Library

(Registered as a Superior Grade in the *Shennong Bencao Jing* [Classic of Materia Medica])

[Names] Xinzhi (from *Shennong Bencao Jing*), Houtao (same).
Li Shizhen said: "Yi" refers to "Ti" (young shoots). Its bud, when first emerging, resembles young grass shoots and tastes pungent. Yang Xiong wrote in the *Ganquan Fu*: "Arranging Xinzhi in the forest thickets." Fu Qian's annotation states: "This is indeed Xin Yi." The characters "Zhi" and "Yi" have similar pronunciations.
Chen Cangqi said: When the flower of Xin Yi has not yet opened, the bud resembles a small peach and has hairs, hence the name Houtao. When initially budding, it looks like a brush tip; northerners call it Mubi (Wooden Brush). Its flowering time is the earliest, so southerners call it Yingchun (Welcoming Spring).

[Collection and Explanation] The *Bielu* [Supplement to the Classic of Materia Medica] states: Xin Yi grows in the valleys of Hanzhong, Weixing, and Liangzhou. The tree resembles Eucommia ulmoides (Duzhong), growing over one zhang high. The fruit resembles winter peaches but is smaller. Fruits are harvested in September, dried in the sun, and the core and outer hairs are removed. The hairs can penetrate into the lungs, causing coughing.
Tao Hongjing said: It is now produced near Danyang. It resembles a peach; when young, it has a pungent and fragrant aroma.
Su Gong said: This is a tree, harvested before the flowers open. January and February are good times for collection. The statement about harvesting fruits in September is likely erroneous.
Miao Baosheng said: The tree can be as thick as a group hug, several ren tall. Leaves resemble those of Diospyros kaki (persimmon) but are narrower and longer. Flowers appear in January and February, resembling hairy small peaches, white with a purple tint. After petals fall, no fruit forms. Late summer sees another bloom, resembling a small brush. There is another variety where flowers and leaves are identical, but blooms in March and falls in April, producing red seeds resembling Cercis chinensis (Chinese redbud) seeds. Both types exist in mountain valleys.
Meng Yuxi said: In the imperial gardens, there are trees three or four zhang high with lush branches. Flowers bloom in January and February, purple-white. Leaves grow after petals fall; flowers regenerate in early summer. Through autumn and winter, leaves and buds enlarge, resembling hairy small peaches, only opening in January and February of the following year. Initially brought from Xingyuan Prefecture, the tree was only three or four chi high, having flowers but no fruit, taking over twenty years to bear fruit. Trees with shallow age do not bear fruit; this does not indicate two distinct species. The timing of blooming varies according to local climate and solar terms. Lei Xiao said: Xin Yi is found everywhere; households also plant it in gardens and pavilions. Flowers precede leaves, which is the Mubi flower. Before opening, the bud has hairs, pointed and long like a brush, thus named by analogy. Flowers come in peach-red and purple varieties; for medicinal use, the purple ones should be used, harvested before opening; fully opened ones are inferior. Li Shizhen said: Xin Yi flowers emerge from branches with buds half an cun long, sharp and neat like a brush tip, layered with greenish-yellow downy hairs spreading smoothly, about half a cun long. Upon opening, they resemble lotus flowers but are small as a cup, with purple buds enclosing red flames, emitting aromas of lotus and orchid. There are also white varieties, called Yulan (Magnolia). There are also double-petaled varieties. Previous authors' descriptions comparing buds to small peaches are inaccurate analogies.

[Processing] Lei Xiao said: When using Xin Yi, wipe away the reddish fleshy parts and hairs. Soak in banana leaf water overnight, then boil in rice wash water from Si hour (9-11 AM) to Wei hour (1-3 PM). Remove and dry in shade for use. If treating eye diseases, remove skin immediately, using only the inner solid part.
Kou Zongshi said: Slightly roast before incorporating into medicine.

[Properties and Flavors] Pungent, Warm, Non-toxic.
Li Shizhen said: The flavors are thin, floating and dispersing, belonging to Yang. Enters the Hand Taiyin Lung Meridian and Foot Yangming Stomach Meridian.
Xu Zhicai said: Chuanxiong rhizome (Chuanxiong) acts as its guiding herb. Dislikes Wushizhi (Five Minerals Earth), fears Changpu (Acorus tatarinowii), Puhuang (Lygodii Spora), Huanglian (Coptidis Rhizoma), Shigao (Gypsum Fibrosum), and Huanghuan.

[Indications] Treats cold and heat sensations in the five viscera and body, wind-induced headache and facial swelling. Long-term use promotes descending Qi, lightens the body, brightens the eyes, and extends lifespan (*Shennong Bencao Jing*).
Warms the middle, resolves muscle tension, unblocks the nine orifices, treats nasal congestion and discharge, treats facial swelling radiating to toothache, dizziness, and a sensation of swaying as if on a boat or carriage. Promotes hair growth, removes white worms (*Bielu*). Unblocks meridians, treats headache with aversion to cold, body stiffness, and itching. Added to facial cosmetics to impart luster (*Da Ming Bencao*). Treats Biyuan (nasal sinusitis), Biqiu (allergic rhinitis), Bizhi (nasal obstruction), Bicrang (nasal sores), and post-smallpox nasal sores. Grind into powder, add a small amount of Moschus (Shexiang), dip scallion white into the mixture, and insert into nostrils several times; very effective.

[Elucidation] Li Shizhen said: Nasal qi connects with Heaven. Heaven refers to the head and the Lungs. The Lungs open into the nose, and the Yangming Stomach meridian circles the nose and ascends.
The brain is the mansion of the Primordial Spirit, and the nose is the aperture of the Gate of Life. When the Middle Qi is insufficient and Clear Yang fails to ascend, the head tilts, and the nine orifices become obstructed. Xin Yi is pungent and warm, moving Qi and entering the Lung channel. Its substance is light and floating, capable of assisting the Clear Yang of the Stomach to ascend and connect with Heaven (the head). Therefore, it warms the middle and treats diseases of the head, eyes, and nose.