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One stem penetrates numerous branches. The stems and leaves resemble the tail of a phoenix; hence the herb is named "Fengwei" (Phoenix Tail). The root is named "Guanzhong" (Crowberry Rhizome), meaning it penetrates the nodes and channels. "Qu" refers to the chief or main trunk. The root is straight with many branches, black on the skin and red inside. It is harvested in the third and eighth lunar months. Those that are curved are called "Caochitou" (Grass Owl Head); their roots are curved with a pointed beak, with black fibers clustered like those of *Dryopteris crassirhizoma* (Gouji) but larger, resembling a crouching owl.

The odor and flavor are bitter, the nature is slightly cold, and it is toxic. It primarily treats evil heat qi in the abdomen and various toxins. It resolves toxicity from macules and papules, kills three types of parasites, and treats epistaxis and lower bleeding, as well as metrorrhagia (profuse uterine bleeding) and leukorrhea. (These effects stem from its ability to drain heat and dissipate nodules). The root juice detoxifies and softens hardness, can restrain Sanhuang (the three yellows: Scutellariae Radix, Coptidis Rhizoma, Phellodendri Cortex), dissolve five metals, subdue calcareous concretions from *Concha Ostreae* (Oyster Shell) or *Lapis Glaucconitis*, and control mercury toxicity. Haicang (Zhang Yuansu) used it to treat slow eruption of smallpox in summer (used in *Kuangban San*). Some say Guanzhong is toxic yet can resolve the toxicity of evil heat in the abdomen; it is effective for conditions manifesting externally due to internal infection, which differs from the ancient method of channel differentiation. Powdered, taken with water (1 qian), or decocted into a strong liquid and taken continuously, it treats fish bone impaction in the throat. Finely powdered, mixed with water and taken (1 qian spoon), it treats epistaxis. During epidemic outbreaks, placing this herb in water for people to drink prevents transmission. In years of famine, boiling black beans with Guanzhong allows one to consume various grass and tree leaves after eating the bean residue. It treats various lower bleeds, intestinal wind diarrhea, alcoholic dysentery, bloody hemorrhoids, and rat hemorrhoid bleeding. Hei Gouji (if the inner flesh is red, it is Guanzhong) has its hairs removed, is chopped, roasted, and powdered. Take 2 qian per dose, swallowed with rice water on an empty stomach. Alternatively, made into pills the size of wu zi using vinegar paste, take 30-40 pills with rice water. For female metrorrhagia, decoct half a liang of Guanzhong in wine and drink it to stop bleeding immediately. For chronic leukorrhea unresponsive to other medicines, use one whole Guanzhong without chopping; rub off the hairs and calyxes, moisten with good vinegar, roast slowly over low fire until fragrant and cooked, cool, powder, and take 2 qian with rice water on an empty stomach; it is very effective.

[Discussion] Guanzhong grows mostly in shady mountain areas near water and does not die in winter or summer. Moreover, hundreds of leaves penetrate through a single root, inheriting dense yin energy, thereby withdrawing the toxicity of various yang pathogens and expelling them outward. Thus, it can resolve toxic heat without exception and is often used to treat blood diseases. Analyzing Haicang's statement that it is "not the ancient method of channel differentiation," one can understand the scope and limitations of its efficacy. Channel differentiation is based on the principle of treating patients by balancing yin and yang interactions; this herb merely resolves the toxicity of evil heat, which is due to its unique inherent properties.