Library

Chujī (Pronunciation: Chǒu rú qiē)

Bitter in taste, neutral in nature, slightly toxic. It primarily treats evil qi in the heart and abdomen, impotence (yáng wěi), benefits essence (jīng), strengthens willpower, aids fertility, improves complexion, tonifies the middle jiao (middle burner), and lightens the body. It also treats lower back pain, directs rebellious qi downward, strengthens yin and increases essence, but should not be brought near the eyes. It grows on the trees of Broussonetia papyrifera (chū shù) in the valleys of Henei. Collected in July and dried in the sun.

Tao Hongjing stated: Its shape resembles that of the cold cicada (hán chán) but is smaller. It is currently produced in Liangzhou and is rarely used in prescriptions; it is only employed in the preparation of Da Shexiang Wan (Great Musk Pill). The Broussonetia tree resembles the lacquer tree but has an odor. Currently, those growing on Broussonetia trees are considered superior. Similarly, regarding Cantharis (yuán jīng) and Tingzhang, those growing on Cantharis or Pueraria vines are deemed the best quality. The Tang Ben Zhu noted: There are two types of this substance. Those with complete five colors are male and of good quality; those with a blue-black body and white spots are female and not used for medicinal purposes. They are currently produced in Qizhou, and none exist in Henei.

Tu Jing stated: Chujī grows on Broussonetia trees in the valleys of Henei and is now found near the capital. Its shape resembles the cold cicada but is smaller. Collected in July and dried in the sun. According to the Erya: "Hàn" (pronounced Hàn), also known as Heavenly Chicken. Guo Pu commented: A small insect, black body with a red head. Also named Shaji (Sedge Chicken), or Chujiu. Li Xun said: Also known as Suanji (Sour Chicken). The Guangya calls it Chujī. Su Gong said: Those with complete five colors are male and of good quality; those with a blue-black body and white spots are female and not used for medicine. However, what is currently called Shaji also grows on Broussonetia trees, emerges and flies after June, vibrating its wings to make a rustling sound, and some people keep them in cages. But its head is square, abdomen large, wing feathers green outside and red inside, body not black, head not red. This differs significantly from old descriptions, suggesting it is a different species sharing the same name. What is currently found on Broussonetia trees is called Hongniangzi (Red Lady) by people, with red heads and wings, which aligns with old descriptions, but is not named Chujī. It is suspected to be the same substance, likely due to differences in ancient and modern nomenclature. It was used in the ancient Da Shexiang Wan, but modern usage is rare, hence distinctions are seldom made.

Yanyi stated: Chujī is particularly abundant in the borders of the Eastern and Western Capitals. Its shape resembles the silkworm moth, but the head and feet are slightly black. The wings are double-layered, the outer layer gray, the inner layer deep red, with all five colors present. The abdomen is large. This is Chujī. People now also use it to promote blood circulation and resolve blood stasis (xue bì).