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(Shangpin, High Grade) [Listed in the *Shennong Bencao Jing* as a high-grade herb]

[Names] Fangyuan (from *Wu Pu Bencao*), Ligai (from *Shennong Bencao Jing*).
Tao Hongjing stated: The roots and leaves resemble those of the sunflower seed root, and its fragrance resembles that of Fangfeng (*Saposhnikoviae Radix*), hence the name Fangkui.

[Collection and Explanation] *Mingyi Bielu* states: Fangkui grows in the river valleys of Linzi, as well as in Songgao, Taishan, and Shaoshi mountains. The roots are harvested on the third day of the third lunar month and dried in the sun.
Wu Pu stated: The stems and leaves resemble those of Abelmoschus manihot (hibiscus/kui), with blackish-yellow upper parts. Roots emerge in the second lunar month; the roots are as large as Jiegeng (*Platycodonis Radix*), red and white inside. White flowers bloom in the sixth lunar month, and white fruits form in the seventh and eighth lunar months. Roots are harvested in the third lunar month.
Tao Hongjing stated: This herb is also rare; it is found in Xiangyang, Wangchu, Shandong, and western Xingzhou. Those from Xingzhou are superior to those from the south, as Xingzhou borders Shu.
Su Song stated: Currently, it is only produced in Xiangyang; other commanderies do not report its production. Its leaves resemble those of kui, with three leaves per stem; one plant has dozens of stems, with a single central stalk bearing flowers at the tip, resembling Allium fistulosum (scallion) or Sedum species but white in color. It flowers in the sixth lunar month and bears fruit. The root resembles Fangfeng (*Saposhnikoviae Radix*) and has a similar fragrance. Those harvested according to the proper season sink in water. Nowadays, rotten Yelangdu (*Stellerae Chamaejasme Radix*) is used to substitute for it, which is extremely erroneous.
Li Shizhen stated: During the Tang Dynasty, Chengzhou in Longxi presented this as tribute. Su Song’s description is detailed and reliable.

[Correction of Errors] Tao Hongjing stated: The Fangkui currently used comes from Jianping. It originally shares the same root as Yelangdu (*Stellerae Chamaejasme Radix*), similar to the "Three Jian" herbs; their shapes are also similar, but they do not sink in water. However, aged Yelangdu (*Stellerae Chamaejasme Radix*) also fails to sink.
Lei Xiao stated: When using Fangkui, do not mistakenly use Yelangdu (*Stellerae Chamaejasme Radix*), because although they look similar, their verification methods differ, and their efficacies are different. One must examine them carefully to avoid harming patients. Genuine Fangkui grows in the sandy soil of Caizhou...
Tao Hongjing stated: Yelangdu (*Stellerae Chamaejasme Radix*) and Fangkui belong to completely different categories and grow in different places.
Zang Qian stated: These two substances: one is Shangpin (High Grade), the other is Xiapin (Low Grade); their natures (good vs. evil/toxicity) differ, and their forms and textures are distinct. Tao Hongjing distinguished them by whether they sink or float in water, and later generations followed this practice, treating Fangkui as a Xiapin substance for breaking down accumulations, equating its function with Yelangdu (*Stellerae Chamaejasme Radix*). Due to ancient and modern continuity without discrimination, this is a significant error.
...roots.

[Processing] Lei Xiao stated: When processing, remove dirt and powder. Soak in Gancao Tang (Licorice Decoction) overnight, drain, and dry. Mix with 1–2 sheng of natural juice from Huangjing (*Polygonati Rhizoma*), and stir-fry in a clay vessel until the juice is absorbed.

[Flavor and Nature] Pungent, Cold, Non-toxic. *Mingyi Bielu* states: Sweet, Bitter. Wu Pu stated: Shennong considered it: Pungent, Slightly Cold; Tongjun and Bian Que considered it: Non-toxic; Qibo, Leigong, and the Yellow Emperor considered it: Pungent, Bitter, Non-toxic. Li Quan stated: Slightly toxic.

[Indications] Hernia masses, intestinal diarrhea, heat accumulation in the Bladder, inability to urinate, coughing/counterflow, warm malaria, epilepsy, fright-evil, manic running. Long-term consumption strengthens bone marrow, benefits Qi, and lightens the body (*Shennong Bencao Jing*). Treats deficiency-Qi of the Five Zang organs, fullness and distension in the lower abdomen, dry mouth, eliminates Kidney pathogenic factors, and strengthens willpower. Those with excessive Fire should not take it, as it causes hallucinations and seeing ghosts (*Mingyi Bielu*). Long-term consumption primarily treats pathogenic factors causing fright and mania (Su Gong).
Treats Pi-masses (accumulated lumps), retained water in the Bladder, and blood-Qi tumors as large as a bowl, all of which can be dissipated. Treats Gui-malaria (ghost malaria), various pathogenic spirits and demons, and promotes the flow of Qi (Zhen Quan).

[Elucidation] Li Shizhen stated: Fangkui is a Shangpin (High Grade) herb recorded by Shennong. Huangdi, Qibo, Tongjun, Leigong, Bian Que, and Wu Pu all stated it is non-toxic. Only *Mingyi Bielu* states that those with excess Fire taking it will experience confusion, hallucinations, and seeing ghosts. Chen Yanzhi’s *Duanju Fang* states: Excessive consumption of Fangkui causes confusion and hallucinations resembling mania. Examining *Nanjing*, it says: "Excess Yang leads to mania; loss of Yang leads to seeing ghosts." How could this be appropriate for a Shangpin herb intended for nourishing life? Could this be a Cold and non-toxic herb? If not, then what is listed in *Shennong Bencao Jing* and by Su Gong represents the true functions of Fangkui; whereas what is listed in *Mingyi Bielu* actually describes the functions of Yelangdu (*Stellerae Chamaejasme Radix*), which resembles Fangkui, not Fangkui itself. The substitution of Yelangdu (*Stellerae Chamaejasme Radix*) for Fangkui has been going on for a long time and must be distinguished. In ancient formulas for treating She-jia (snake mass) and Die-jia (turtle mass), Fangkui was frequently used, but these were actually Yelangdu (*Stellerae Chamaejasme Radix*).

[Attached Formulas] One old formula, two new formulas.
Swelling and fullness, massive: Grind Fangkui into powder, take with warm wine, one Dao-gui dose, up to two or three doses. Effect is indicated when numbness in the body and extremities subsides (*Zhouhou Beiji Fang*).
Mania and strange diseases: Same formula as above.
Shanghan Dongqi (Agitation due to Shanghan; after sweating or purging in Shanghan, agitation felt to the left of the umbilicus): Fangkui San (Fangkui Powder): Use Fangkui 1 liang, Muxiang (*Aucklandiae Radix*), Huangqin (*Scutellariae Radix*), and Chaihu (*Bupleuri Radix*) each 0.5 liang. Take 0.5 liang per dose, add 1.5 sheng of water, decoct to 0.8 sheng, and take warm (*Baoming Ji* by Yun Qizi).