Library

Since the Han Dynasty, people have used *Cirsii Japonici Herba* (Daji, 大蓟) as *Duanmu Xu Duan* (Teasel Root, 续断). By the time of Su Gong and Su Song, they stated that its root resembles *Cirsii Japonici Herba* and its leaves resemble *Boehmeriae Ramie* (Ramie, 苎麻), while the *Mingyi Bielu* (Record of Famous Physicians) listed "Tiao" as a separate variety. In reality, what Su Gong and Su Song described is correct. Currently, the Sichuan-produced variety is used; those that are reddish in color, slender, and emit dust-like smoke when broken are considered superior.

*Xu Duan* (Teasel Root) tastes bitter, sweet, and pungent, with a slightly warm nature. It enters the Foot Jueyin Liver Meridian and the Foot Shaoyin Kidney Meridian. Its indications include tonifying Yin Qi, supplementing deficiencies, treating the Five Exhaustions and Seven Injuries, eliminating various Warm Toxins, unblocking and circulating Blood vessels, relieving joint stiffness and spasms, treating fractures and injuries, knitting bones and tendons, and addressing abdominal pain due to stagnant Blood from trauma. It treats Metrorrhagia and Leukorrhea (Bengzhong Xielou), internal bleeding from traumatic wounds, internal ulceration of carbuncles and sores, stops pain, and promotes flesh regeneration. Combined with *Sangjisheng* (Mulberry Mistletoe Stem), it treats lower back pain and weak legs; combined with *Duzhong* (Eucommia Bark), it prevents miscarriage in women, treats antenatal spotting, difficult labor due to lack of milk, and postpartum syncope due to blood loss. Long-term use strengthens Qi and vitality. (It has the effect of removing stasis and generating new tissue) and supplements Wind Deficiency. (Source: Zhang Yuansu/Haizang). It acquires the Qi of Earth and Metal, and additionally inherits... [Text fragmentary].

[Discussion] The stems and leaves of *Daji* differ from those of *Xu Duan*, but their functions are similar. However, *Daji* originates from Yin within Yang, and its Qi transformation originally belongs to the Upper, not departing from the Yang within the Middle... [Text fragmentary]. *Xu Duan* benefits Yin Blood, treats Labor Injuries, has a mild and warm nature, and dispels Cold. Its most important efficacy lies in achieving results for sprains and falls. When treating Blood diseases, it must not be used concurrently with Bitter-Cold herbs. During pregnancy (Antenatal period), it must not be used concurrently with Great Pungent-Hot herbs. (Source: Chen Shigong/Zhongchun).

[Differentiation and Treatment] Those coming from Sichuan have wrinkled, yellowish skin, resembling chicken feet, and emit dust-like smoke when broken; these are good. *Caomao Gen* (Root of Imperata Cylindrica) truly resembles *Xu Duan*; if mistakenly used, it causes... [Text cuts off].

The root of *Zhumá* (Ramie) has a sweet taste and cold nature. It treats erysipelas (red and white) in children, calms the fetus, treats antenatal spotting, postpartum syncope due to blood loss, clears Heat from the Heart and Diaphragm, and treats excessive thirst caused by epidemic febrile diseases.

The leaves of *Zhumá* have the same taste and nature as the root. Ramie leaves are very effective in dispersing Blood. Collect them on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month, mix with calcined alum (or similar mineral processing agent implied by 'duanshi'), pound into balls, dry, and store. For traumatic wounds or fractures, grind into powder and apply externally; it stops bleeding immediately and facilitates scabbing. (Source: Li Shizhen/Binhu). For any external injury where stagnant Blood does not dissipate, collect wild ramie leaves and Perilla leaves in the fifth or sixth lunar months, pound into a paste, and apply to the wound. If the stasis is inside the abdomen, drink the juice squeezed from smooth-flowing water-infused leaves; this will promote circulation, transforming blood into fluid. This can be verified by testing with fresh pig blood. Dry leaves can also be used in autumn and winter. For cold dysentery with white mucus, collect ramie leaves on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month, dry in shade, and grind into powder. Take two qian per dose, half a qian for children, mixed with cold water. Do not eat hot foods, as this may cause suffocation/syncope; only consume cold foods.

[Discussion] The root of Ramie is sweet and cold, strongly tonifying Yin and moving stagnant Blood, thus using tonification to promote movement. When Cold Water is at the source, it transforms into Salty flavor; this taste also combines with Earth... [Text cuts off].