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Zhimu (Anemarrhenae Rhizoma)

Bitter, cold, non-toxic. It primarily treats Xiao Ke (wasting-thirst syndrome, characterized by excessive drinking, eating, urination, and emaciation) and internal heat, eliminates pathogenic factors, treats edema of the limbs, promotes diuresis to drain water, tonifies deficiencies, benefits Qi, treats Shang Han (cold damage disease), chronic malaria, irritability and fever, pathogenic factors in the hypochondrium, evil qi in the epigastrium, wind-induced sweating, and internal jaundice. Excessive consumption causes diarrhea. Also known as Qimotheroot (Qimu), Lianmu (Continuous Mother), Yeliao (Wild Smartweed), Dican (Earth Ginseng), Shuishen (Water Ginseng), Shuijun (Water Drainage), Huomu (Goods Mother), Timu (Timu), Nulei (Female Thunder), Nuli (Female Reason), Ercao (Child Grass), Lulie (Deer Lie), Jiufeng (Leek Encounter), Erzhangcao (Child Heel Grass), Donggen (East Root), Shuixu (Water Whisk), Chenfan (Sunken Combustion), Duhanqie (Duhan Cut), and according to the careful examination of Chen Yuxi et al., the *Tang Bencao* (*Compendium of Materia Medica of the Tang Dynasty*) calls it Changzhi (Chang Branch). It grows in the rivers and valleys of Henei. The roots are harvested in February and August and dried in the sun.

Tao Hongjing states: It is currently produced in Pengcheng. Its shape resembles Changpu (Acorus tatarinowii) but is soft and moist; its leaves are extremely difficult to kill. It continues to grow after being dug up until it becomes completely dry. It is very effective in treating Shujie (mature knotting/accumulation due to damp-heat) and also primarily treats the irritability and fever associated with malaria. Chen Yuxi et al., in their careful examination of the *Erya* (*Classic of Names*), state: "Shi, Fan." The explanation is: This is Zhimu, also known as Shi, also known as Fan. Guo Pu says: It grows on mountains, with leaves like leeks. Fan Zi says: Timu is produced in the Sanchu region; those that are yellowish-white are superior. Wu Shi says: Zhimu, Shen Nong and Tong Jun consider it: non-toxic, tonifies deficiencies, benefits Qi. The *Yaoxing Lun* (*Discussion on Medicinal Properties*) states: Zhimu serves as a Sovereign herb, with a neutral nature. It primarily treats mental restlessness and oppression, bone-steaming tidal fever, postpartum Ru Lao (postpartum weakness and fever), Kidney Qi strain, aversion to cold and deficiency depletion, and dry mouth in deficient patients; it is added for use. Ri Huazi states: Bitter and sweet. It treats Heat Lao (heat exhaustion), Chuanshu Zhu Bing (transmissible wasting disease), unblocks the Small Intestine, resolves phlegm and stops coughing, moistens the Heart and Lungs, tonifies deficiency and fatigue, calms the Spirit, and stops palpitations and fright.

The *Tujing* (*Illustrated Classic*) states: Zhimu grows in the rivers and valleys of Henei; it is now also found in various counties along the Yellow River, as well as in Jiezhou and Chuzhou. The root is yellow, resembling Changpu but soft and moist. The leaves are extremely difficult to kill; it continues to grow after being dug up until it dries out. In April, it opens blue flowers resembling leek flowers, and bears fruit in August. The roots are harvested in February and August and dried for use. The *Erya* refers to it as Xunannanqie (Xunnan Cut) and also as KT (Zhilin Cut); this is the Fan mentioned. The *Zhouhou Fang* (*Prescriptions Kept in the Sleeve*) uses this single herb to treat Xi Du (stream poison) with great success. The method is: Pound the roots and leaves together into a powder and take it. Alternatively, add water, pound, and squeeze out the juice, drinking one or two sheng. During summer travels, carry this powder frequently. When intending to enter water, first throw a small amount upstream, then there will be no fear. It also repels She Gong (aquatic venomous insects) and can be used with water to make a decoction for bathing, which is very good.

Lei Gong states: When preparing, first finely chop on an anvil, bake until dry, and pound in a wooden mortar and pestle. Do not let it touch iron vessels. The *Shenghui Fang* (*Holy Grace Formulas*) treats pregnancy where the month is not yet full but labor seems imminent, with abdominal pain. Use two liang of powdered Zhimu, form pills the size of Sophora seeds with honey, take twenty pills at any time with congee or water. The *Yangshi Chanru* (*Yang's Obstetrics and Pediatrics*) agrees.