Library

Shinan (Rhododendri Daurici Folium)

Pungent, bitter, neutral in nature, toxic. Primarily nourishes Kidney Qi (vital energy of the kidney), treats internal injury with decline of Yin essence, promotes the free flow of sinews and bones and skin/hair, treats weakness of the legs, expels pathogenic factors from the five Zang organs, and clears heat. Women should not take it for a long time, as it may cause excessive longing for men.

Fruits: Kills gu poison (parasitic disease), breaks up accumulations and masses, drives out wind-bi syndrome. Also known as Gui Mu (Ghost Eye). Grows in valleys of Huayin. Leaves are harvested in February and April, fruits in August, and dried in shade. (Wujia Pi [Acanthopanacis Cortex] acts as an enabler/guide herb.)

Tao Hongjing states: It is now available in Lujiang and Dongjian. The leaves resemble those of Loquat (Eriobotryae Folium). Its use in prescriptions is rare. *Tang Ben Zhu* notes: The leaves resemble grass and do not wither in winter. Those with finer leaves are considered superior, particularly those from the Guanzhong region. It is a crucial ingredient in pills and powders for treating wind pathogens. Those from south of the Jiangshan region grow large like loquat leaves, lack odor, and are completely unusable medicinally. Current physicians no longer use the fruits. Chen Yuxi et al., according to *Shu Ben*, record: There is an abundance near stones in Xiegu of Zhongnan Mountain. Currently, market vendors often confuse... [text fragment] ...Shinan. It primarily clears heat, is incompatible with Xiao Ji (Cirsii Herba), is non-toxic. It can augment Kidney Qi, treat soft legs, irritability and pain, kill parasites, and drive out various winds. Although it nourishes the interior of the Kidneys, it may lead to impotence.

*Tujing Bencao* records: Shinan grows in the valleys of Huayin and is now found throughout the north and south. It grows on rocks, with some plants being very tall. Those from the Jianghu region have leaves like loquat leaves, with small thorns, remaining evergreen through winter. In spring, white flowers bloom in clusters. In autumn, fine red fruits form. Those from Guanlong have leaves resembling Ma Cao (Illicium verum or similar aromatic herbs), yellowish-green with purple spots on the back. When there is much rain, they grow together, reaching two to three inches in length. The roots are horizontal and thin, purple in color. They produce no flowers or fruits, but the leaves are extremely dense. People in the north and south often transplant them into courtyards for their pleasant shade that blocks sunlight. For medicinal use, the fine leaves from Guanzhong are best. Leaves are harvested in February and April, fruits in April, and dried in shade. *Wei Wang Huamu Ji* states: In the South, the bark of Shinan tree is used to make fish soup, which is especially delicious. This practice is rarely heard of today. Below, under the entry for Nan Cai (Nanmu wood), it is noted that the tree resembles Shinan but is taller. The leaves are slightly smaller, and the wood is suitable for beams and pillars; however, it is rarely used in medical prescriptions today.

*Yanyi* states: Shinan leaves resemble smaller loquat leaves, but lack hair on the back, appearing smooth and unwrinkled. Flowers bloom in January and February. In winter, two leaves serve as flower buds. Once the bud opens, there are about fifteen flowers inside, similar in size to Toosendan flowers (Meliae Flos), very delicate. Each bud is roughly the size of a marble, forming a ball. Each flower has six petals, and one cluster contains seven or eight balls. The color is pale white-green, with the petal tips slightly reddish. When the flowers open, the stamens fill the bloom, so only stamens are visible, not petals. After flowering, last year's green leaves fall off completely, and new leaves gradually emerge. It is most suitable for treating Kidney deficiency and leg weakness. However, it is scarce in Jingluo, Hebei, Hedong, and Shandong, so people use it less. It is abundant in Hunan/Hubei, Jiangxi/Zhejiang, and Liangzhe, so it is used more frequently. The southern fruits are now absolutely usable by physicians.