Library

(Recorded in the Lower Grade of *Shennong Bencao Jing*)

**[Names]** Chu Li (Qian Yi), Shu Zi (*Mingyi Bie Lu*), Shan Lizhi (*Tujing Bencao*), Niu Li (*Mingyi Bie Lu*), Zao Li (Su Gong), Zhao Li (Su Gong), Niu Zaozi (*Bencao Gangmu*).

Li Shizhen stated: "Shuli" is also pronounced as "Chuli" in various dialects; the origin of its name is unknown. It can be used to dye green, hence it is commonly known as "Zaoli" and "Wuchao". "Chao", "Cha", and "Zhao" are all phonetic corruptions of "Zaozi". There is a type of bitter qiu tree, also called "Shuzi", which is different from this herb. See the entry for "Zi" below.

**[Collection and Explanation]** *Mingyi Bie Lu* states: "Shuli grows in fields and open lands; it can be collected at any time."

Su Song said: "It is the Wuchaizi. It is abundant in Sichuan now. Its branches and leaves resemble those of the plum tree. Its fruit resembles Wuweizi (Schisandra chinensis), with black color and purple juice. It should be harvested when ripe and dried for use."

Kou Zongshi said: "It is Niu Li."

The tree is seven or eight chi tall. The leaves resemble plum leaves but are narrower and less glossy. The fruits grow on all four sides of the twigs; they are green when unripe and turn purplish-black when ripe. In autumn, after the leaves fall, the fruits remain on the branches. It is found everywhere, especially in Guanzhong, Shaanxi, Hunan, and Jiangnan.

People pick the tender parts, extract the juice, and use it to dye things green.

**[Flavor and Properties]** Bitter, cool, slightly toxic.

**[Indications]** Chills and fever, scrofula sores (*Shennong Bencao Jing*). Edema, abdominal distension and fullness (Chen Cangqi). Hematochezia and passage of fragmented flesh; removal of hernia, fixed masses (Zhengjia), and accumulated cold. Steamed nine times and soaked in wine; take 3 he per dose, twice daily. Also, mashed and applied externally to treat parasitic sores on cattle, horses, and other livestock (Su Gong). Blackened and depressed acne variolae (smallpox) and scabies/tinea with parasites (Li Shizhen).

**[Elucidation]** Li Shizhen said: "Niu Li treats blackened and depressed smallpox, or slow eruption, or depression caused by contact with foul qi. In ancient times, few knew of this. Only Qian Yi used it in his 'Bisheng Gao' (Victory Paste) from *Xiao'er Zhijue*. He stated that Niu Zi is Shuli. It is boiled into a paste using silver or ceramic vessels and stored in porcelain bottles, kept ventilated. Take an amount the size of a soapberry seed, dissolved in Tao Jiao (Peach Gum) decoction. If the patient has walked about twenty li, administer another dose; the sores will naturally become red and vibrant. Adding a small amount of She Xiang (Musk) is even better. If fresh material is unavailable, dry material can be powdered and boiled into a paste with water. Additionally, *Jiuwei Shengfang* states: For blackened and depressed smallpox, use one liang of Niu Zi (stir-fried and ground), divided into doses, taken warm."

**[Attached Prescriptions]** Two new prescriptions.

For various sores with chills, fever, toxicity, and bi-syndrome, as well as parasitic sores on livestock: Mash fresh Shuli and apply externally. (*Taiping Shenghui Fang*)

For tooth swelling and pain: Boil Niu Li in water, drink one zhan on an empty stomach, and frequently swish in the mouth. (*Shengji Zonglu*)

**[Flavor and Properties]** Bitter, slightly cold, non-toxic.

Su Gong said: Both the bark and seeds have slight toxicity. Avoid iron.

**[Indications]** Heat toxicity on the body skin (*Mingyi Bie Lu*). Wind-bi syndrome (Chen Cangqi). Various sores with chills, fever, toxicity, and bi-syndrome (Su Gong). Oral gan (noma/caries) and dental caries, as well as cases where gan parasites erode the human spine: Boil a concentrated decoction and irrigate/administer; it is highly effective (Meng Shen).

**[Elucidation]** Su Song said: Liu Yuxi's *Chuanxin Fang* records: Take Niu Zi (also named Niu Li Zi) and Qiangwei Gen (wild rose root) (finely chopped), five sheng each. Add five dou of water, decoct for half a day until the liquid is concentrated. Then place in silver or copper vessels and steam-decoct until reduced to one or two sheng. When thick, store in porcelain bottles. Take small amounts and swallow slowly; recovery is certain. Avoid soy sauce, vinegar, greasy food, hot noodles, and meat. For back carbuncles (Fabei), apply with cloth; it is miraculous. Dou Shi, wife of Liu An, Military Judge of Xiangzhou, suffered from oral gan for fifteen years. Her teeth fell out completely, and her gums broke down, making her face unbearable to approach. She was cured using this prescription.