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

**[Names]** Loulu (from *Bielu* [Additional Records]), Muhe (from *Bielu*), [Missing Character], Fuzhu (same), Tianqi (same). It has horns at the tail and can attract wind pathogens. This herb grows close to the stem with skin resembling arrow feathers, and it treats wind pathogens; hence its names Feilian, Feizhi, and Feiqing.

**[Collection and Explanation]** The *Bielu* states: Feilian grows in the rivers and marshes of Henei. The roots are harvested in the first lunar month, and the flowers in the seventh and eighth lunar months, then dried in the shade.
Taohongjing says: It is found everywhere. It closely resembles *Sonchus oleraceus* (Ku Shu), but its leaves have more serrated edges. The leaves attach closely to the stem below, covered by a light skin that protrudes like arrow feathers, and its flowers are purple. Secular medical formulas rarely use it, but Daoists consume its branches and stems, believing it can grant longevity. It is also used in the Shen Zhen Fang (Divine Pillow Formula). Since there is now another herb named "Loulu," this "Loulu" here is merely an alias.
Gong says: There are two types: one grows in flat marshlands, which is what Tao described. The other grows on hillsides; its leaves are quite similar but lack serrations, and it is hairy. Its stem lacks feather-like projections, and its root grows straight down without lateral branches. When fresh, the flesh is white and the skin black, with black veins inside; when dried, it turns black like *Scrophularia ningpoensis* (Xuanshen). Using its stems, leaves, and roots to treat gan erosion (nutritional deficiency ulcers) and kill parasites yields effective results, just like the variety from flat marshlands. Currently, people mistakenly identify *Cirsium japonicum* (Ma Ji) resembling *Sonchus* as Loulu, which is incorrect.
Baosheng says: The leaves resemble *Sonchus*, the stems resemble soft feathers, the flowers are purple, and the seeds are white. It is present in flat marshlands everywhere.
[Name Missing] says: When using it, do not use *Lysimachia christinae* (Chizhi Man), which resembles Feilian in shape. However, Chizhi Man turns blood-red when exposed to wine, which serves as an identifier.
Song says: The Loulu depicted in Qinzhou today has flowers resembling single-petal chrysanthemums, purple in color, with five to seven flower heads sharing one stalk. The Loulu depicted in Haizhou has purple-green flowers resembling single-petal lotuses, with white down wrapping the calyx base and the side of the root. The root is black, thinner than *Vitex rotundifolia* (Manjing), and resembles scallion roots. This is close to the Feilian described by Tao and Su, although they only called it Loulu. Nowadays, physicians rarely use Feilian and cannot accurately identify it.
Shizhen says: Feilian belongs to the Artemisia family. Su Song's *Tujing* suspected that the Loulu depicted in Haizhou was Feilian. Shen Kuo's *Bitan* also stated that Feilian roots resemble burdock and have cottony heads. An ancient prescription for "Loulu San" notes that the variety with white down is indeed Feilian without doubt. Upon examination, the qi, flavor, efficacy, and usage of these two substances are very similar, suggesting they might be interchangeable. Could it be that one species has several varieties, and their names differed across regions in ancient and modern times?

**Roots and Flowers**
**[Processing]** [Name Missing] says: When using the root, first scrape off the coarse skin, pound it into fine pieces, mix with vinegar overnight, strain out, dry in the sun, and then pound finely for use.

**[Flavor and Properties]** Bitter, neutral, non-toxic. Quan says: Bitter, salty, toxic.

**[Indications]** Heat in bone joints, heaviness and soreness in the shins. Long-term consumption makes the body feel light (*Shennong Bencao Jing*). Treats insect stings, needle pricks, eruptions resembling fish roe, hot sores, carbuncles, abscesses, hemorrhoids, damp bi syndrome, stops wind-pathogen-induced coughing, and promotes lactation. Long-term consumption benefits qi, brightens the eyes, and delays aging. Can be decocted or used dried (*Bielu*). Resolves retained blood (*Zhenquan*). Treats gan erosion and kills parasites (Su Gong). For pediatric gan dysentery, make into a powder and take with fermented grain water for great efficacy (Xiao Bing). Treats cephalalgia due to wind dizziness (Shizhen).

**[Elucidation]** Shizhen says: In Ge Hong's *Baopuzi*, it is stated that taking Feilian alone can lighten the body and extend lifespan. It also states that consuming Feilian decoction allows for long-distance travel and rapid walking, with strength several times greater than usual. The herbs listed in the *Shennong Bencao Jing* and *Bielu* are also excellent medicines, yet later generations did not know how to use them. Why is this?

**[Attached Prescriptions]** One old prescription.
If there is no pain, it is not gan disease. Worms in the lower part are as large as horse tails, entangled and emerging in countless numbers. Recovery in ten days, complete healing in twenty days. (*Qianjin Yifang*)