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Baiyao (White Herb)
Pungent in flavor, warm in nature, non-toxic. Primarily treats metal wounds (injuries caused by metal weapons) and promotes tissue regeneration. Produced in Yuanzhou.
The *Tang Bencao* annotation states: In the third month, seedlings emerge; leaves resemble those of *Lactuca serriola*; in the fourth month, red stems shoot up, flowers are white, root bark is yellow; leaves fall in the eighth month, and branches break in the ninth month. Roots are harvested and dried in the sun. Current examination of other editions' annotations states: It can resolve the toxicity of wild gecko (*Gelsemium elegans*), raw gold, and croton seeds, as well as injuries from knives and axes; it can stop bleeding and relieve pain. Applied externally as a dry powder. (This note was appended to the *Tang Bencao*). Minister Yuxi et al. carefully consulted *Yaoxing Lun*: Baiyao can also be used alone, with a bitter taste. It can treat heat obstruction in the throat, dysphagia and blockage, chest tightness and congestion, frequent pain in the pharynx, and swelling. Rihua Zi stated: Baiyao is cold in nature. It resolves phlegm and stops coughing, treats thirst and hematemesis, throat closure, and reduces swelling and toxins. He also mentioned Jiancao (Cutting Grass), which is cool and non-toxic. It treats malignant sores, scabies, tinea, and wind-induced pruritus. The root is named Baiyao.
*Tujing* states: Baiyao is produced in Yuanzhou; it is now also found in Kuizhou, Shizhou, Jiangxi, and Lingnan. Seedlings emerge in the third month, leaves resembling those of *Lactuca serriola*, turning red in the fourth month. Stems grow long like gourd vines, and white flowers bloom in the sixth month. Seeds form in the eighth month, also known as Lou. Roots are harvested in the ninth month, washed with water, chopped, and sun-dried, named Baiyaozi. Those produced in Jiangxi have leaves resembling *Cornus kousa*, and seeds like mung beans; by August, the seeds turn red. People in Shizhou harvest the roots and combine them with pig tail (*Sus scrofa domesticus cauda*) in equal parts. After washing and removing the coarse skin, they are baked dry, ground, and sieved. Taken orally with wine in an amount equivalent to a coin pouch. It treats heart qi pain and resolves heat toxins, being very effective. For various sores and carbuncles that do not dissipate, fresh roots are mashed and applied topically; changed when dry. If fresh roots are unavailable, powdered form mixed with water for topical application is also acceptable. Cui Yuanliang's *Haishang Fang*: Treats all types of epidemic febrile diseases (infectious diseases spreading through the population). Take Baiyao, grind into flour-like powder, mix with one large cup of fermented grain water, take on an empty stomach in one dose, then lie supine for the duration of a meal. Wait until there is mental restlessness or nausea, and abdominal pain resembling chariot wheels rumbling or severe stabbing pain. After a while, several episodes of vomiting and diarrhea should occur; do not be alarmed. Before taking the medicine, boil fermented grain water congee and suspend it in a well to cool. If vomiting and diarrhea are excessive, eat one bowl of cold congee to stop them; otherwise, it will cause debility.
Empirical Later Formulas: Treats pregnancy complicated by cold damage (Shanghan), protecting the fetus. Take an unspecified amount of Baiyaozi, grind into powder, mix with egg white, spread onto paper flower shapes approximately the size of a bowl, apply to the lower abdomen where the fetus resides, and moisten with warm water immediately.
*Yanyi* states: Baiyao is currently used as a medicine for treating lung heat in horses, and it is effective.