（《法象》）
【释名】通草（《纲目》）、活 （音夺）、离南。
颂曰∶《尔雅》∶离南、活 ，即通脱也。《山海经》名寇脱。又名倚商。
杲曰∶阴窍涩而不利，水肿闭而不行，用之立通，因有通草之名。与木通同功。
嘉谟曰∶白瓤中藏，脱木得之，故名通脱。
【集解】藏器曰∶通脱木生山侧。叶似蓖麻。其茎空心，中有白瓤，轻白可爱，女人取
以饰物，俗名通草。
颂曰∶郭璞言∶生江南，高丈许，大叶似荷而肥，茎中瓤正白。今园圃亦有种莳者，或
作蜜煎充果，食之甘美。
时珍曰∶蔓生山中。茎大者围数寸。
【气味】甘、淡，寒，无毒。
杲曰∶甘，平。降也。阳中阴也。
【主治】利阴窍，治五淋，除水肿癃闭，泻肺（李杲）。
解诸毒虫痛（苏颂）。明目退热，下乳催生（汪机）。
【发明】杲曰∶通草泻肺利小便，甘平以缓阴血也。与灯草同功。宜生用之。
时珍曰∶通草色白而气寒，味淡而体轻，故入太阴肺经，引热下降而利小便；入
阳明胃经，通气上达而下乳汁。其气寒，降也；其味淡，升也。
【附方】新一。
洗头风痛∶新通草瓦上烧存性，研末二钱，热酒下。牙关紧者，斡口灌之。（王 《百
一
花上粉
【主治】诸虫 恶疮痔疾，纳之（藏器）。
【附录】天寿根（《图经》）
颂曰∶出台州，每岁土贡。其性凉，治胸膈烦热，土人常用有效。
(From *Faxiang*)
[Names] Tongcao (from *Bencao Gangmu*), Huo (pronounced duo), Linan.
Su Song states: The *Erya* records that Linan and Huo refer to Tuo tuo mu (Pseudoginseng stem). It is called Koutuo in the *Shanhai Jing*. Also known as Yishang.
Li Gao states: When the yin orifices are obstructed and not flowing freely, or when edema causes urinary retention, its use leads to immediate unblocking; hence the name Tongcao (Unblocking Grass). Its efficacy is the same as Mutong (Akebia Stem).
Wang Ji states: The white pith is hidden within; after removing the woody part, it is obtained, thus named Tuotuo (Unblocking/Peeling Wood).
[Collected Explanations] Chen Zangqi states: Pseudoginseng stem grows on the sides of mountains. The leaves resemble those of Ricinus communis (Castor bean). The stem is hollow with white pith inside, light and white, which is lovely; women take it for ornaments, commonly known as Tongcao.
Su Song states: Guo Pu said: It grows in Jiangnan, about one zhang high, with large leaves resembling Nelumbo nucifera (Lotus) but fatter, and the pith in the stem is pure white. Now, some people plant it in gardens, or make candied fruit from it, which tastes sweet and delicious.
Li Shizhen states: It climbs and grows in mountains. Stems can be several inches in circumference.
[Flavor and Properties] Sweet, bland, cold, non-toxic.
Li Gao states: Sweet, neutral. It has a descending action. It belongs to yang containing yin.
[Indications] Benefits the yin orifices, treats the five types of strangury (Wulin), eliminates edema and urinary retention, drains Lung heat (Li Gao).
Relieves pain from various venomous insect bites (Su Song). Brightens the eyes, reduces fever, promotes lactation, and facilitates childbirth (Wang Ji).
[Elucidations] Li Gao states: Tongcao drains Lung heat and benefits urination; its sweet and neutral nature moderates yin blood. It has the same function as Dengcao (Juncus effusus). It should be used raw.
Li Shizhen states: Tongcao is white in color and cold in qi, bland in taste and light in substance; therefore, it enters the Taiyin Lung meridian, guiding heat downward to promote urination; it enters the Yangming Stomach meridian, allowing qi to ascend and reach upward while promoting milk flow downward. Its cold nature indicates descent; its bland taste indicates ascent.
[Attached Prescriptions] New prescription 1.
For headache caused by wind attacking the head: Burn fresh Tongcao on a tile until carbonized but retaining its properties, grind into powder (2 qian), and take with hot wine. For patients with locked jaw, pry open the mouth and administer the mixture. (Wang Qiu, *Baiyi Xuanfang*, Shangfen)
[Indication] For various insect bites, malignant sores, and hemorrhoids, insert into the affected area (Chen Zangqi).
[Appendix] Tianshou Gen (Root of Tianshou) (from *Tujing*)
Su Song states: Produced in Taizhou, offered as local tribute annually. Its nature is cool; it treats irritability and heat in the chest and diaphragm. Locals use it frequently with good effect.