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The plant grows to a height of four or five chi. In spring, the tender shoots can be used as vegetables; in late autumn, it produces pods. The seeds grow inside the pods and resemble sheep kidneys. Currently, many households in Hunan and Hubei cultivate them in their gardens, while some are planted in large patches in rural areas. *Shu Ben Tu Jing* (Illustrated Materia Medica of Shu) states: "The leaves resemble those of alfalfa but are broader," which is an accurate description.

It is now produced in Sichuan. Those with large tubers, white interior color, non-greasy texture, and a slightly pungent and sweet taste when chewed are considered superior. Other varieties are not used in medicine and can only be ground into powder for bathing decoctions. This herb is currently the most widely used by people; it is indispensable for treating wind affecting the head and face, but must be accompanied by other herbs. Shen Kuo said: "A cousin of mine used to take Xiongxiong (Ligusticum chuanxiong, Chuanxiong). Physician Zheng Shuxiong saw him and said: 'Chuanxiong should not be taken for a long time; excessive use may cause sudden death.' Later, this cousin indeed died suddenly without prior illness. Also, the wife of court official Zhang Zitong suffered from brain wind and took Chuanxiong for a long time, eventually dying suddenly one day. These were witnessed personally." This is likely due to single-herb usage. If taken alone for a long time, it disperses true qi. However, if accompanied by other guiding herbs and not taken for a long period, stopping once the disease is cured, how could such outcomes occur?

It is found everywhere from west of Huazhou to Qinzhou. Harvest when the fruit turns red and ripe, steam until soft, grind, filter the juice, remove the seeds, and boil down to a thin paste. Add honey according to the degree of sourness and sweetness, heat again over fire until the honey is refined, cool, store in vessels, and prepare as a decoction. For individuals with lung deficiency-cold, it can be converted into a decoction and taken frequently. It can also be made into candied fruit to send to distant relatives. *Ben Jing* (Shennong's Classic of Materia Medica) states it is warm in nature. Currently, excessive consumption often leads to deficiency-heat, especially in children. *Yao Xing Lun* (Treatise on Medicinal Properties) claims it clears heat. *Rihua Zi Bencao* (Materia Medica of Rihua Zi) further states it warms the water-zang (kidneys and bladder) and clears vexatious heat. Scholars at this point are often confused. Since it is now used to treat lung deficiency-cold, the claim of clearing vexatious heat is no longer adopted. Thus, even lower-grade preparations use it. For medicinal use, sun-dry raw without removing seeds.

Convolvulus vines grow sprawlingly and are very common in fields of Hebei, Jingxi, Guan-Shaan regions today. They are difficult to weed and control, regenerating quickly after treatment. People also call it Guzihua (Drum Flower), referring to its shape resembling a drum. It flowers in April and May, and there are varieties with multiple leaves. Cut the roots into inch-long segments, bury them in soil, irrigate frequently, and within ten days, seedlings will emerge. The statement in *Shu Ben Tu Jing* is correct.