味苦，平、微寒，无毒。主治风湿寒热邪气，热结黄胆。通身发黄，小便不利，除头热，
去伏瘕。久服轻身，益气，耐老，面白悦长年。白兔食之，仙。生太山及丘陵坡岸上。五月
及立秋采，阴干。
今处处有，似蓬蒿而叶紧细。茎，冬不死，春又生。惟入治黄胆用。《仙经》云∶白蒿，
白兔食之，仙。而今茵陈乃云此，恐是误尔。（《大观》卷七，《政和》一八八页）
味苦、咸，寒、大寒，无毒。主治皮肤热，恶疮，疽痔，湿痹，下乳汁。止遗溺，热气
疮痒如麻豆，可作浴汤。久服轻身，益气，耳目聪明，不老延年。一名野兰。生乔山山
谷。八月采根，阴干。
乔山应是黄帝所葬处，乃在上郡。今出近道亦有，治诸 疥，此久服甚益人，而服食方
罕用之。
今市人皆取苗用之。世中取根，名鹿骊根，苦酒摩，以治疮疥。（《大观》卷七，《政和》
一八一页）
味苦，寒，无毒。主治寒湿风痹，黄胆，补中。止血，内崩，下血，膀胱不足， 跌，
蛊毒。久服益精气，轻身。可以染绛。一名地血，一名茹 ，一名茅搜，一名倩。生乔山
川谷。二月、三月采根，曝干。（畏鼠姑。）
此则今染绛茜草也。东间诸处乃有而少，不如西多。今世道经方不甚服用。此当以其为
治
[Chen Yin Hao (Yin Chen Hao, 茵陈蒿)]
Taste: bitter. Nature: neutral, slightly cold. Non-toxic. Main indications: wind-dampness, cold-heat pathogenic factors, and heat accumulation causing jaundice (Huang Dan). Treats generalized yellowing of the body, difficult urination, removes head heat, and eliminates latent masses (Fu Jia). Long-term consumption lightens the body, benefits Qi, delays aging, improves complexion for longevity. White rabbits consuming it may attain immortality. Habitat: Mount Tai and hillsides/riverbanks. Harvest time: May and Start of Autumn. Processing: dried in shade.
Currently found everywhere; resembles Artemisia capillaris but with tighter, finer leaves. The stems do not die in winter and sprout again in spring. Only used in treating jaundice. *Xian Jing* states: "White mugwort, if eaten by white rabbits, leads to immortality." However, current Chen Yin Hao is identified as this plant, which is likely an error. (Da Guan Ben Cao Vol. 7, Zheng He Ben Cao p. 188)
[Lou Lu (Lou Lu, 漏芦)]
Taste: bitter, salty. Nature: cold, very cold. Non-toxic. Main indications: skin heat, malignant sores, carbuncles and hemorrhoids, damp bi-syndrome, promotes lactation. Stops enuresis, treats heat-induced sores and itching resembling hemp seeds; can be prepared as a bath decoction. Long-term consumption lightens the body, benefits Qi, clarifies ears and eyes, prevents aging and prolongs life. Alias: Ye Lan. Habitat: Qiao Mountain valleys. Harvest time: August (roots). Processing: dried in shade.
Qiao Mountain is believed to be the burial place of the Yellow Emperor, located in Shang Commandery. It is also produced near major routes today; effective for various scabies. Long-term consumption is highly beneficial, yet rarely used in alchemical dietary regimens.
Merchants currently use the aerial parts. In general practice, roots are taken, named Lu Li Gen, ground with vinegar to treat sores and scabies. (Da Guan Ben Cao Vol. 7, Zheng He Ben Cao p. 181)
[Qian Gen (Qian Cao, 茜根)]
Taste: bitter. Nature: cold. Non-toxic. Main indications: cold-damp wind-bi syndrome, jaundice, tonifies the Middle Jiao. Stops bleeding, treats internal collapse (Nei Beng), lower bleeding, bladder insufficiency, traumatic injuries, Gu poison. Long-term consumption benefits Essence and Qi, lightens the body. Used for dyeing crimson. Aliases: Di Xue, Ru Qian, Mao Sou, Qian. Habitat: Qiao Mountain valleys. Harvest time: February and March (roots). Processing: sun-dried. (Incompatible with Shu Gu.)
This is the Qian Cao used today for dyeing crimson. It is scarce in eastern regions compared to the west. Current Daoist medical formulas rarely employ it. This is likely because it is primarily used as...