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Baian (Cynanchum Stauntonii Rhizoma)
The flavor is sweet, and the nature is slightly warm. Chen Yuxi et al., according to the *Shu Ben* (Local Materia Medica of Shu), state: The nature is slightly cold. It is non-toxic. It primarily treats rebellious Qi in the chest and hypochondrium, coughing, and upward rushing Qi.

Tao Hongjing says: This herb grows in areas near main roads. It resembles Xixin (Asari Radix et Rhizoma) but is larger, white in color, and brittle. It is frequently used in formulas treating Qi-rebellious coughs. The *Tang Bencao* commentary notes: The leaves resemble those of willow or Yuanhua (Genkwa Flos), and the seedling is about one chi tall. It grows on river islets and sandy banks. The rhizome is white, longer than that of Xixin, and has a sweet taste; it is commonly soaked in wine by laypeople for consumption. It treats upper Qi rebellion and does not originate from areas near main roads. Its common name is Shibai (Stone Blue), also known as Souyao (Cough Medicine). The creeping variety currently in use has a bitter taste and is not genuine Baian. According to other versions of the commentary: The roots are harvested in February and August and dried in the sun. The root resembles Niuxi (Achyranthis Bidentatae Radix) and Baiwei (Cleomidis Radix). Chen Yuxi et al., citing *Yaoxing Lun*, state: Baian serves as a minister herb, has a pungent flavor, and additionally treats various Qi stagnation conditions. Rihua Zi states: It treats Benpeng (Rushing Tumor) kidney Qi, lung Qi irritability and oppression, and upper Qi rebellion.

*Tujing* (Illustrated Classic) states: Baian’s place of origin was not recorded in older texts. Tao Hongjing stated it grows near main roads; currently, it is found in Shu region and the Huai and Zhe prefectures. It resembles Xixin but is larger, white in color, and brittle. Some varieties have leaves resembling willow or Yuanhua seedlings, all growing about one chi tall. They grow on river islets and sandy banks; the rhizomes are white, longer than Xixin, and similar to Niuxi and Baiwei. The creeping variety currently in use has a bitter taste and is not genuine Baian. Roots are harvested in February and August and dried in the sun. The *Shen Shi Fang* (Deep Master's Formulas) treats chronic cough with rebellious Qi, bodily edema, shortness of breath, abdominal distension, inability to lie down day or night leaning against a wall, and sounds resembling those of a water frog, using Baian Tang (Baian Decoction) as the primary treatment. Baian 2 liang, Ziwan (Asternis Radix) and Banxia (Pinelliae Rhizoma Praeparatum, washed) each 3 liang, Daji (Euphorbiae Pekinensis Radix) 7 he, cut into pieces. These four ingredients are soaked in one dou of water overnight. On the next morning, decoct to obtain three sheng. Divide into three doses. Avoid consuming mutton and yi (malt sugar); this is highly recommended.

*Tang Bencao* states: The nature is slightly cold. It treats upper Qi rushing to the throat, where breathing seems nearly ceased. Lei Gong states: When preparing, first soak in raw Gancao (Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma) water for a full day and night, then drain, remove the head and fibrous roots, dry by baking, and use in prescriptions. Mei Shi Fang (Master Mei's Formulas): Treats chronic Xiasou (wheezing cough) with sounds in the throat and insomnia. Take Baian, crush into powder, and take two qianbi (small spoonfuls) mixed with warm wine.

*Yanyi* (Expanded Meaning) states: Baian stabilizes lung Qi and treats coughs; it is widely used. It is white and longer than Xixin, but rough and brittle, unlike the flexibility of Xixin. When assisted by warming herbs, its effect is superior; otherwise, refer to *Tujing*.