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Pungent in flavor, neutral in nature, non-toxic. It primarily promotes the flow of water passages (water metabolism), kills gu poison (parasitic diseases caused by toxins), wards off inauspicious influences, and eliminates phlegm accumulation in the chest. Long-term consumption benefits Qi, lightens the body, prevents aging, and clarifies the mind (Shen). Also known as Shuixiang (Water Fragrance). Grows in the ponds and marshes of Dawu. Harvested in April and May.

Tao Hongjing stated: Neither medical formulas nor common people recognize or use it anymore. "Dawu" refers to the state of Wu, where Taibo resided, hence the name. Currently, in the Jiangdong region, there is a plant called Jianze Cao with the name Lanxiang. It might be this one, growing in wetlands. Li Yun said: This is what people currently cultivate, resembling Duliang Xiang (Duliang Fragrance). The commentary of *Tang Bencao* states: This is Lanze Xiang (Lan Marsh Fragrance). It bears white flowers in August; many households plant it to decorate courtyards and ponds, and it is often found beside streams and ravines. Tao claimed ignorance and referred to it as Jianze Cao. Perhaps Li Yun's Duliang Xiang is closer, but ultimately not an accurate identification. According to another version's annotation: The leaves resemble those of Malan (Kalimeris indica), thus named Lancao; commonly called Yanwei Xiang (Swallowtail Fragrance). People at that time boiled its water for bathing to treat wind disorders. Hence, it is also called Xiangshui Lan. Tao's reference to Jianze Cao and the Tang commentary's Lanze Xiang are both incorrect. Ministers Yu Xi et al., carefully consulting the *Shu Ben Tu Jing*, recorded: Leaves resemble Zelan (Eupatorium fortunei), pointed, long, and lobed; flowers are red-white and fragrant; grows in low-lying wet areas. Chen Cangqi stated: Lancao and Zelan share the same name. Tao failed to distinguish them, and Su Gong forced a distinction. Besides its original functions, Lancao treats foul odors/qi; its aromatic essence can be made into ointment for hair. It grows by the marshes; leaves are glossy and smooth, slightly purple underneath. Harvested in May and June, dried in shade. Women mix it with oil to apply to their heads, hence the term "Lan Ze." Li Yun's Duliang is this plant. Su Gong's annotation on Lancao states: "White flowers in August, widely planted in courtyards and ponds"—this is actually Zelan, not Lancao. Zelan has pointed leaves, slightly hairy, not glossy; square stems with purple nodes; pungent when fresh and dry; used for postpartum deficiency replenishment. It has been separately listed under the lower section of the Middle Category. Su Gong erroneously annotated Zelan within the Lancao entry. *Guangzhi* states: Duliang Xiang originates from Huainan, also called Jianze Cao. Sheng Hongzhi's *Jingzhou Ji* says: There is a mountain in Duliang County; beneath it lies clear, shallow water where Lancao grows, giving the place its name, which also derives from the mountain.

*Yanyi* states: Various schools have different theories on Lancao, none having achieved precise identification, thus no definitive conclusion exists. The leaves are not fragrant; only the flowers are. It is abundant in the valleys of Jiangling, Dingzhou, and Lizhou today, but absent in the flat fields outside the mountains. It thrives in shady places and deep valleys, which serves as verification. Leaves resemble Maidong (Ophiopogon japonicus) but are broader and tougher, reaching one to two chi in length, evergreen, with yellow flowers and fine purple spots on the central leaf surface. Those flowering in spring are Chunlan (Spring Orchid), with deeper color. Those flowering in autumn are Qiulan (Autumn Orchid), with lighter color. Qiulan is slightly harder to obtain. When transplanted into small pots and placed by the bedside, their fragrance fills the room upon blooming, distinct from other flowers. The Tang dynasty poet Bai Juyi wrote a poem titled "Planting Orchids, Not Mugwort," referring precisely to this orchid. It is currently unused. Su Gong's annotation on *Benjing* states: "White flowers in August"—this refers to Zelan.