Library

[White Rhizoma Bletillae (Baiji)] Bitter, acrid, slightly cold. Lightly roasted over a mild fire, with Fluorite (Zi Shiyao) as an adjuvant. Adverse interaction with Alumen (Lishi), fear of Apricot Kernel (Xingren) and Plum Pit (Lihe), incompatibility with Aconitum Root (Wutou). The flower is called Ruolan, precious and delightful, which is the current Purple Orchid; some have white flowers. Mistaking Monocotyledonous Bulb (Dutoulán) for White Rhizoma Bletillae is an error!

[Prepared Rehmanniae Radix (Shu Dihuang)] Sweet, slightly bitter, warm. Yellowish-black in color, shape somewhat resembling White Rhizoma Bletillae, long ones like dried old Rehmannia root, with nodes, taste similar to Ginseng. Test method: mix into pig blood; if the blood turns into water, it is genuine.

According to Li Pinhu: Recently circulated is a herb that sprouts in spring, grows two or three feet high in summer, leaves resemble Chrysanthemum Mugwort but are tough, thick, and pointed, stem has red ridges. Very effective for blood disorders in summer and autumn, claimed to be Notoginseng Radix et Rhizoma (Sanqi). This herb is common everywhere; those from the south often lack visible seedlings.

[Coptidis Rhizoma (Huanglian)] Bitter, cold. Remove rhizome base and roots. Raw use treats fire of the primary organ; for excess fire of Liver and Gallbladder, stir-fry after soaking in Porcine Bile; for deficiency fire of Liver and Gallbladder, stir-fry after soaking in Vinegar; for fire of Upper Jiao, soak in Evodia Decoction. Acrid-hot properties can counteract its bitter-cold nature, salty-cold [text incomplete]. Adverse interactions with Dictamni Cortex (Baixianpi), Genkwa Flos (Yuanhua), and Bombyx Batryticatus (Baijiangcan); fear of Dendrobii Caulis (Kuantonghua - *Note: likely typo in original for Kuantong/Dendrobium or similar*).

[Phellodendri Amurensis Cortex? Or Phlomidos Umbrosa? Text describes Hu Huang Lian characteristics] Bitter, very cold. Exterior yellow, interior black, dry like willow branches. Genuine product produces dust when broken. Adverse interactions with Chrysanthemum Morifolium Flos (Juhua), Scrophulariae Radix (Xuanshen), and Dictamni Cortex (Baixianpi). Resolves Radix Codonopsis? No, resolves Crotonis Fructus (Badou) toxicity. Avoid pork, causes seminal emission. Some use Dangyao grass to impersonate Phellodendri Rhizoma (Huhuanglian), which is incorrect.

[Coptidis Rhizoma? Or Scutellariae Radix (Huangqin)? Text describes Huangqin] Bitter, cold. Broken ones are Su Qin (old root), mostly hollow, exterior yellow, interior black, i.e., Pian Qin. Round ones are Zi Qin (new root), mostly solid and hard internally. Use Ochrae Fibra (Longgu) as adjuvant. Adverse interaction with Allii Tuberosi Semen? No, Cong Bai (Scallion). Users should distinguish carefully.

[Gardenia Jasminoides? No, Gentianae Macrophyllae Radix (Qinjiao)] Bitter, neutral. Those with left-side texture are superior. Break open, remove soil and rhizome base, wipe clean with wet cloth, dry in sun. Use Acori Tatarinowii Rhizoma (Changpu) as adjuvant. Fear of Bovis Lac (Niu Nai). Some take Cat's Root as Qinjiao, which is incorrect.

[Bupleuri Radix (Chaihu)] Bitter, neutral, slightly cold. Remove rhizome base and roots, wash with water, slice, do not expose to fire. For ascending action, soak root in wine; for descending action, use Pinelliae Rhizoma (Banxia) as adjuvant. Adverse interactions with Gleditsiae Spina (Zaojia) and Malva Verticillata Flos (Shukui). Fear of Veratrum Nigrum (Lilu) and Polygala Tatarinowii Radix (Nuwan). Materia Medica states: seedlings resemble Leek leaves or Bamboo leaves; Bamboo-leaf type is superior, known as Kang Cang Chaihu. Initial seedlings resemble Leek. Roots are also called Sha Chaihu, larger, wrinkled skin, yellow-white color, flesh with yellow veins. Li Dongbi mentions market fakes passed off as Silver Chaihu lacking odor. Li Nian'e states Yin Zhou Chaihu treats consumption and infantile malnutrition, a distinct variety. Guo Zhangyi says: Product from Yin Xia region is best, slightly white and soft is Yin Chaihu, used for consumption bone-steaming fever. Opinions differ, requires further verification.