it can treat lac dermatitis." Su Gong stated that Qigu is Yangquan. Upon examination, Yangquan is a large herb. In contrast, Qigu grass is only as large as a mouse footprint, grows in the shady crevices of steps, has a pungent and strong odor, and when applied externally treats lac dermatitis and also addresses stream toxins. This is an example of homonymy for different species.
Su Song stated: Some claim that *Lycium chinense* (Laoya Yanjing Cao) is Qigu grass, and that Qigu refers to Shuyangquan, but people cannot definitively identify them.
Li Shizhen stated: There are two types of Qigu: What Su Gong described is Yangquan, while what Tao Hongjing and Chen Zangqi described is a small herb. What Su Song described as Laoya Yanjing Cao is actually *Solanum nigrum* (Longkui). Additionally, yellow bees use the juice of this grass to form the base of their nests, referring to this specific herb.

[Flavor and Properties] Bitter, slightly cold, non-toxic.

[Indications] Scalp alopecia, malignant sores, heat qi, scabies with itching and crusting, tinea caused by parasites (*Shennong Bencao Jing*).
Treats dental caries, internal injury in the female vagina, and solid accumulations in the skin (*Mingyi Bielu*). Treats pediatric convulsions, promotes hair growth, and when crushed and applied externally, treats lac dermatitis (Supplemented by Su Gong). For conditions caused by exposure to earthworm vapors, crush the herb and mix with *Minium* (Huangdan) for application (Note: Original text appears incomplete or corrupted here).

[Attached Prescriptions] One new prescription.
Jaundice: Take one handful of Qigu grass, crush to extract juice, and take mixed with wine. Recovery occurs within three to five doses (*Zhaixuan Fang*).

(*Bencao Gangmu*)

[Names] Xiao Qinwang Cao (recorded in *Bencao Gangmu*), Qinwang Shijian Cao.
Li Shizhen stated: The leaves of *Pyrola calliantha* resemble deer hooves. It is named Shijian Cao (Sword-Testing Grass) because it can heal metal-induced wounds. Note that *Ursinia coronopifolia* (Shancigu) is also called Luti, which is different from this herb.

[Collection and Explanation] Li Shizhen stated: According to Xuan Yuan’s *Baozang Lun*, *Pyrola* grows mostly in the plains of Jianghuai and Guangdong, as well as in abandoned areas of temples. It is rare in north of the Huai River but exists in Sichuan and Shaanxi. The seedlings resemble *Viola* species, but the leaves are larger and purplish on the abaxial surface. Purple flowers bloom in spring. It bears green fruits resembling *Solanum melongena* (Eggplant). It can be used to process Realgar (*Realgar*) and Cinnabar (*Cinnabaris*).

[Flavor and Properties] Information missing.

[Indications] Bleeding from metal injuries; crushing and applying externally stops bleeding. Also applicable to venom from snake, insect, and dog bites (Supplemented by Li Shizhen).