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Qinpi (Cortex Fraxini)

Bitter, slightly cold or very cold, non-toxic. Primarily treats wind-cold-damp bi syndrome (a condition characterized by pain, numbness, and limited mobility of limbs and joints caused by invasion of wind, cold, and damp pathogens), eliminates the sensation of biting cold on the body surface, clears heat, treats green nebula and white membrane in the eyes (corneal opacity or clouding), cures leukorrhea in men and women, pediatric epilepsy, and fever. It can be prepared as an eye-washing decoction. Long-term consumption prevents graying of hair, lightens the body, makes the skin lustrous and smooth, promotes a robust physique, and facilitates fertility.

Also known as Cenpi (Cen Bark) and Shitan (Stone Sandalwood). Grows in the valleys of Lujiang and Yuanju. The bark is harvested in February and August and dried in the shade. (Daji [Radix Euphorbiae] serves as its guiding herb; it is incompatible with Wuzhuyu [Fructus Evodiae].)

Tao Hongjing states: Commonly called Fanpi (pronounced "gui"), when soaked in water and used to mix ink for writing, the color does not fade and appears slightly green. Moreover, the bark is quite thin, which casts doubt on this identification. In folk prescriptions: it is used solely for treating eye diseases, and also has applications in Daoist practices. The commentary in *Tang Bencao* notes: This tree resembles sandalwood, with fine leaves and bark marked with white spots but not rough or crisscrossed. When the bark is soaked in water, it yields a jade-green color; if written on paper, it appears cyan. This is the authentic variety. Because of its bitter taste, the common people call it Kushu (Bitter Tree). Its bark is also used to treat eye conditions and is effective. Since the leaves resemble those of sandalwood, it is named Shitan. Ministers Yuxi and others, according to *Yaoxing Lun*, record: Qinbaipi (White Bark of Qin), neutral in nature. Incompatible with Kuho (Bitter Gourd) and Fangkui (Radix Adenophorae). It brightens the eyes, removes long-standing heat from the liver, treats redness, swelling, and pain in both eyes, and stops profuse tearing due to wind. For pediatric fever, a bath using the decoction is curative. One sheng of bark, boiled in water until clear, cooled, and used to wash red eyes is extremely effective. Rihua Zi states: Cleanses the liver, benefits essence, brightens the eyes, treats pediatric heat-induced convulsions, cutaneous wind-bi, and reduces fever. Also known as Pengui.

*Tujing* records: Qinpi grows in the valleys of Lujiang and Yuanju; it is now also found in various prefectures of Shaanxi and Heyang. The trees generally resemble sandalwood. Branches and trunks are all greenish-blue. Leaves are about the size of a spoon head and not glossy. There are no flowers or fruits; the roots resemble those of the locust tree. The bark is harvested in February and August and dried in the shade. The bark has white spots but is not rough or crisscrossed; commonly called Zimu. Soaking the bark in water yields a jade-green color, and writing on paper shows a cyan hue, indicating authenticity.

*Waitai Miyao*: Treats red eyes and sores on the eyeball. One liang of Qinpi, soaked in one sheng of clear water in a white bowl for more than one meal-time during spring and summer, until a jade-green color emerges. Use a chopstick wrapped with cotton to apply drops into the affected eye while lying supine. Start from the inner canthus, allowing the liquid to fill the eye completely. Mild pain is acceptable. After a considerable time, approximately equivalent to three meals, tilt the head to drain the hot fluid. Apply more than ten times daily; recovery occurs within two days. Another prescription: Treats nebula and halos remaining after the resolution of red eyes. One liang of Qinpi, sliced, boiled in one sheng and five he of water until reduced to seven he, then clarified. Used to soak the eyes. *Huainanzi*: Certain trees with green color, causing nebula, wasting, pain, and curvature, are all remedies for eye diseases. Commentary: "Certain tree" refers to Kuli Mu (Bitter Traveler's Tree). Soaking the bark in water turns it blue/green for washing eyes, which is effective. Shen Cunzhong records that Qinpi treats Tianshe du (Heavenly Snake Poison). It resembles leprosy but is not leprosy. Heavenly Snake, i.e., ...