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Jiegemu (Sambucus Willkommii)
Sweet and bitter in flavor, neutral in nature, non-toxic. Primarily treats fractures and injuries, reconnects sinews and bones, dispels wind-induced pruritus, treats dental caries, and can be used to prepare medicinal bath decoctions.
The *Tang Bencao* commentary states: The leaves resemble those of *Luying* (Euphorbia lathyris), and the flowers are similar. However, it grows as a tree, approximately one to two zhang high, with light wood that is pithless. Branches cut and inserted into the soil take root easily; households also cultivate it. It is also known as Mushuoju. It is found everywhere. (Attached in the *Tang Bencao*, preceding the *Xinxiu Bencao*). Minister Yuxi et al. respectfully cite Chen Cangqi: Jiegemu has slight toxicity. The root bark primarily treats phlegm-fluid retention, reduces water swelling, and treats phlegmatic malaria. After boiling and ingestion, it induces diarrhea and vomiting; it should not be taken in large amounts. The leaves treat malaria. Children take three leaves; adults take until vomiting occurs. The *Shennong Benjing* stating it is non-toxic is incorrect.
The *Tujing* states: Jiegemu's place of origin was not recorded in older texts; currently, it is found near the capital. The tree is about one to two zhang high. The flowers and leaves are entirely like those of *Luying* or water celery, hence the name Mushuoju. Its wood is light and pithless. Cut branches inserted into the soil take root; households also cultivate it. The leaves treat malaria; grind and extract the juice for drinking; recovery occurs after vomiting. Adults use seven leaves, children three leaves; do not exceed this amount. Furthermore, in the entry for Zhiju above: That tree has a diameter of one chi, named Baishi, with leaves like mulberry or torreyia, fruits forming chambers resembling coral, with pits at the tip; people eat them frequently. This is what is referred to in the *Book of Songs · Minor Odes* as "Southern Mountain has Gou." Lu Ji stated: Gou refers to Zhigou. The tree resembles white poplar, found in mountains everywhere; Zhigou is not straight, tastes sweet and delicious like maltose. It ripens in the eighth and ninth months, called Mumi (Wood Honey). Originally from the south. It can counteract alcohol toxicity. If used as house pillars, the wine in the entire house becomes weak.
The *Chanshu* records treating postpartum chest oppression, irritability and heat in hands and feet, exhaustion of vital energy, blood dizziness causing hardness in the heart region, and uncontrollable chills and fever. Break one handful of Jiegemu like an abacus frame, add one sheng of water, decoct to obtain half a sheng, divide into two warm doses. Or if there is frequent urination and continuous lochia, taking it brings immediate cure. Boiling this wood three times yields similar efficacy. This is a formula that restores life.