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Tong Ye (Folium Firmianae / Firmiana simplex)

Bitter in taste, cold in nature, non-toxic. Primarily treats *e shi chuang* (malignant erosive ulcers) adhering to the yin region. The bark primarily treats *wu zhi* (five types of hemorrhoids), kills three parasites (*san chong*), and treats *ben tun qi* (a condition characterized by Qi rushing from the lower abdomen to the chest).

The flowers are used topically to treat sores on pigs. Feeding Tong leaves to pigs can increase their weight by three times. It grows in the valleys of Tongbai Mountain.

Tao Hongjing states: There are four types of Tong trees. Qing Tong (Green Tong): leaves and bark are green, resembling Wutong but without seeds. Wutong (Chinese Parasol Tree): bark is white, leaves resemble Qing Tong but have seeds; the seeds are similar to those of Bai Tong, differing only in flower and fruit. Flowers open in the second lunar month, yellowish-purple. The *Book of Rites* states: "When the Tong tree begins to bloom, it is suitable for making qin and se instruments." Since this text mentions flowers, it likely refers to Bai Tong (White Tong). Bai Tong is suitable for making musical instruments, also known as Yi Tong, and is commonly planted in households. Regarding its use for treating sores, this seems erroneous. How could one intentionally apply Tong flowers to a broken pig? Ministers Yuxi et al., according to the commentary on *Erya*, state: Chen is another name for Wu. Guo Pu notes: This is the current Wutong. The *Classic of Poetry · Daya* says: "Wutong grows there, on the sunny slope." It also states: Tong wood is also called Rong. Guo Pu notes: Wutong and Chenwu are the same species. *Yaoxing Lun* states: Bai Tong bark can treat *wu lin* (five types of strangury). Washing hair with it removes *tou feng* (wind affecting the head) and promotes hair growth and nourishment.

Ri Hua Zi states: Tong oil is cold in nature and slightly toxic. Applied externally for malignant sores, scabies, and edema; applied to rat bites to repel rats.

*Tujing* states: Tong grows in Tongbai Valley and is now found everywhere. Its varieties include four types. Old annotations say: Qing Tong has green branches and leaves and no seeds; Wutong has white bark, green leaves, and edible seeds; Bai Tong has flowers and fruits, blooming in the second month with yellowish-purple flowers, also known as Yi Tong or Huang Tong; these are the parts used in medicine. Gang Tong resembles Bai Tong but lacks seeds and is used for making instruments. Lu Ji's *Caomu Shu* states: Bai Tong is suitable for making instruments. People in Yunnan weave its fibers into cloth similar to wool cloth. Thus, Gang Tong and Bai Tong are suitable for instrument making.

There are two types of Wutong, both bearing the name "Yi". Some say: Wutong indicates leap months. It grows twelve leaves, six on each side. Counting from the bottom, one leaf represents one month up to the twelfth. A thirteenth leaf appears in leap years, with smaller variations indicating surplus/deficit. Observing it reveals which month has the intercalary month. Hence, "If Wutong does not grow, the nine provinces differ." Alternatively, the tree used for oil production in the south is Gang Tong, which has larger seeds than Wutong. In Jiangnan, there is Hong Tong (Red Tong) that blooms red flowers in autumn without fruit. Youzi Tong (Purple Tong) has lily-like flowers and fruits edible after sugar boiling. In Lingnan, there is Ci Tong (Thorny Tong) with Wutong-like leaves, palm-shaped deep red flowers, and thorny stems. It is highly effective for *jin chuang* (metal-induced wounds). Additionally, Wutong white bark treats hemorrhoids. *Shanfan Fang* treats intestinal hemorrhoids with nodules at the anus, using the green part of pig trotters; the ointment is applied to sores and taken with wine.

*Zimu Milu*: Treats carbuncles, ulcers, hemorrhoids, malignant sores, and infant erysipelas. Use bark, decoct in water, and apply externally.

*Yanyi* states: The *Jing* annotation does not specify which Tong, causing difficulty in application. Now listing four types with treatments: One is Bai Tong, suitable for carving qins, with trifid leaves, white flowers, and no seeds. *Yaoxing Lun* states: Bark treats strangury, washes hair, removes head wind, and promotes hair growth. One is Ren Tong, blooming pale red flowers early in spring, tubular like drum flowers, seeds used for oil. Ri Hua Zi states: Tong oil is cold and slightly toxic. One is Wutong, blooming pale yellow small flowers in April like jujube flowers, producing silk-like threads that fall and create oil stains on clothes. One is Gang Tong, without flowers, unsuitable for instruments, and heavy in weight.