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Radix Morindae Officinalis (Bajitian)

Pungent, sweet, slightly warm, non-toxic. Primarily treats severe wind-pathogen syndromes (Dafeng Xieqi), impotence with inability to erect, strengthens sinews and bones, calms the five Zang organs, tonifies the middle Jiao, enhances willpower, benefits Qi, treats wandering wind on the head and face (Youfeng), pulling pain in the lower abdomen and genitalia, directs Qi downward, tonifies the five types of deficiency-fatigue (Wulao), benefits essence, and is beneficial for men. Grows in the valleys of Ba Commandery and Xiapi. Roots are harvested in the second and eighth lunar months and dried in the shade. (Rubus chingii [Fupenzi] acts as an guiding herb [Shi]; avoid using together with Chaosheng, Polyporus [Leiwuan], and Salvia miltiorrhiza [Danshen].)

Tao Hongjing stated: Currently, Bajitian from Jianping and Yidu is also used. It resembles Peony but is thinner, with a red exterior and black interior. When used, the central woody core must be removed. The *Bencao Jing Ji Zhu* noted: The vine of Radix Morindae Officinalis is commonly called Sanmancao in folk prescriptions. The leaves resemble tea leaves and do not wither in winter. The roots resemble linked pearls; those with more nodes are superior. Old roots are greenish, while young roots are white-purple. Both require removal of the core. Those with thick flesh in the pearl-like segments are considered best. Chen Yuxi et al., according to *Yaoxing Lun*, stated: Radix Morindae Officinalis serves as a guiding herb. It can treat nocturnal emissions due to dreams or "ghostly intercourse" in men, strengthen Yin, eliminate wind-stroke of the head and face, direct Qi downward, and treat severe wind-related blood disorders (Xuelai). It should be added to prescriptions for patients with deficiency-fatigue. Ri Huazi stated: Bitter in taste. Calms the five Zang organs, stabilizes Heart Qi, eliminates all wind pathogens, treats evil pathogens, and treats edema. Also known as Budiaocao (Evergreen Grass). It is purple like small prayer beads, has small pores, is hard, and difficult to crush.

*Tu Jing Ben Cao* stated: Radix Morindae Officinalis grows in the valleys of Ba Commandery and Xiapi. It is now also found in Jianghuai and Hedong prefectures, but none compare to those from Shu Prefecture in quality. The leaves resemble tea leaves and do not withter in winter; folk name is Sanmancao, also known as Budiaocao. It often grows inside bamboo forests. Those grown inland have leaves resembling Ophiopogon japonicus [Mendong] but thicker and larger, bearing fruit in autumn. Roots are harvested in the second and eighth lunar months, dried in the shade, though currently often baked-dried. Old roots are green, young roots are white; both are used similarly, with pearl-shaped, thick-fleshed roots being superior. Current apothecaries consider purple color as good. People from Shu say there are no purple ones. Outsiders sometimes boil them with black soybeans to induce a purple color, which severely alters the flavor and aroma, requiring careful distinction. Another account mentions a root called Shanlvgen in Shu that resembles Radix Morindae Officinalis but is white. Locals boil it in vinegar water to turn it purple and mix it with genuine Radix Morindae Officinalis, making it indistinguishable. Genuine young Radix Morindae Officinalis is white; if boiled to turn purple before drying, its efficacy is weak and unsuitable for use. Both types exist in the market today. To distinguish, break it open: if the center is bright purple and clean, it is fake. Genuine material, when broken, may show purple in the center but also has a faint white/pinkish hue and darker texture.

Lei Gong stated: For processing, soak in Ligustrum lucidum [Gouqizi] decoction overnight until slightly soft, drain, then soak in wine for one shichen (approx. 2 hours), drain again, simmer with Chrysanthemum morifolium [Juhua] until scorched yellow, remove Chrysanthemum, wipe dry with cloth, and use.

*Yanyi* stated: Radix Morindae Officinalis originally possesses a central pith/core. During drying and shrinkage, this core may naturally fall out or be pulled out, leaving the center hollow; it does not naturally possess small holes. Modern practitioners seeking a purple center often forge it by soaking in soybean juice; this must be carefully examined. The outer skin is hard and difficult to dye, so dyeing usually starts from the center. A case report: Someone addicted to alcohol drank five to seven cups daily. Later, he suffered critically from gouty arthritis (Hongxiangjiao/Jiaojie). He was advised to take Banliang (approx. 15g) of Radix Morindae Officinalis stir-fried with glutinous rice until the rice changed color slightly. Discard the rice. Take Dahuang (Rhubarb) 1 liang (approx. 30g), chopped and stir-fried, grind into powder, form pills with refined honey, and take 50-70 pills with warm water. Strictly abstain from alcohol. He recovered.