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Grows in rocky crevices in sunny locations. Hence the name. The leaves resemble those of *Eriobotrya japonica* (Loquat). The smaller leaves have no hairs on their abaxial surface, are smooth and non-pleated. They do not wither even through winter.
Two leaves form a flower bud. When blooming in the second lunar month, they resemble flowers of *Toona sinensis* (Chinese Toon), being very fine and fragmented. After flowering, new leaves gradually emerge. It is abundant in Hunan, Hubei, Jiangxi, and Zhejiang provinces. (Zong)
Taste: pungent and bitter. Nature: neutral. Slightly toxic. Its action can ascend or descend. It belongs to Yin containing Yang. Enters the Foot Jueyin Liver Meridian and Foot Shaoyin Kidney Meridian. *Acanthopanacis Cortex* (Wujia Pi) acts as its guiding herb. It is incompatible with *Cirsii Herba* (Xiaoji). It primarily tonifies Kidney Qi and treats internal injuries leading to decline of Yin. It treats weakness of the legs and evil Qi in the five Zang organs. It clears heat, benefits tendons, bones, skin, and hair, kills parasites, and expels various Wind pathogens. Soaked in wine and drunk, it treats Head Wind. For women, long-term consumption enhances reproductive vitality (desire for male offspring). It strengthens the Kidneys and treats Bi syndrome (wind-damp obstruction). It is a key herb for Kidney deficiency. (Binhu) Shinan Ye receives the Qi of Fire and Metal. Observing its effects, it appears that Metal Qi prevails while Fire Qi is weak. Thus, it should only be slightly toxic. The Foot Shaoyin corresponds to Water; receiving concentrated Metal Qi generates Water. Therefore, it nourishes Kidney Qi. Furthermore, the Kidneys and Liver reside in the lower jiao and govern tendons and bones. When nourished, internal Yin injury recovers naturally, tendons, bones, skin, and hair become unobstructed, and leg weakness improves. (Zhongchun) Combined with *Morindae Officinalis Radix* (Bajitian), *Cibotii Rhizoma* (Rongrong), *Yangsuosuo* (Suoyang), *Cervi Cornu Degelatinatum* (Lurong), *Corni Fructus* (Shanzhuyu), and *Lycii Fructus* (Gouqi), it treats Kidney Meridian deficiency-cold, seminal emission, and cold semen. Combined with *Tribuli Fructus* (Bajili), *Mori Folium* (Sangye), *Polygoni Multiflori Radix Praeparata* (Shouwu), *Morinda Officinalis Radix* (Bajitian), *Epimedii Folium* (Xianlingpi), *Acanthopanacis Cortex* (Wujia Pi), *Cuscutae Semen* (Tusizi), *Saposhnikoviae Radix* (Weilingxian), and *Tigris Ossis* (Hugu), it treats Bi syndrome and weakness preventing movement caused by Wind-Cold-Damp invading the Liver and Kidneys. For infant strabismus ("tongjing") caused by accidental falls or head trauma with fright, where the Liver system is affected by Wind causing misalignment of the pupil (looking west sees east, looking east sees west), use Shinan San blown into the nose up to the vertex. Shinan Ye 1 liang, *Veratrum nigrum* Root (Lilu) 3 fen, *Trichosanthes kirilowii* Root (Guading) 5-7 pieces. Grind into powder. Blow a small amount into the nose each time. Three times daily. Internally administer Niuhuang Pinggan medicines.
[Discussion] Shinan Ye does not wither in winter, possessing the Yang within Water. Observing its flowering in spring with simultaneous leaf emergence, this demonstrates using the primordial Qi of Water to facilitate the growth and transformation functions of Spring Wood. Its pungent taste indicates Wood interacting with Metal, allowing primordial Qi to ascend. The "benefiting Kidney Qi" mentioned in the *Ben Jing* refers to benefiting the Yin Qi within the Kidney. (By benefiting Yin Qi, it treats evil Qi in the five Zang organs, clears heat, and expels various Winds.) The desire for male offspring in women taking it long-term arises because abundant Yin Qi tends toward Yang for transformation. When Yin Qi is abundant and transforms toward Yang, the wind generated from the earth follows the correct pattern, and wind-pathologies subside. If Yin Qi is insufficient, Yang cannot transform and becomes Wind. The subtlety of Yang is first manifested in treating Wind syndromes. It is frequently used in stroke syndromes and also for treating Heat-Bi. If one fails to recognize that its root lies in sufficient Kidney Qi tending toward generation, and merely equates it with pungent-dispersing Wind-expelling agents, one would be far off the mark.
[Processing] Harvest leaves in the third and fourth lunar months. Dry in the shade for use.