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*Polygonatum odoratum* (Weirui) from Chuzhou
*Anemarrhena asphodeloides* (Nüwei) from Shuzhou

Taste is sweet, nature is neutral. Non-toxic. It grows abundantly in the valleys of Mount Tai, and is also found in Chuzhou and Shuzhou. The leaves are long and narrow, white on the upper surface and green on the lower surface. The stem is similar to *Rhizoma Polygonati* (Huangjing), stiff and straight like bamboo with nodes. Hence it is also called Yuzhu (Jade Bamboo) or Dijie (Earth Joint), names derived from its morphology. The root is as thick as a finger, one to two chi long. It is yellow with many fibrous roots, sweet and delicious, and edible. It blooms with blue flowers in late spring and bears round fruits in early summer. For medicinal use, the roots are harvested, scraped clean with a bamboo knife, soaked overnight in honey water, and dried over gentle heat. Do not mistake it for *Gelsemium elegans* (Gougen) or *Rhizoma Polygonati* (Huangjing). (Both substances resemble *Polygonatum odoratum*, but *Polygonatum odoratum* has hairs on the nodes, mottled stems, and small yellow spots at the leaf tips as distinguishing features.) Careful differentiation between authentic and fake materials is required. Ancient prescriptions frequently used this herb; it should not be combined with salty condiments. It benefits Qi and tonifies the Middle Jiao, moistens the Lungs and clears deficiency heat. It treats stagnation of Qi in the chest and abdomen, deficiency heat, and damp-heat toxicity. It alleviates cold pain in the waist and legs, and epidemic fever with mania. It stops ulcerative eye diseases and expels wind pathogens from the four extremities. It nourishes the complexion, removes facial hyperpigmentation, harmonizes Qi and Blood, and promotes physical robustness.

Additionally, cultivated *Anemarrhena asphodeloides* (Nüwei) is acrid and warm. Its properties and flavors are completely different from *Polygonatum odoratum*. It climbs like *Radix Ampelopsis Japonicae* (Bailian), blooms with white flowers, and bears small seeds. In the Jingxiang region, it is named Mandichu. People nowadays often mistakenly identify it as *Omphalodes nipponica* (Baitouweng). After harvesting, it is shade-dried, the white stamens at the top are removed, it is sliced finely, steamed with fermented soybean wine, processed from Si hour to Shen hour, and then sun-dried for use. It treats cholera-like diarrhea with intestinal borborygmus, and chills and fevers resembling shivering; it regulates wandering Qi that moves irregularly up and down, and epilepsy with alternating chills and fever. It aids digestion, eliminates food accumulation, induces sweating, and disperses pathogenic factors.

(Chen Jiamo) Commentary: In the *Shennong Bencao Jing*, Weirui and Nüwei were listed in the same entry. Examining various annotations, some identify them as one substance with two names, while others consider them two distinct substances. There is also confusion regarding "former Nüwei" and "latter Nüwei" sharing the same name, with claims that their functions are identical. If they are not two different substances, it is suspected that an extra entry was redundantly added. However, examining Chen’s notes, ancient prescriptions seem to show discrepancies. Hu Qia’s prescription for epidemic acute diarrhea includes a Nüwei Pill; his prescription for cold-induced colitis also contains Nüwei. In the treatment of consumptive disease using Xiao Huangqi Wine, it states: "Add Nüwei for patients with dysentery." Detailed examination of these prescriptions suggests the use of the latter Nüwei (circled in later texts), due to its warm nature and efficacy in treating cholera and dysentery. Furthermore, Yin Yu Wine uses Nüwei to treat sudden wind causing flaccidity and numbness of hands and feet, and limb contracture. Nüwei Ointment treats skin peeling and macular lesions, which resembles the former Nüwei listed with Weirui, due to its ability to treat wind pathogens in the extremities and improve complexion. Thus, Chen Cangqi also argued they are not two different substances. This is incorrect. Moreover, this Nüwei is neutral in nature and sweet in taste, whereas the latter Nüwei is warm in nature and acrid in taste. Since their properties and flavors differ, and their functions are distinct, how can they be considered one substance? Additionally, Xuming Biejia Tang for unresolved cold damage after seven or eight days, and Biejia Tang for leg weakness, both use Weirui. Weirui Decoction treats wind-heat causing neck stiffness and pain, and irritability/heat in limbs and bones. Weirui Pill treats headache triggered by wind-deficiency heat. These resemble the former Weirui listed with Nüwei, due to its treatment of deficiency heat and damp-heat toxicity. Since the three indications are distinct, it is clear they are not one substance. It is also said: Weirui is also known as Dijie, which closely resembles Pianjing. It is suspected to be Qingnian, the substance consumed by Hua Tuo in his Qiyе Qingnian San. However, no one today can distinguish it, so I dare not assert this definitively. I record it here pending judgment by learned scholars.