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Haotongpi (Spatholobi Caulis)

Bitter, neutral, non-toxic. Primarily treats cholera, Zhong'e (sudden illness caused by exposure to foul pathogens), chronic dysentery with red and white discharge, eliminates malnutrition-related conditions (Ganji), scabies, and tinea; treats toothache caused by dental caries. These indications can be treated by decocting for oral administration or for holding in the mouth. Soaked in water and used to wash the eyes, it removes ocular redness. It is tough enough to be made into ropes that do not rot when submerged in water. It originates from the valleys south of the South Sea. It resembles the white bark of Catalpa trees (or Paulownia bark). (Currently appended)

Min Yuxi et al. note according to Ri Hua Zi: It is warm in nature. It treats numbness, paralysis, and pain in the blood vessels and meridians, as well as redness of the eyes. Decocted for external washing.

Tu Jing (Illustrated Classic of Materia Medica) states: Haotongpi originates from the valleys south of the South Sea; it is now also found in Leizhou and other coastal prefectures. The leaves are palm-sized with three pointed tips. The bark is hard and tough like the white bark of Catalpa, suitable for making ropes that do not decay in water. It can be harvested at any time. In ancient prescriptions: it is mostly used in wine infusion to treat wind-induced limb coldness and厥逆 (Jueyue). Wang Shaoyan, Prefect of Yunzhou during the Southern Tang Dynasty, recorded this method in his "Xu Chuanxin Fang" (Continued Records of Verified Prescriptions): In previous years, while I was in Gushu, I suffered from unbearable pain in the waist and knees. Physicians attributed it to toxic attack on the Kidneys, but no medicines worked. Upon reviewing "Chuanxin Fang," I found this verified remedy. I immediately prepared one dose, and my symptoms decreased by five parts; my gait became light. Thus, I recorded it. Haotongpi 2 liang, Niuxi (Achyranthes Bidentatae Radix), Xiongqiong (Ligusticum Chuanxiong Rhizoma), Qianghuo (Notopterygii Rhizoma et Radix), Digupi (Phellodendri Cortex), Wujia Pi (Acanthopanacis Cortex) each 1 liang, Gancao (Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma) half a liang, Yiyiren (Coicis Semen) 2 liang, Shengdihuang (Rehmanniae Radix) 10 liang. Clean and dry-bake the first eight herbs, then finely chop them. Cut the Shengdihuang with a reed knife, wrap it in 1 liang of cotton, and soak it in 2 dou of unadulterated wine. Infuse for 14 days in winter and 7 days in summer until ready. Drink one cup when fasting after meals, at noon, and before sleep, keeping oneself slightly intoxicated. Do not alter the formula during preparation; strictly avoid toxic foods and stimulating foods.

Marine Drugs: Note according to Guang Zhi: It grows in the valleys of the South Sea. It resembles paulownia bark, yellowish-white in color, hence its name. Bitter, warm, non-toxic. Primarily treats inability to move the waist and legs, stubborn bi-syndrome (painful obstruction syndrome), leg and knee pain, cholera, red and white diarrhea/dysentery, bloody dysentery, scabies, and tinea.

Dafu (Arecae Pericarpium)

Slightly warm, non-toxic. Primarily treats attacking pain in the heart and abdomen due to cold and heat qi, toxicity stagnation in the Large Intestine, phlegm obstruction, acid reflux/heartburn. Decoct together with ginger and salt; adding Qi-regulating herbs yields good results. Its origin is similar to Areca nut (Binglang); the stem, leaves, roots, and trunk differ slightly. It grows in various countries of the South Sea. (Currently appended)

The content of Tu Jing is detailed under the Binglang entry.

Sun Taizhen (Sun Simiao) says: Binglang pi (Areca nut pericarp) often hosts venomous birds (Zhen birds) roosting on these trees. It should be washed with wine first, then washed with soybean juice, before use.