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Jing Sanleng (Rhizoma Sparganii)

Taste: Bitter. Nature: Neutral. Toxicity: Non-toxic. Indications: Mainly treats old accumulations, masses, and fixed lumps (Zheng Jia - abdominal masses). Folklore recounts that in the past, someone died from Zheng Pi (abdominal mass), leaving instructions to open the abdomen to remove it. The extracted mass was dry and hard as stone, with textures showing five colors. People considered it a foreign object, stole it, and carved it into a knife handle. Later, when using this knife to cut Sanleng plants, the handle melted into water. Thus, it was realized that this herb could treat Zheng Pi. Those that are yellow and heavy in weight resemble small carp. There is also Hei Sanleng (Black Sanleng), which resembles Wumei (Dark Plum) but is slightly larger, with connected rhizomes spreading out, and is lighter in weight. Their therapeutic effects are identical. (Currently attached)

Minister Yuxi et al. respectfully note: Rihua Zi states: Taste: Sweet, Astringent. Nature: Cool. Treats irregular blood vessels in women, heart and abdominal pain, induces abortion, eliminates evil blood, tonifies deficiency fatigue, regulates menstruation, treats Qi distension, eliminates stasis from traumatic injuries, postpartum abdominal pain, blood vertigo, and retained lochia.

Tu Jing (Illustrated Classic of Materia Medica) states: Jing Sanleng, its origin was not recorded in older texts. Now it grows in Heshan, Jianghuai, and Jingxiang regions. Sprouts in spring, three to four chi high. Leaves resemble Jiaopu leaves, all having three edges. Flowers in May and June, resembling Cyperus grass, yellow-purple in color. Roots are harvested after Frost Descent, peeled of skin and fibrous roots, yellow in color, slightly bitter. Those resembling small carp and heavy in weight are preferred. It mostly grows by shallow waters or in marshes. The root initially forms clumps, size similar to Fuzi (Prepared Aconite Root), some being flat. A side root grows and forms another clump, also sprouting; if no sprout emerges but only fine roots grow, it is called Jizhao Sanleng (Chicken-Claw Sanleng). If no fine roots grow, it is called Hei Sanleng (Black Sanleng), varying in size, black in color, turning white when peeled. In Hezhong Prefecture, there is also Shisanleng (Stone Sanleng), with yellow-white roots shaped like hairpin shafts, green leaves resembling rushes, shoots about one chi high, leaves also having three edges, flowering white in April like Polygonum orientale flowers. Roots harvested in May. Also resolves accumulated Qi. The Lower Grade section has another entry for Caosanleng, stating it grows in Shu, which is Jigu Sanleng. They are essentially the same category, hence attached here. Another theory suggests Sanleng grows in Jingchu, so the character should be "Jing" (Thorn/Jing) to indicate location. "Jing" (Capital) in Benjing is incorrect. It is no longer found in the world today. The Sanleng used now is the root of Hongpu (Red Rush) from Huainan. Taizhou produces the most, and the whole world uses it. Even Imperial Physicians do not consider this an error. Probably because usage has been long-established, those using the root do not recognize its shoot, and collectors do not investigate its use, leading to errors that are no longer distinguished. Current Sanleng grows in Jingxiang and Jianghuai water marshes. Leaves resemble Cyperus grass, very long. Stem has three edges as if shaved, thick as a human finger, five to six chi high, flowering at the stem tip. Generally similar to Cyperus but larger, growing at water edges and in shallow water. Below the shoot is the main tuber, with horizontal roots connecting several tubers. One root connects multiple tubers, from which new shoots emerge. During harvest, cutting the shoot and horizontal root yields pieces flat and long like carp, which is Sanleng. When the root end is nearly exhausted, a single un-sprouted tuber is small and round like Wumei, which is Hei Sanleng. The hooked end of the root resembling a claw is Jizhao Sanleng. All three have black skin, white flesh, and are light. These three are originally one substance, differing only in the strength of their action (rigid vs. gentle), each suitable for specific uses. Named after shape, like Wutou/Wuhui, Yunmu/Yunhua, which are not two different things. Nowadays, people wrongly use Fuci (Nymphoides peltata tuber) and Xiangfuzi (Cyperi Rhizoma) as Sanleng. Another materia medica states Jing Sanleng resembles carp, Hei Sanleng resembles Wumei and is light. However, current Hongpu root is extremely hard and heavy, difficult to carve, lacking the original form. Moreover, leaves are flat and stems round, without edges, making one wonder why it is named Sanleng. Current Sanleng has two side roots growing independently, no straight downward roots. Shape generally resembles carp.

Chen Cangqi states: Benjing does not transmit information on Sanleng. There are generally three or four types. Select roots resembling Wumei, with connected creeping rhizomes, lacquer-colored, used by Shu people to weave vessels. One name is XX. Waitai Miyao: Treats Zhengjia and distension/fullness due to drum-like swelling. Cut one dan of Sanleng grass, add five shi of water, boil down to one shi of liquid. Decoct again in a copper vessel until thick like syrup. Store in a sealed container. Take one bi (measure) in the morning, taken with one cup of wine. Twice daily. After three months, effective. Use two bowls of water, decoct to one bowl. Wash breasts, take juice as needed. Daily take a date-sized amount, give to children, make into porridge and eat with food for epilepsy/fever. Treats children under ten years old and newborns within 100 days, regardless of epilepsy, fever, innocent disease, or Zhengpi. All can be regulated. Secrets can be fully explained. Highly effective.