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Curculiginis Rhizoma (Xianmao)

Pungent in flavor, warm in nature, slightly toxic. It primarily treats cold qi in the heart and abdomen causing inability to eat, wind-cold in the waist and legs causing spasms and bi-syndrome (obstruction syndrome characterized by pain and numbness) leading to inability to walk, deficiency exhaustion in men, urinary incontinence in the elderly, infertility, and yang deficiency. Long-term consumption can enhance spiritual clarity and memory, strengthen sinews and bones, nourish skin and flesh, boost spirit, and improve vision. Also known as Dumaogen (Single Sedge Root), Maoguazi (Sedge Melon Seed), or Boluomen Shen (Brahman Ginseng). The "Biography of Xianmao" states: "Ten jin of Ruxishi (Milkstone) cannot compare to one jin of Xianmao," highlighting its potent efficacy. It grows in the Western Regions and at Dayu Ridge. It is said to be incompatible with ironware and cow's milk. Harvest the rhizome in February and August. (Currently appended)

Minister Yuxi et al. respectfully note: Rihua Zi stated that it treats all types of wind-pathogens, prolongs life and enhances longevity, tonifies the five exhaustions and seven injuries, opens the stomach and directs rebellious qi downward, and enhances sexual function. Peng Zu's single-herb method: Soak in rice washing water to remove the red juice, thereby eliminating toxicity, so as not to cause harm.

The "Illustrated Classic of Materia Medica" records: Xianmao grows in the Western Regions and Dayu Ridge; currently, it is also found in Shuchuan, Jianghu, and various prefectures of Liangzhe. The leaves are green like sedge but soft, slightly wider, with longitudinal veins on the surface, resembling palm trees. They wither completely by winter and sprout anew in early spring. In March, flowers appear yellow like gardenias, but no fruit is produced. The rhizome has a single straight stem, with short fine roots attached laterally; the flesh is yellowish-white, the outer skin slightly rough and brownish. Harvest the rhizome in February and August, dry in the sun for use. Those from Hengshan have blue-green flowers and bear black seeds in May. Respectfully noting the "Continued Records of Trustworthy Prescriptions": It treats the five exhaustions and seven injuries, brightens the eyes, strengthens sinew strength, disperses stagnation before tonifying. It was originally transmitted by Daoist masters from the Western Regions. In the first year of Kaiyuan (713 AD), a Brahman monk presented this herb; Emperor Minghuang found it effective, but it was kept as a secret prescription and not disseminated. During the An Lushan Rebellion (Tianbao era), medical texts scattered; Kong Sanzang (Tripitaka Master Kong) in the capital finally obtained this prescription and passed it to Sima Li Mian, Shangshu Lu Sigong, Jishi Qi Hang, and Puye Zhang Jianfeng for consumption, all achieving therapeutic effects. Lord Lu had long taken mineral drugs without effect; upon obtaining this herb, his benefits increased a hundredfold. When Jishi Qi governed Jinyun, he suffered from decreasing energy and recurring wind-pathogens; after taking this herb, he recovered. Harvested in August or September, scrape off the black skin with a bamboo knife, cut into bean-sized pieces, soak in rice washing water for two nights, dry in shade, pound and sieve, mix with cooked honey to make pills the size of wu zi (physalis seeds). Take twenty pills each morning on an empty stomach with wine. Avoid consuming cow's milk and black beef, as they significantly reduce the drug's efficacy. The "Continued Records of Trustworthy Prescriptions" was authored by Wang Yan, Prefect of Yunzhou during the Later Tang period, compiled from national archives; the prescription was widely popular at the time. Thus, in the Jiangnan region today, this herb is simply called Boluomen Shen (Brahman Ginseng).

"Haiyao Bencao" records: Grows in the Western Regions. It has fibrous strands, varying in thickness, sometimes resembling a pen tube with nodal textures. It is yellowish and mucilaginous. Called Ashugan in Sanskrit. Sweet in flavor, slightly warm, slightly toxic. Treats wind-pathogens, warms and tonifies the waist and legs, clears and calms the five zang organs, strengthens sinews and bones, aids digestion. Long-term use lightens the body and improves complexion. Came from Wucheng; found in various prefectures of Shu. Leaves resemble sedge, hence the name Xianmao. Pungent in flavor, neutral in nature. Disperses then tonifies. Originally described as having no major toxicity, slightly hot, slightly toxic. Treats the seven injuries in men, brightens eyes and ears, strengthens sinews, fills marrow, and boosts yang vitality without fatigue. Use a bamboo knife for cutting, soak in glutinous rice washing water. Leigong stated: After harvesting, wash thoroughly with clear water, scrape off the upper skin, cut into bean-sized pieces using a copper knife on a locust wood mortar, place in a raw coarse cloth bag, soak overnight in adzuki bean water, take out, mix with wine to moisten, steam from Si hour (9-11 AM) to Hai hour (9-11 PM), then dry in the sun. Do not contact iron, as it will cause graying of hair and beard.