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(Ji Gui Qie) Juice
Qiandui [Image: pd121.bmp]
Taste is sweet, nature is neutral, non-toxic. It mainly tonifies the five Zang organs (Five Zang Organs), benefits Qi, reconnects sinews and bones, promotes muscle growth, and removes various Bi syndromes (Obstruction syndromes). Long-term consumption makes the body light, prevents hunger, delays aging, and clarifies the mind (Shenming). Also known as "Wu". Grows in the valleys of Mount Tai.

Tao Hongjing said: It grows as a vine, tree-like resembling grapevines, leaves like *Prunus pseudocerasus* (Ghost Peach), creeping on trees, juice is white. Nowadays, secular physicians and prescriptions no longer recognize or use this herb, but the *Xian Jing* (Classic of Immortals) requires it in several places. Daoists and laypeople near and far cannot identify this substance; it is not an extremely rare exotic item, but rather that people have not thoroughly investigated, sought, and recognized it. The *Tang Ben Cao Zhu* (Commentary on Tang Materia Medica) states: It is the juice of the "[Ying]" "[ ]" vine. This vine can grow for a thousand years; the stem is as thick as a bowl, only the leaves wither in winter, while the stem never dies. The vine juice tastes sweet, the fruit tastes sweet and sour, the seedling resembles grapes, and its stem effectively treats hiccups (Yu Yue Qie), with excellent results, particularly for vomiting and hiccups after Shanghan (Cold Damage disease).

Currently examining Chen Cangqi's *Ben Cao*: Qiandui, Tao says it grows as a vine, tree-like resembling grapevines, leaves like Ghost Peach, creeping on wood, juice white. People no longer recognize it, immortal formulas might require it. Tang Ben Cao Zhu immediately states: "[Mou]" vine growing for a thousand years, juice sweet, fruit sour. Examining "[Mou]" is indeed Shan Putao (Mountain Grape); cutting the vine and blowing air produces one end like *Thlaspi arvense* (Tongcao). Soaking in water, blowing to extract air, dripping into eyes removes heat-induced cataracts and red obstructions, but there is no sweet juice. The *Ben Jing* states the juice is sweet, clearly indicating it is not "[Mou]". Qiandui resembles Kudzu vines, leaves are white underneath, fruits are red, stems contain white juice. *Cao Mu Shu* states: Also known as Ju Huang, growing connected by vines, fruits are red and edible. *Mao Shi* states: Ge. Commentary states: A grass resembling Kudzu. This vine, when large, spreads deeply and broadly, hence called Qiandui. The claim regarding "[Mou]" being profound is considered absurd talk. Minister Yu Xi et al. respectfully note according to the *Shu Ben Tu Jing*: Now available everywhere, juice is extracted for use, should be collected in summer and autumn. Ri Huazi states: Taste is sweet and sour. Stops thirst, beautifies complexion. Older specimens are better; stems and leaves used together, also known as "[Mou]" vine.

Tu Jing states: Qiandui grows in the valleys of Mount Tai. Grows as a vine, creeping on wood, leaves resemble grapes but are smaller. In April, stems are picked, juice is white and sweet. Flowers bloom in May, fruits set in July, seeds harvested in August, color is blackish-green slightly reddish. Only leaves wither in winter. This is what the *Book of Songs* refers to as Ge Lei (Kudzu). Su Gong considers it "[Mou]" vine, which is highly erroneous and absurd. Tao Hongjing and Chen Cangqi's descriptions are the most accurate.

Yan Yi states: Qiandui, at the end of the Kaiyuan era of Tang, hermit Jiang Fu was sought, already hundreds of years old. Summoned to Jixian Academy. He stated that consuming Evergreen Ivy (*Hedera helix*) turns white hair black, thus achieving longevity. The vine grows in Taihu Lake, often found in Zhongnan Mountain. The Emperor sent envoys to collect much of it to bestow upon old ministers. An edict ordered everyone across the realm to seek it themselves. Jiang Fu was promoted to Silver Qingguanglu Daifu, titled Chonghe Xiansheng. He also mentioned that Zhongnan Mountain has Dry Lotus Root (Han Ou), eating it extends life, resembling Kudzu starch. The Emperor took it to make soup cakes, bestowing them upon grand ministers. Right Xiaoqi General Gan Shoucheng said: Evergreen is Qiandui, Dry Lotus Root is Mumen. Physicians had long stopped using them; Jiang Fu changed their names to mystify them. Among the common people, those who soaked the vine in wine and drank it often died suddenly, so it was stopped. Jiang Fu felt inwardly ashamed, requested to go to Yaolao Mountain, and then fled. This is recorded now to prepare for worldly doubts.