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(From *Bencao Gangmu*)

[Names] Naoyuhua (Fish-Killing Flower, from *Bencao Gangmu*), Yuweicao (Fish-Tail Grass, from *Bencao Gangmu*).

[Collected Explanations] Li Shizhen stated: Zuiyuc grass (Buddleja officinalis) is found everywhere in the South. It mostly grows on the banks of ditches, forming small shrubs, reaching a height of three or four chi. In the eighth lunar month, it flowers into spikes; the flowers are red-purple, resembling completely those of Yuanhua (Daphne genkwa). It bears fine seeds. Fishermen harvest its flowers and leaves to poison fish; the fish all die floating on their bellies, hence it is called "Zuiyu'er Cao" (Fish-Intoxicating Grass). It should not be planted near ponds or marshes. The color, shape, and odor of this flower are identical to Yuanhua, and its effect on poisoning fish is also the same. The only difference is the time of flowering. According to the *Zhongshan Jing* (Classic of the Central Mountains): "On Xiong'er Mountain there is a herb, shaped like Su (Perilla) but with red flowers, named Tingzhu, which can be used to poison fish." Is this herb one of that kind?

Flowers and Leaves

[Properties and Flavor] Pungent, bitter, warm, slightly toxic.

[Indications] For phlegm-fluid retention forming masses (Pi), which flare up upon exposure to cold: take the flowers, grind them into powder, mix with rice flour to make cakes, roast until cooked, and eat them for immediate effect. Also treats poisoning from accidentally eating stone grouper roe, causing incessant vomiting, as well as fish bones stuck in the throat: crush and extract juice, mix with a little cold water, and swallow; vomiting will cease, and the bone will dissolve. For chronic malaria forming masses: stuff the flowers into the belly of a crucian carp, wrap in wet paper, and bake/roast until cooked; eat on an empty stomach. Additionally, paste a mixture of flowers and Hai Fen (Sepia shell) externally to dissipate the mass (Li Shizhen).

(From *Shennong Bencao Jing*, Lower Grade)

[Correction] Transferred from the Wood section to this section.

[Names] Mangcao (pronounced 'Wang'), Mangcao (Mang Grass, from *Shanhai Jing*), Shumang (Rat Poison).

Tao Hongjing stated: The character 'Mang' was originally written as 'Yin', commonly mispronounced as 'Er'.

Li Shizhen stated: This substance is toxic; ingestion causes mental confusion and disorientation, hence the name. Mountain people use it to poison rats, calling it Shumang.

[Correction of Errors] *Mingyi Bielu* states: Also known as 'Yin', also known as Chuncao (Spring Grass).

Yuxi stated: According to *Erya*: 'Yin' is Chuncao. Sun Yan's commentary states: It is a medicinal herb, commonly called Yincao. Guo Pu's commentary states: Also known as Mangcao. The views differ.

Li Shizhen stated: 'Yin' (pronounced 'Wei') refers to Baiwei (Cynanchum atratum). The characters Wei and Yin have similar pronunciations. Under the entry for Baiwei in *Mingyi Bielu*, it says: Also known as Chuncao. Here, 'Yin' is taken as Mangcao, likely due to... [text implies confusion of names].

[Collected Explanations] *Mingyi Bielu* states: Mangcao grows in the valleys of Shanggu and Yuanju. Harvest leaves in the fifth lunar month, dry in shade.

Tao Hongjing stated: Now it is found everywhere in Jiangdong. Those with green leaves and pungent, strong odor are good. People crush it, mix it with aged millet flour, put it in water; fish swallowing it die and float up. Humans eating these fish are unharmed.

Su Song stated: Now it exists in southern prefectures and Shu region. The plant resembles Shi Nan Teng (Pyrularia edulis) but has sparse leaves, no flowers or fruits. Harvest leaves in the fifth and seventh lunar months, dry in shade.

Another theory: It is a vine, winding around trees and rocks. Since it is called 'Cao' (grass/herb), it should be a creeping plant.

Kou Zongshi stated: Various texts call Mangcao a herb, yet *Bencao* places it in the Wood section. What is used today has leaves like Shi Nan Teng; stems become wrinkled when dry, and rubbing them releases an odor like Sichuan pepper.

Stated: When using leaves, do not use the tips or curled ones.

Li Shizhen stated: *Fanzi Jiran* records: Mangcao comes from Sanfu region; those that are green are superior.

Leaves

[Processing] Stated: To process, take leaves, cut finely, place together with raw Gancao (Licorice root) and Shuiliao (Water Smartweed) into a bag made of raw thin silk, steam in a steamer for one day, remove the two herbs, and sun-dry for use.

