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(Compendium of Materia Medica)

[Collected Explanations] Li Shizhen states: Xucai (Dragon Whisker Vegetable) grows on rocks along the southeastern coast. It grows in clumps without branches, its leaves resemble willow leaves, and its rootlets can be over a chi (approx. 33 cm) long, appearing white. It is consumed after being soaked in vinegar, or steamed with meat, which is also delicious. The "Shifa" (Stone Hair) mentioned in *Baowu Zhi* likely refers to this substance; it shares the same name as the "Shifa" found in "Shiyi" (Stone Clothes).

[Flavor and Properties] Sweet, cold, non-toxic.

[Indications] Scrofula and heat accumulation causing neck masses, promotes urination (Li Shizhen).

(Compendium of Materia Medica)

[Names] Mingcai ("Ming" pronounced like "Mian", meaning sleep), Chuocai, Zuicao, Lanfu Zhen (from *Jishi Zhu*, details unknown).

[Collected Explanations] Li Shizhen says: According to Ji Han's *Nanfang Caomu Zhuang*: Chuocai grows in ponds and marshes during summer. Its leaves resemble those of Colocasia esculenta (Taro), and its roots resemble lotus rhizomes. People in Nanhai eat it, which induces sleepiness, hence the name "Mingcai". Duan Gonglu's *Buhu Lu* records: Shuicai (Sleeping Vegetable) grows in fields and ponds in the fifth and sixth lunar months. Locals harvest its roots to make salted pickles; eating them causes drowsiness. Guo Xian's *Dongming Ji* mentions "Queshui Cao" (Wakefulness Grass), which prevents sleep when eaten, acting oppositely to Shuicai. I observe that Kucai (Bitter Vegetable) and Longkui (Solanum nigrum) both keep people awake. The so-called "Queshui Cao" probably belongs to this category.

[Flavor and Properties] Sweet, slightly bitter, cold, non-toxic.

[Indications] Heat from pathogenic factors in the heart and diaphragm causing insomnia (Li Shizhen).

(Zhi Class - 15 Species)

(Superior Grade from *Shennong Bencao Jing*)

[Correction] Merged with the six types of Zhi from *Shennong Bencao Jing*: Qingzhi (Green Zhi), Chizhi (Red Zhi), Huangzhi (Yellow Zhi), Baizhi (White Zhi), Heizhi (Black Zhi), and Zizhi (Purple Zhi).

[Names] Qiu (pronounced 'qiu').
Li Shizhen says: The character "Zhi" was originally written as "Zhi" (之). In seal script, it depicts the form of grass growing above ground. Later generations borrowed "Zhi" as a grammatical particle, adding the grass radical (艹) to distinguish it. *Erya* states: "Qiu is Zhi." The annotation notes: A auspicious herb that blooms three times a year. Some say: what grows on hard surfaces is called "Jun" (fungus/mushroom), while what grows on soft surfaces is called "Zhi". In ancient times, the Four White Hermits gathered Zhi, and immortals consumed it; thus, Zhi is also classified among edible fungi, and has been moved to the vegetable section.

