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(Recorded in the Lower Category of *Shennong Bencao Jing* [Classic of Materia Medica])
Yelangbazizi (Recorded in the Lower Category of *Mingyi Bielu* [Additional Records of Famous Physicians])

[Names] Lingquan (from *Shennong Bencao Jing*), Da Jiu (from *Shennong Bencao Jing*).
Li Shizhen stated: This plant has yellow and round leaves, hence its name Huanghuan (Yellow Ring), implying a meaning similar to "white ring like a creeper." It belongs to the genus *Pueraria* (Kudzu), hence the name Jiuge. "Ba" refers to the foot of a wild beast; its pods resemble such feet, thus it is called Yelangbazizi (Wild Wolf's Paw).

[Collection and Explanation] *Mingyi Bielu* states: Huanghuan grows in the valleys of Shujun. The roots are harvested in March and dried in the shade.
Wu Pu stated: The Huanghuan from Shu is also known as Shengchu. Seedlings emerge in February, appearing bright red, reaching a height of two chi. The leaves are yellow, round, with broad tips; after sun exposure, yellowish-white juice appears on the leaf surface. The fruits become round in May. Roots are harvested in March; they are yellow with longitudinal fibers, resembling the spokes of a wheel.
Tao Hongjing stated: It resembles Fangji (*Stephaniae Tetrandrae Radix*), also showing a texture like wheel spokes. The *Shudu Fu* says: "Green pearls and yellow rings," referring to this herb. Some claim it is the flower of *Euphorbia*, which is definitely incorrect. It is rarely used, and few people in the market recognize it. He further stated: Yelangbazizi originates from Jiaozhou and Guangzhou, with a flat shape. When crushed and mixed with rice into water, fish of all sizes float up and die.
Su Gong stated: Huanghuan is abundant only in Xiangyang; although present elsewhere, it is rare. People in Baxi call it Jiuge, and it is now cultivated in gardens. It grows as a vine; thick stems have a diameter of six or seven cun. The root is also of the *Pueraria* type. Tao Hongjing's description that it resembles Fangji is close. If mistaken for Kudzu root (*Puerariae Lobatae Radix*) and ingested, it causes incessant vomiting and diarrhea, which can be resolved by drinking clay slurry. This is the true Huanghuan. The specimens collected by the Taichang Temple from Jiannan are actually Jishige roots (*Pueraria thomsonii*), not Huanghuan. Its flowers are purple; its fruit is named Yelangbazizi, growing in pods similar to Gengjiao (Soap Pod). Those sent to the Taichang Temple from Jiaozhou and Guangzhou are indeed the seeds of Huanghuan. The flowering and fruiting times coincide with those of Kudzu.
Li Shizhen stated: Wu Pu's description is very detailed, yet why was it omitted in the materia medica of the Tang and Song dynasties? *Fanzi Jiran* states: Huanghuan comes from Weijun, and those with yellow color are considered superior.

[Properties and Flavor] Bitter, neutral, toxic.
Wu Pu stated: Shennong and the Yellow Emperor considered it toxic; Tongjun and Bian Que considered it bitter.
Lei Xiao stated: Greatly cold, slightly toxic.
Xu Zhicai stated: Yuanwei (*Iridis Tectoris Rhizoma*) acts as its guiding drug. It is incompatible with Fuling (*Poria*), Fangji (*Stephaniae Tetrandrae Radix*), and Ganjiang (*Zingiberis Rhizoma Preparata*).

[Indications] Gu poison, Gui Zhu (ghostly infection), and Gui Mei (demonic influences); evil qi lodged within the Zang organs. Treats cough with inverted Qi, alternating chills and fever (supplemented by Li Shizhen).
Treats phlegm-cough, reduces edema, and promotes urination (supplemented by Li Shizhen).

[Attached Prescriptions] One new prescription.
Yelangbazizi

[Properties and Flavor] Bitter, cold, slightly toxic.

[Indications] Malignant sores, scabies. Kills parasites and fish (*Mingyi Bielu*). Applied topically with vinegar for sores and scabies is effective (Tao Hongjing).