\r木鳖子\pd379.bmp\r
味甘，温，无毒。主折伤，消结肿恶疮，生肌，止腰痛，除粉刺 ，妇人乳痈，
肛门肿痛。藤生。叶有五花，状如薯蓣，叶青色面光。花黄。其子似栝蒌而极大，生青，熟
红，肉上有刺。其核似鳖，故以为名。出郎州及南中。七、八月采之。（今附）
臣禹锡等谨按日华子云∶醋摩消肿毒。
图经云木鳖子，出郎州及南中，今湖、岭诸州及杭、越、全、岳州亦有之。春生苗，作
蔓，
叶有五花，状如山芋，青色面光。四月生黄花，六月结实，似栝蒌而极大，生青，熟红，肉
上有刺。其核似鳖，故以为名。每一实，有核三、四十枚，八月、九月采。岭南人取嫩实及
苗叶作茹蒸食之。
孙用和治痔方∶以木鳖子三枚，去皮杵碎，砂盆内研如泥，以百沸汤一大碗，以上入盆
器
内，坐上熏之至通，手即洗，一日不过三、二次。
衍义曰∶木鳖子，蔓生，岁一枯。叶如蒲桃，实如大栝蒌，熟则红黄色，微有刺，不能
刺人。
九月、十月熟，实中之子曰木鳖子。但根不死，春旋生苗，其子一头尖者为雄。凡植时，须
雌雄相合，麻缕缠定；及其
生也，则去其雄者，方结实。
味辛，温，无毒。主邪气，诸痹疼酸，续绝伤，补骨髓。一名连木。生蜀郡山谷。
采无时。
唐本注云∶此药子也，当今盛用，胡名那绽，出通州、渝州。《本经》用根。恐误载根
字。子、味辛，平，无毒。主
破血，止痢，消肿，除蛊疰蛇毒。树生，叶似杏，花红白色，子肉味酸、甘，用其核仁。
图经文具黄药条下。
Mu Bie Zi (Semen Momordicae)
Taste: Sweet. Nature: Warm. Toxicity: Non-toxic. Indications: Mainly treats traumatic injuries, dissipates nodules and swelling, manages malignant sores, promotes tissue regeneration, relieves lower back pain, removes acne comedones, treats breast abscesses in women, and alleviates anal swelling and pain. It is a vine plant. The leaves have five lobes, resembling those of *Dioscorea* (yam), with green coloration and a smooth surface. The flowers are yellow. The fruit resembles that of *Trichosanthes kirilowii* (Gualou) but is much larger; it is green when unripe and red when ripe, with thorns on the fleshy part. The nut resembles a turtle, hence its name. It originates from Langzhou and the southern regions. Harvested in the seventh and eighth lunar months. (Supplementary note)
Minister Yuxi et al. respectfully note: Rihua Zi stated that rubbing with vinegar reduces swelling and toxicity.
*Tujing* records: Mu Bie Zi originates from Langzhou and the southern regions. Currently, it is also found in various prefectures of Hu and Ling, as well as Hangzhou, Yuezhou, Quanzhou, and Yuezhou. In spring, shoots emerge and grow into vines. The leaves have five lobes, resembling those of wild yam, with green coloration and a smooth surface. Yellow flowers appear in April. Fruits set in June, resembling *Trichosanthes kirilowii* but much larger; they are green when unripe and red when ripe, with thorns on the flesh. The nuts resemble turtles, hence the name. Each fruit contains thirty to forty nuts. Harvested in August and September. People in Lingnan harvest tender fruits and young leaves, steaming them for consumption as vegetables.
Sun Yonghe's prescription for hemorrhoids: Take three seeds of Mu Bie Zi, remove the husk, pound them until crushed, and grind them into a paste in a mortar. Pour one large bowl of boiling water into the vessel containing the paste. Sit over the vessel to fumigate the affected area until a sensation of relief is felt, then wash with hands. Do not exceed three to four times per day.
*Yanyi* states: Mu Bie Zi grows as a vine and dies back annually. The leaves resemble grape leaves, and the fruit resembles a large *Trichosanthes kirilowii*. When ripe, it is reddish-yellow with slight thorns that do not pierce human skin. It ripens in September and October. The seeds within the fruit are called Mu Bie Zi. As long as the root survives, new shoots will sprout in spring. Among the seeds, those with one pointed end are considered male. When planting, male and female plants must be paired and bound together with hemp thread; once established, the male plants should be removed to allow for fruit setting.
Taste: Pungent. Nature: Warm. Toxicity: Non-toxic. Indications: Mainly treats pathogenic factors, various bi-syndromes characterized by pain and soreness, repairs severed injuries, and tonifies bone marrow. Also known as Lianmu. Grows in the valleys of Shujun. Can be harvested at any time.
*Tang Bencao* annotation notes: This medicine refers to the seed, which is currently widely used. Its barbarian name is Nazhan. It originates from Tongzhou and Yuzhou. *Shennong Benjing* uses the root. It is likely an error to record "root." The seed tastes pungent, has a neutral nature, and is non-toxic. Indications: Invigorates blood, stops dysentery, reduces swelling, and eliminates gu-zhu poisoning and snake venom. It is a tree; leaves resemble apricot leaves, flowers are red-white, the pulp tastes sour and sweet, and the kernel of the nut is used. Detailed information is recorded under the entry for Huangyao in *Tujing*.