[Collected Explanations] *Mingyi Bielu* states: Qingzhi grows on Mount Tai, Chizhi on Mount Huo, Huangzhi on Mount Song, Baizhi on Mount Hua, Heizhi on Mount Chang, and Zizhi in the valleys of Gaoxia. These six types of Zhi are harvested in the sixth and eighth lunar months.
Tao Hongjing says: The Southern Peak was originally Mount Heng. Emperor Wu of Han replaced it with Little Mount Huo; thus, the Chizhi should grow on Mount Heng. There is no place named "Gaoxia" in any commandery or county, so it is likely a mountain name. These six types of Zhi belong to the class of immortal herbs, rarely seen by commoners, with many varieties differing in shape and color, all recorded in the *Zhi Cao Tu* (Illustrated Manual of Zhi Herbs). The Zizhi used in modern times actually grows on rotting wood stumps, resembling wood, and is named Zizhi. It only treats hemorrhoids and is not suitable for compounding with other tonic pills. Whenever Zhi grass is obtained, it is eaten directly without specific dosage regulations, hence no administration methods are recorded.
Su Gong says: The *Wu Zhi Jing* (Classic of Five Zhi) states: The five-colored Zhi grow on the Five Great Mountains. Offerings from various regions may not strictly follow this; Baizhi does not necessarily come from Mount Hua, nor Heizhi from Mount Chang. Moreover, yellow and white varieties are common, while black and green are rare. However, Zizhi is the most abundant and does not belong to the Five Zhi category. Since Zhi is inherently difficult to obtain, even if one or two are acquired, how can they be taken continuously for a long time?
Meng Yuxi says: Wang Chong's *Lunheng* states: Zhi grows in the earth. When the qi of the earth is harmonious, Zhi grass grows. The *Ruiming Ji* (Record of Auspicious Omens) states: If the ruler is benevolent and merciful, Zhi grass grows. This is correct.
Li Shizhen says: There are many types of Zhi, some of which flower and bear fruit. The *Bencao* only lists the Six Zhi by name, but their species classification must be understood. The *Shennong Jing* states: The essence of mountains, rivers, clouds, rain, the four seasons, the five elements, yin and yang, day and night, generates the five-colored divine Zhi, which serve as auspicious omens for sage kings. The *Ruiying Tu* states: Zhi grass usually grows in June; it is green in spring, purple in summer, white in autumn, and black in winter. Ge Hong's *Baopuzi* states: There are Shi Zhi (Stone Zhi), Mu Zhi (Wood Zhi), Cao Zhi (Grass Zhi), Rou Zhi (Flesh Zhi), and Jun Zhi (Mushroom Zhi), numbering in the hundreds. Shi Zhi resembles stone and grows at the edges of rocky islands along the sea coast. Rou Zhi resembles flesh, attaches to large rocks, has distinct heads and tails, and is a living organism. Red ones resemble coral, white ones resemble cut fat, black ones resemble Phytolacca acinosa, green ones resemble kingfisher feathers, and yellow ones resemble purple gold; all are bright and clear like solid ice. Large specimens weigh over ten jin, small ones three or four jin. To seek Zhi grass, one must enter famous mountains in the third or ninth lunar months, which are the months when mountain spirits open the way to divine medicines. One must align with heavenly timing, choose the Three Wonders and Auspicious Gates, arrive on a Day of Six Yin, during the Mingtang hour. Carry the Lingbao Talisman, lead a white dog, hold a white chicken, wrap one dou of white salt, and bring the Kai Shan Talisman and edict, placing them on a large rock. Hold a bundle of Wutang grass to enter the mountain; pleased by the mountain spirit, one will surely see the Zhi. One must approach using the Yu Bu (Great Yu's Step) method. On days of Wang Xiang harmony and mutually generating Stems and Branches, carve it with a bone knife, dry it in the shade, powder it, and take it orally to achieve efficacy. If one has not maintained strict purity and fasting for a long time, possesses impure conduct and thin virtue, and does not know the techniques for entering the mountain, even if given the diagrams, spirits and ghosts will not grant it, and humans will never see it.
Regarding Jun Zhi: It grows deep in mountains, beneath large trees, beside springs. Its shape may resemble palaces, dragons, tigers, chariots, horses, or flying birds, with changing colors. There are 120 types, each with its own illustration.
Regarding Mu Weixi Zhi: Pine resin sinks into the ground, transforming into Poria cocos (Fu Ling) after a thousand years. After ten thousand years, small trees grow on top, resembling lotus flowers. They glow at night, feel slippery to the touch, do not burn, ward off weapons when carried, and confer immortality when ingested.
Regarding Feijie Zhi: On pine trees older than 3,000 years, resin within the bark takes the shape of a dragon. Ingesting it grants longevity.