[Properties and Flavor] Pungent, warm, toxic. Leigong stated: Shennong said pungent; Leigong and Tongjun said bitter, toxic.

Li Shizhen stated: Mangcao is toxic because it counteracts the toxicity of Cishi (Realgar) and Xionghuang (Orpiment); accidental ingestion harms humans. Only taking powdered Ziheche (Placenta) mixed with water, or decoction of Heidou (Black beans), can detoxify it. Bean juice causes its roots to rot; this is mutual antagonism of properties.

[Indications] Head wind carbuncles and swellings, breast carbuncles, hernias and masses; removes Qi stagnation and scabies itching. Kills insects and poisons fish (*Shennong Bencao Jing*).

Treats obstruction of throat bi (sore throat/swelling), difficulty in lactation. For head wind itching, use for washing hair; do not let enter eyes (*Mingyi Bielu*). Treats wind abscesses, hernial swelling with coagulated blood, scrofula; dispels dampness and wind; does not enter decoctions for internal use. Mainly treats scalp sores and alopecia, kills insects. Mix with Bailian (Ampelopsis radix) and Chixiaodou (Adzuki bean) into powder, blend with egg white to paste-like consistency, apply to toxic swellings, change when dry (Zhen Quan). Treats skin numbness, wash with strong decoction. Wind-worm toothache (Daming).

[Elucidation] Su Song stated: Ancient formulas treating wind-toxicity, bi, and厥 (convulsions/coma) in wines all use Mangcao. Modern physicians take leaves, decoct in water, hold hot in mouth briefly, then spit out; very effective for wind-worm toothache and throat bi.

Kou Zongshi stated: Strong decoction washed over skin treats numbness. *Zhou Li* (Rites of Zhou) states the Jian Shi (official removing pests) uses Mangcao fumigation to kill pests.

Li Shizhen stated: Ancient formulas for pediatric typhoid fever include Mangcao Tang. Also, *Suosui Lu* records: The son of Wang family in Sicun had testes retracting into the abdomen seven days after birth. Two doctors said: This is caused by cold qi. Apply crushed sulfur, Cornus, and garlic to the abdomen; fumigate the lower part with burning Mangcao and Shechuangzi (Cnidium fruit) until healed.

[Attached Formulas] Four old, ten new.

For thief-wind causing swelling and bi, wind entering five zang organs causing mental vagueness, use Mangcao Gao: Mangcao 1 jin, Wutou (Aconite lateral root), Fuzi (Prepared Aconite root), Zhizhu (Rhododendron molle) each 2 liang, sliced. Soak overnight in 1 sheng water and 1 sheng vinegar. Add 1 jin lard, boil three times up and down, strain off dregs. Face the fire, massage the affected area 300 times with hand; recovery follows immediately. If ear/nose diseases, wrap in cotton and insert. Scabies, tinea, miscellaneous sores: massage with it (*Zhouhou Beiji Fang*).

For pediatric wind epilepsy, convulsions, upward staring eyes, severe cases occurring dozens of times daily, also for adult thief-wind: Mangcao and Leiwan (Polyporus) each size of chicken egg yolk, melt in 1 jin lard, boil seven times, strain, massage painful areas; avoid eyes and genitals; 3-4 times daily (*Waitai Miyao*).

Chronic head wind pain: Wash head with Mangcao decoction; avoid eyes (*Taiping Shenghui Fang*).

Wind-worm toothache: *Zhouhou Fang*: Decoct Mangcao, rinse hot, spit cold. Add Shan Jiao (Mountain Pepper) (*Shenghui Fang*); add Yuanhua (*Daphne genkwa*); add Chuanjiao (Sichuan pepper) and Xixin (Asarum) in equal parts. Decoct, rinse hot, spit cold. *Shenghui Fang*: Mangcao 0.5 liang, Zaojiao (Gleditsia sinensis) 3 pods (remove skin/seeds), Hanjiao (Sichuan pepper) 7 grains. Powder, pill with jujube meat size of mustard seed. Insert one pill into cavity, expectorate saliva for effect.

Scrofula and lymphatic tuberculosis: Mangcao 1 liang powder, mix with egg white, apply on cloth, patch on site; change twice daily until effective (*Taiping Shenghui Fang*).

Carbuncles not yet ulcerated: Same formula as above; feeling pain is good (*Zhouhou Fang*).

Breast swelling not resolving: Mangcao and Xiaodou (Adzuki bean) in equal parts. Powder, mix with vinegar, apply (*Weisheng Yijian Fang*).

Dog bite causing fainting/stupor: Soak in pepper water, mix with Mangcao powder, apply (*Bianmin Tuzuan*).