Library

Achyranthes Root (Niuxi)
Bitter and sour in taste, neutral in nature. Non-toxic. Contraindicated with beef; incompatible with Baiqian (Adenophorae Radix). The drugs it dislikes are three: Yinghuo (Lampyris), Luying (Sambuci Flos), and Guijia (Testudo Carapax et Plastrum). The main production area is Huaiqing Prefecture. There are male and female varieties. Female Achyranthes has fine nodes, green stems, short roots, and a hard, brittle texture with weak efficacy; Male Achyranthes has large nodes, purple stems, long roots, and a soft, moist texture with significant efficacy. Roots are harvested after autumn, dried in the sun for use. Remove rotten, black, and dull parts; select those that are plump, strong, and bright. Because of its shape resembling an ox's knee, people borrow the name "Ox Knee" to praise it. When used in prescriptions, soak in wine and chew. It excels at treating general deficiency and emaciation, and can assist the twelve meridians. It primarily treats cold-dampness bi-syndrome (painful obstruction syndrome due to cold-damp) of the limbs, and spasm of the large tendons; regulates delayed or difficult Qi transformation of the Bladder, and scanty urination. It tonifies the Middle Jiao, reconnects severed tissues, nourishes Yin, and strengthens Yang. It fills the marrow, eliminates soreness and weakness of the waist and knees, promotes blood circulation, and nourishes beard and hair to make them black. For bamboo or wood splinters embedded in flesh, chew thoroughly and apply thickly as a poultice; for chronic malaria that does not heal, decoct alone and take continuously. In cases of sudden ingestion of toxic substances, crush fresh root and apply topically for immediate recovery; for severe dysuria almost leading to danger, drink concentrated decoction prepared with wine for instant relief. It treats women's blood disorders and blood masses (abdominal masses), and delayed menstruation; treats postpartum syncope due to blood loss and deficiency, and severe pain from retained lochia (childbed pillow pain). Combined with Moschus (Musk), it induces abortion very quickly (One tael of Male Achyranthes, one qian of Musk, crushed finely, mixed with melted wax into strips, inserted into the vagina to induce abortion). It guides other herbs downward rapidly like running. Therefore, for any disease located between the waist, legs, and ankles, this herb must be included without omission. It is also suitable for long-term consumption, promoting longevity and lightening the body.

Hongzhou Polygonatum Rhizome (Huangjing)
Xiangzhou Polygonatum Rhizome (Huangjing)
Sweet in taste, neutral in nature. Non-toxic. Those produced in fertile valleys are all good, but those from Maoshan and Songshan are particularly excellent. The stem resembles peach twigs, crisp and soft, growing singly; leaves resemble bamboo leaves but are slightly shorter, growing in opposite pairs. (Another theory states: those with leaves growing obliquely and not opposite are called Pianjing (Oblique Huangjing), while those with opposite leaves are called Zhengjing (Regular Huangjing); Zhengjing has superior efficacy. Also, Hua Tuo's Qiyè Qingzhan San mentions: Qingzhan refers to the regular leaves of Huangjing, but whether this is accurate is uncertain.) Flowers resemble red bean flowers, fruits resemble white millet grains. (Some do not bear fruit.) Both flowers and fruits can be taken as food/medicine. *Baopuzi* states: Taking flowers is better than taking fruits, and taking fruits is better than taking roots, but flowers are hard to obtain; one hu of fresh flowers only yields one or two sheng of dried product, which cannot be accomplished by those without great effort. Do not dislike the collection process. Dig up roots in winter; they resemble tender ginger. Immortals call it Huangjing, while commoners call it wild ginger. Wash clean, steam nine times, and dry nine times to replace grain, enabling survival through famine years. Due to its sweet taste, it is also named Mijing (Rice Essence). For medicinal use, raw application is also suitable. Gouwen (Gelsemium) is slightly similar, so do not mistake it. It calms the five Zang and six Fu organs, tonifies the five labors and seven injuries. It dispels wind-dampness, strengthens primal Yang, fortifies the Spleen and Stomach, and moistens the Lungs and Heart. Only after long-term continuous consumption can miraculous effects be achieved. It resists aging, prevents hunger, lightens the body, and extends lifespan. For emaciated children, consuming more is even better.
(Chen Jiamo) Commentary: *Bowuzhi* states: The grass of the Sun is called Huangjing; ingesting it can lead to immortality; the grass of the Yin is called Gouwen; eating it causes immediate death upon entry into the mouth. Gouwen is another name for Yege (Wild Ginger/Gelsemium). People only speak of Gouwen killing humans, and no one dares to eat it, yet why do they not believe in Huangjing extending life and consume it without satiety? The annotations of *Shennong Bencao Jing* record an ancient maid who fled into deep mountains, obtained Huangjing, and consumed it. During the day she felt no hunger, and over time her body gradually became light, allowing her to leap over mountain peaks, with no one able to catch her. This is also not a fabrication.