Library

[Classified as Lower Grade in the *Shennong Bencao Jing*]

**Names:** Caohao (from *Benjing*), Qihao (from *Benjing*), Kunlun Cao (from *Tangben*), Ye Jiguan (from *Gangmu*), Jiguan Xian (from *Gangmu*). Its seed is named Cao Jueming (Li Shizhen said: The etymology of Qingxiang's name is unclear. Sesame leaves are also called Qingxiang; this herb often grows among sesame fields and shares the same name, perhaps due to their similarity? Qinghao is also called Caohao; their functions are similar, and their names are identical, why is this? Its seeds brighten the eyes with the same efficacy as Juemingzi, hence the name "Grass Jueming." Its flowers and leaves resemble a rooster's comb, and its tender shoots resemble amaranth, thus it is called Jiguan Xian. Zheng Qiao stated in *Tongzhi* that the common name is Niuhao, which is incorrect.)

**Collection and Explanation:** *Bielu* states: Qingxiang grows by valley paths. Harvest stems and leaves in March, dry in shade. Harvest seeds in May and June.

Tao Hongjing said: It is found everywhere. It resembles the flower of wheat ears, and its seeds are very fine. There is another herb, Caohao (sometimes written as Cao Zhen), whose therapeutic applications are quite similar, and its shape and name are suspiciously alike, yet they are actually two different species.

Su Gong said: This herb has seedlings over one chi tall, with fine and soft leaves, purple-white flowers, and horn-shaped fruits. The seeds are black, flat, and shiny, larger than amaranth seeds, growing in low and wet areas. Harvested in April and May, people in Jingxiang call it Kunlun Cao.

Su Song said: It is now found in prefectures near roads in Jianghuai. Green seedlings emerge in February, growing three to four chi long. Leaves are broad like willow but soft. Stems resemble mugwort, greenish-red. Flowers appear internally in June and July, red on top and white below. Seeds are black, shiny, and flat, resembling Datura seeds. Roots resemble mugwort roots but are white, growing straight down with a single stem. Harvest seeds in June and August.

Li Shizhen said: Qingxiang grows in fields. Tender shoots resemble amaranth and are edible; when mature, they grow three to four chi high. Seedlings, leaves, flowers, and fruits are indistinguishable from Celosia cristata (Jiguanhua). However, Celosia cristata spikes are either large and flat or round. Here, the flower spikes emerge from the tips, pointed and long, four to five cun, resembling a rabbit's tail, water-red in color, with some being yellow-white. Seeds are within the spike, indistinguishable from Celosia seeds and amaranth seeds. Su Gong's statement that it forms horns is incorrect. Xiao Bing stated that those with yellow flowers are named Taozhushu, differing from Chen Cangqi's description. There is also Tianlingcao, which belongs to this category, attached below.

**Stems and Leaves**

**Processing:** Lei Xiao said: When using, first heat an iron mortar and pestle until red-hot, then pound the herb.

**Flavor and Nature:** Bitter, slightly cold, non-toxic.

**Indications:** Evils, heat in the skin, wind-induced pruritus (Feng Sao Shen Yang), kills three parasites (from *Benjing*). Treats malignant sores, scabies, lice, corrosive hemorrhoids, and lower body ulcers (from *Bielu*). Crushed juice taken internally greatly treats warm epidemics (Su Gong). Stops bleeding from metal wounds (Daming).

**Seeds**

**Flavor and Nature:** Bitter, slightly cold, non-toxic. Li Quan said: Bitter, neutral.

**Indications:** Cyanosis of lips and mouth (from *Benjing*). Treats evils of the five zang organs, benefits brain marrow, stabilizes the Liver, brightens eyes and ears, strengthens sinews and bones, dispels wind-cold-damp bi syndrome (Daming). Treats liver heat toxin rushing to the eyes, causing redness, nebulae, blindness, swelling, and other malignant conditions... [Text cuts off]

**Elucidation:** Xiao Bing said: Regulates eyes; there is a Qingxiangzi Wan formula.

Kou Zongshi said: Qingxiangzi is not mentioned in the *Jing* for treating eye diseases; only *Yaoxing Lun* and *Rihuazi* begin to state it treats the liver and brightens the eyes. Nowadays, many use it for eye diseases, which does not quite align with the intent of the *Jing*.

Li Shizhen said: Qingxiangzi treats eye diseases with the same efficacy as Juemingzi and Xianshi. Although the *Benjing* does not mention treating eyes, it states it is also named Cao Jueming and treats cyanosis of lips and mouth; thus, its eye-brightening efficacy can be inferred. The eyes are the orifice of the Liver; cyanosis of lips and mouth is a syndrome of the Foot Jueyin Meridian. Ancient formulas for clearing heat often use it, confirming that Qingxiangzi is a Jueyin herb. Moreover, its application for eyes is often effective, further verifying this. According to *Wei Lue*: During the Chuping era, Master Qingniu frequently took Qingxiangzi Wan, living over a hundred years while appearing fifty or sixty.

**Attached Formulas:** One old formula.

Unstopping epistaxis, dizziness and vertigo nearly fatal: Take 3 he of Qingxiangzi juice, instill into the nose (*Zhenyuan Guangli Fang*).

**Appendix:** Taozhushu

Xiao Bing said: Qingxiang has a variety with yellow flowers, named Taozhushu, with similar seedlings.

Chen Cangqi said: Taozhushu grows in gardens, thin as celery, with purple flowers and horn-shaped fruits. If struck by a mirror nearby, the seeds fall spontaneously. Collect seeds on the fifth day of the fifth month; carrying them makes women beloved by their husbands.