Library

Taste: Bland, Sweet. Nature: Cold.

*Bencao Tujing* (Illustrated Materia Medica) states: Bamboo grows everywhere and has many varieties, but only three types are used in medicine: Danzhu (Bambusa emeiensis), Kuzhu (Phyllostachys nigra), and Ganzhu (Sweet Bamboo). People often cannot distinguish them completely. According to records, Ganzhu resembles Huang bamboo and is lush; it is one of the two types mentioned above. Another type originates from Jiangxi and Fujian regions, originally being very thick and large, with sweet-tasting shoots, commonly known as "sweet bitter shoots." Currently, people in the south use only Danzhu for burning to extract Zhu Li (Bamboo Sap) for medicinal purposes, utilizing its fleshy part.

Chen Tingcai stated: There are many varieties of Danyezhu (Leaf of Bambusa emeiensis), making it difficult to specify exactly which one is correct. One must taste the shoot; only those with a bland taste are suitable. Leizhu (Thunder Bamboo), Shuizhu (Water Bamboo), etc., all have a bland taste and can be used medicinally. Su Dongpo said that Danzhu is named so in contrast to Kuzhu.

There is also a herbaceous plant with stems like iron wires, long and slender, with leaves small like bamboo leaves; another variety has green, short stems and large leaves like bamboo leaves; yet another blooms with verdant flowers and leaves resembling bamboo leaves. All these are considered excellent.

Taste: Sweet. Nature: Slightly Cold. When using, scrape off the green skin and use the second layer.

Taste: Sweet. Nature: Slightly Cold.

Method for obtaining Zhu Li (Bamboo Sap): Cut bamboo into sections two chi long, split them open, place two bricks opposite each other to support the bamboo stalks, and roast them over charcoal fire. The sap will naturally exude and should be collected in a vessel for use. Another method involves using a clean ceramic urn. Saw Danzhu into segments, crush them, and soak in water for one shichen (two hours). Depending on the size of the urn, fill the mouth of the urn with the crushed bamboo, secured by bamboo sticks. Dig a pit below, place a bowl at the bottom, invert the urn into the pit with its mouth facing the bowl, seal the gap between the urn and the bowl, as well as the surroundings and bottom of the urn, with yellow mud. Once dry, surround the urn's exterior and base with rice husks, ignite the husks, and allow them to burn gradually. The heat forces the sap out of the urn, dripping into the bowl, yielding a large quantity...

Taste: Sweet. Nature: Cold. It grows in Nanhai Yongzhu (Yong Bamboo). This bamboo is extremely large, also known as Tianzhu (Heavenly Bamboo). The yellow substance inside it can treat diseases. Currently, similar substances found inside other bamboos can be used as substitutes.

Wu monk Zanning, in *Sunpu* (Compendium of Shoots), stated: Yongzhu shoots originate from Guangzhou. This bamboo is exceptionally large, with a hollow interior capable of holding about three sheng of rice. Since the regions of Jiaozhou and Guangzhou, people have used this bamboo as a measuring vessel. Regarding the legend of Zhuhuang (Bamboo Manna), some say it resembles a skylark... It is said that Zhuhuang comes from the coast of Nanhai, formed by the condensation of dust/sand and bamboo sap inside the bamboo.

Shen Cunzhong, in *Mengxi Bitan Supplement*, stated: In the mountains of Lingnan, there are large bamboos containing very clear water. The water in streams and rivulets is generally toxic, but this water is non-toxic. Locals... cannot drink it [from the ground], but only by splitting the bamboo... did they realize that in winter, it solidifies and no longer remains liquid. It is mostly collected after roasting/fire treatment for medicinal use, rather than growing naturally...

Li Zhongli stated: Zhuhuang (Bamboo Manna) varies in shape, size, and fragmentation. It is light in weight and exists in black-white tooth-colored, white, or black varieties. Those with tooth-color are best, white ones are secondary, and black ones are inferior. Zhuhuang coming from Qingyuan is suspected to be fake. Furthermore, what is sold in markets as "bamboo mat" powder to pass off as genuine is not authentic. Zhuhuang is actually produced inside the bamboo, resembling yellow earth adhering to the bamboo...