Library

Shandougen (Sophorae Tonkinensis Radix et Caulis)
Bitter in taste, cold in nature. Non-toxic. Found in valleys and mountains everywhere, with those from Guangxi being of the best quality. Commonly known as Jin Suo Shi (Golden Lock Key), the plant grows to about one chi in height. Leaves have curved nodes on both sides, and fruits grow in clusters with bright red color. The seeds resemble round beans, hence the name. For medicinal use, only the root is taken. Chewed and swallowed with juice, it is a key herb for treating sore throat and swelling; mixed with water and taken as powder, it is an effective prescription for acute jaundice in humans and horses. Applied externally, it treats snake and insect bites; internally, it removes blood qi and abdominal pain.

Xuancacao (Daylily Rhizome)
(Synonym: Luchong) Sweet in taste, cool in nature. Belongs to the Wood element. Non-toxic. Widely planted in circular gardens, blooming in May. It treats general yellowing caused by wine jaundice by swallowing the juice extracted from fresh roots; it treats sand strangury (dysuria) with painful urination by eating cooked tender shoots. Chewed and decocted with wine, it is a key remedy for head trauma and wind-cold injury; crushed and mixed with ginger juice, it is an immortal formula for epistaxis caused by excessive heat. It calms the five zang organs, lightens the body, benefits the chest and diaphragm, and improves vision. Long-term consumption brings joy and eliminates worry. Ji Kang said: "Hehuan dispels anger, Xuancao forgets sorrow," referring to this plant. "Yinan" (Suitable for Men) is another name for the flower; pregnant women wearing it are said to bear sons. (Zhu Danxi stated: Its nature descends and travels through the yin aspect; the name 'Yinan' likely holds subtle meaning?)

Lugen (Reed Rhizome)
Sweet in taste, cold in nature. Non-toxic. Grows abundantly in islets and shores, harvested in autumn and winter. Those dug from soil that are sweet and tender are effective, while those exposed to air or floating on water are harmful. It resolves alcohol toxicity, reduces fever, and relieves irritability; stops vomiting and hiccups, opens the stomach, and promotes food intake. It immediately counteracts poisoning from fish and crab, and dispels fever during pregnancy. The white flowers are called Pengrong, providing immediate relief.

Gushou (Jiao Bai / Water Bamboo Shoot)
Jiaoyu
Gugen (Zizania Latifolia Root)
Sweet in taste, very cold in nature. Non-toxic. Grows abundantly in rivers, lakes, ponds, and marshes; leaves are sharp and long like cattail reeds. Feeding it to horses makes them fat; using it as bedding is indeed soft. In Jiangnan, it is called Jiaocao, referring to this plant. Roots can be harvested in all four seasons, crushed, and juiced. It stops frequent urination, quenches thirst, and primarily clears gastrointestinal heat and relieves irritability. Roots that have floated on the surface for a long time are burned to ash, ground, and applied to burns after cauterization with vermilion fire (mixed with egg white). Gucai (water bamboo shoots) refers to spring-grown jiaosun; boiled and eaten, it treats sudden heart and abdominal pain. Made into soup with crucian carp, it resolves alcohol toxicity and opens the stomach. For heat flare-ups caused by mineral drugs, immediate consumption leads to recovery. One must guard against intestinal slipping and avoid overconsumption. Furthermore, "Gushou" should be written as "Goushou," referring to the white platform-like growth inside due to prolonged wind exposure, which is cold and slippery. If eaten with white honey, chronic diseases may recur. Those with black centers inside are called Jiaoyu, which is effective for treating infantile dysentery with bloody stools. The leaves also benefit the five zang organs, but are contraindicated for those who have consumed Croton seed (Badou). Fine ones resembling green Ephedra are called Dihum Rice; usually cooked with millet and foxtail millet to survive famine years. Generally, all varieties of Zizania are extremely cold and purgative, unsuitable for excessive consumption, and only appropriate for those taking mineral drugs.