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Di Fu Zi (Kochiae Fructus)

Bitter, cold, non-toxic. Primarily treats heat in the Bladder (Bladder organ system), promotes urination, tonifies the Middle Jiao (Middle Burner/Spleen and Stomach), benefits Essence and Qi, disperses hot qi in the skin, dissipates malignant sores and hernia masses (abdominal lumps), and strengthens Yin. Long-term consumption makes the ears clear and eyes bright, lightens the body, enhances longevity, and keeps the skin moist. Also known as Di Kui, also known as Di Mai. Grows in the flat marshes and fields of Jingzhou. The fruits are harvested in August and October and dried in the shade.

Tao Hongjing stated: It is now abundant in the fields; people generally take its stems and leaves to make brooms. The seeds are very fine and are used in tonifying pills and powders, but they are not particularly required by the *Xian Jing* (Immortal Classic).

The *Tang Bencao* commentary notes: Di Fu Zi is called Di Mai Cao by people in the fields; it has fine leaves and red stems. It grows mostly in cultivated fields. The seedlings are extremely weak and cannot support their own weight. The current statement that it can be used for brooms may cause confusion as people might not recognize it. The *Bie Lu* states: Crushed and juiced, it treats bloody and white dysentery; washing the eyes removes heat and treats dimness, night blindness, astringency, and pain. The ash from its seedlings is also effective for treating dysentery. People in the north also call it Xian Yi Cao. Minister Yuxi et al., according to the *Shu Ben Tu Jing*, state: Leaves are fine, stems are red; when young, it grows in poor soil, flowers are yellowish-white, and seeds are bluish-white. It is found everywhere. The *Yao Xing Lun* states: Di Fu Zi serves as the Sovereign herb. Also known as Yi Ming. Taken together with Yang Qi Shi (Stalactitum), it treats impotence in men, tonifies Qi and strength, treats scrotal diseases, and dispels wind-heat; it can be decocted for bathing. Ri Huazi stated: It treats external heat pathogens and erysipelas swelling. Also known as Luo Zhou Zi. Its color is green, resembling silkworm excrement after molting.

The *Ben Cao Tu Jing* states: Di Fu Zi grows in the flat marshes and fields of Jingzhou; it is now present in Shuchuan and Guanzhong areas. When young, it grows 5-6 cun high in poor soil; the root resembles Artemisia, the stem is red, and the leaves are green, looking much like Schizonepeta. It opens yellowish-white flowers in March. Fruits are harvested in August and September and dried in the shade. The *Shen Xian Qi Jing San* states: Di Fu Zi is the essence of stars. Some say its seedling is Du Sao (a plant), also known as Ya She Cao. Tao Hongjing said the stems and leaves could be made into brooms. Su Gong said: The seedlings are extremely weak and cannot support their own weight. These two theories differ, but modern physicians consider it to be Du Sao. The specimens submitted from Mizhou clarify this further. They state the root is clump-growing, with 20-30 stems per clump; stems are red or yellow, opening yellow flowers in July, and the fruit is Di Fu Zi. By August, the stalks mature and can be harvested, closely resembling the local Du Sao. If so, perhaps those from the northwest are short and weak, which explains Su's commentary. Its leaves are bitter, cold, and non-toxic. They treat large intestine diarrhea, stop bloody and white dysentery, harmonize Qi, astringe the intestines and stomach, and resolve toxins from malignant sores. Harvested in March, April, and May.

The *Wai Tai Mi Yao*: Treats eye pain and sudden injury from foreign bodies causing heat-induced dimness. Take the white juice of Di Fu Zi and instill into the eyes. Another prescription: Treats vexing pain in the hands and feet. Use 3 liang of Di Fu Cao (Di Fu Zi plant), 4 sheng of water, decoct to obtain 2.5 sheng. Divide into three doses, one dose per day. The *Zhou Hou Bei Ji Fang*: Treats chronic lumbar pain lasting years, which flares up occasionally. In June and July, take dry powder of Di Fu Zi, administer with wine using a measure of one Cun Bi, five to six times daily. The *Zi Mu Mi Lu*: Treats strangury during pregnancy, frequent urination, small volume, sudden hot painful soreness, and vexing pain in hands and feet. Use 12 liang of Di Fu Zi, initially with 4 sheng of water, decoct to obtain 2.5 sheng, divide into three warm doses. The *Yang Shi Chan Ru*: Treats frequent urination, or hot painful soreness, and vexing pain in hands and feet. Use 3 liang of Di Fu Cao, with 4 sheng of water, decoct to obtain 2.5 sheng, divide into three doses.