Regarding Muqu Zhi: Parasitic on large trees, resembling a lotus, with nine stems in one cluster. Taste is sweet and pungent.
Regarding Huangbai Zhi: Grows under the roots of century-old Phellodendron amurense (Huangbai). It has fine thread-like roots. Ingesting it makes one an Earth Immortal.
Regarding Jianmu Zhi: Grows in Duguang. Its bark resembles a snake with tassels; its fruit resembles a Luan bird.
Regarding Cheng Zhi: Red and luminous; striking its branches and leaves produces sounds like metal and stone.
Regarding Fantao Zhi: Its tree resembles a rising dragon; its flowers and leaves resemble Cissus repens (Danluo); its fruit resembles a kingfisher. All are edible.
Regarding Qiansui Zhi: Grows beneath dead wood. Its root resembles a sitting person; cutting it reveals blood. Smearing this blood on the feet allows walking on water and invisibility; it also cures diseases. All the above are Mu Zhi.
Regarding Duyao Zhi: Moves automatically without wind. Its stem is finger-thick, leaves resemble Amaranthus, and its root has a large tuber like a bushel basket, surrounded by twelve small seeds about a zhang apart. It grows in high mountains and deep valleys; ingesting it confers immortality.
Regarding Niujiao Zhi: Grows on Hushou Mountain and Wuling. It resembles scallions but protrudes specifically like a bull's horn, three to four chi long, and is green.
Regarding Longxian Zhi: Resembles two rising dragons carrying each other.
Regarding Zizhu Zhi: Yellow stem, red leaves, fruits like plums but purple.
Regarding Baifu Zhi: Resembles plum blossoms, flowers during heavy snow, bears fruit in late winter.
Regarding Zhucuo Zhi: Nine curves, three leaves, with fruits on the leaves; its stem is needle-like.
Regarding Wude Zhi: Resembles pavilions, possessing all five colors, with square stems and purple aura. All the above are Cao Zhi, numbering 120 types; obtaining and ingesting them confers immortality.
Regarding Yuzhi Zhi: Grows on mountains producing jade. It resembles birds and beasts, with variable colors, often looking like landscape green jade or bright crystal.
Regarding Qiming Jiuguang Zhi: Grows between cliffs near water. It resembles plates and bowls, connected by stems and pedicels. Those with seven holes are called Qiming; those with nine holes are called Jiuguang. They glow at night. Eating up to seven pieces makes the seven holes transparent. Also known as Yinghuo Zhi (Firefly Zhi).
Regarding Shimizhi: Grows on rocks in the stone caves of Mount Shaoshi; extremely difficult to obtain.
Regarding Shigui Zhi: Grows in rock cavities, resembling cinnamon trees, but is actually stone. It is bright and pungent.
Regarding Shinao Zhi and Shizhonghuang: Both belong to the Shi Zhi category.
Qiansui Yan (Thousand-year Swallow), Qiansui Bianfu (Thousand-year Bat), Qiansui Gui (Thousand-year Turtle), Wansui Chanchu (Ten-thousand-year Toad), and seeing little men in the mountains all belong to the Rou Zhi category, totaling 120 types.
Furthermore, the *Caizhi Tu* states: Fenghuang Zhi grows between gold and jade in famous mountains. Consuming it for one year allows one to fly with phoenixes.
Regarding Yantai Zhi: Shape resembles sunflower, purple, with the image of a swallow.
Regarding Heiyun Zhi: Grows in the shady side of valleys. Black cap, red veins, black stem. Taste is salty and bitter.
There are also Wuse Long Zhi, Wufang Zhi, Tian Zhi, Di Zhi, Ren Zhi, Shan Zhi, Tu Zhi, Shi Zhi, Jin Zhi, Shui Zhi, Huo Zhi, Lei Zhi, Ganlu Zhi, Qingyun Zhi, Yunqi Zhi, Baihu Zhi, Chema Zhi, Taiyi Zhi, etc., with varied names and shapes. Zhang Hua's *Bowu Zhi* states: Divine Zhi and grass of immortality grow in famous mountains. Upper-grade Zhi resembles chariots and horses; middle-grade resembles human forms; lower-grade resembles domestic animals.
Furthermore, Duan Chengshi's *Youyang Zazu* states: If Zhi grows spontaneously on house pillars, white indicates mourning, red indicates bloodshed, black indicates theft, and yellow indicates joy. Shapes resembling human faces predict loss of wealth; resembling oxen or horses predict distant military service; resembling turtles or snakes predicts silkworm losses.
Li Shizhen previously suspected that Zhi is generated from residual qi of decay, just as humans develop tumors. The fact that ancients and moderns alike regarded it as an auspicious herb and claimed ingestion leads to immortality seemed indeed absurd. Upon reading Duan Chengshi's words, I realized he had expressed my thoughts beforehand; their reasoning is identical.
Furthermore, alchemists apply medicine to damp, piled wood, causing five-colored Zhi to sprout. During the Jiajing reign, Wang Jin cultivated and presented such Zhi to Emperor Shizong. This was unknown to predecessors and must be noted.