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Translation:
Also known as Huo Cao (Fire Grass). It is also called Zhigao Mu (Mother of Pig Fat). It grows in various places. Currently, Chenzhou in Henan Province collects it as a local specialty. This plant has a plain-colored stem with ridges and is not round, featuring spots. It stands about three chi tall. The leaves grow oppositely on the nodes, resembling Xiancao (Cocklebur) but slightly longer, and similar to Disong (Ground Mustard) but thinner. Both stems and leaves have fine hairs. In the eighth and ninth months, it opens small flowers that are deep yellow. The central seeds resemble Hao Cao (Mugwort), while the outer calyx has fine prickles that stick to people. Those harvested on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month are considered best. Harvested in summer, it is used to promote Qi circulation and activate blood. It is subsequently steamed and sun-dried to make it suitable for use.

It tastes bitter and pungent. Its nature is neutral and cold. It has slight toxicity. Its odor enters the Liver organ. Its efficacy is specialized in the Blood aspect. When raw, its nature is cold; crushing it to extract juice and consuming it induces vomiting, hence it has slight toxicity.

[Text fragments regarding processing and symptoms are incomplete or garbled in the source.]

[Discussion] It grows in marshes and low-lying wetlands. Its nature suits coldness. Its taste is first bitter then pungent. The pungency is very slight. Bitterness originates from coldness; thus, the principle that "all bitter substances induce vomiting" applies... [Text incomplete]. It can clear damp-heat... [Text incomplete]. [Various fragmented theoretical statements regarding organ functions, heat generation, kidney tonification, and Yang energy are present but grammatically incomplete.]

[Processing] Only the leaves and the branches at the top are used. The lower parts are not used. The fruit's properties can be inferred; since fruits form in late autumn, their Qi is astringent. [Text incomplete regarding removing layers.]

There are several types of Lu (Reed). Those that are about one zhang long, hollow inside, with thin skin and white color, are Jia, Lu, and Wei. Those shorter than Wei, with greenish-gray color, are ... [Names missing], Di, and Huan. Those shortest and smallest with solid centers are Jian and Lian. Their stems and leaves are all like bamboo leaf sheaths. Their roots are used medicinally, and their nature and flavor are identical. Those without developed leaves are called Zituo (Purple Husk). (Quoted from Benhu [Li Shizhen]).

Its flavor is sweet and its nature is cold. It is an essential herb for unblocking the Stomach and directing rebellious Qi downward. It primarily treats Xiao Ke (Wasting-Thirst) and exogenous heat. It treats Stomach heat, vomiting and regurgitation, inability to eat, fever and chills with irritability, dysentery... removes heat... [Processing instructions incomplete]. Water two dou, boil to eight sheng, remove dregs, divide into five doses. Sweating indicates recovery. Note: This implies Stomach heat injuring blood and stagnating in the joints... If vomiting, hiccups, and cold extremities persist, use three jin of cut Lu Gen (Reed Rhizome), decoct in water to make a thick juice, drink frequently, two sheng per dose will be effective. Boil with Tong Bian (Human Urine)... For rebellious Qi above the Stomach, use Lu Gen (Reed Rhizome) and Mao Gen (Imperata Rhizome), each two liang, four sheng of water, boil to two sheng, divide and take.

[Discussion] Lu Gen (Reed Rhizome) has a sweet flavor and cold nature, benefiting the Stomach and nourishing Yin. Therefore, it is a supreme medicine for treating Stomach heat with vomiting and regurgitation. Its ability to stop frequent urination works because Stomach heat affects... Spleen Qi... dispersing essence... Stomach Yin... Heat. Citing Miao Shi [Miao Pi-yong]. Do not use if vomiting and distension are caused by Cold.

[Processing] Select those from the bottom of the water with yellow, plump, thick bases and sweet taste as good quality. Remove the rhizome hairs, nodes, and reddish-yellow skin before use. Do not use those exposed to air or floating on the water surface.