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Jixuecao (Centellae Herba)

Bitter, cold, non-toxic. Primarily treats severe heat, malignant sores and carbuncles, spreading erythema, reddened skin, and body fever. Grows in the valleys of Jingzhou.

Tao Hongjing stated: It is not used in prescriptions; it is presumed that this herb possesses a cold nature. The annotation of *Tang Bencao* states: This herb has leaves round as large as copper coins, with slender and tough stems, growing creeping by streams. Crushed and applied externally for treating heat swelling and erysipelas, but it was not included in medicinal use. People in Jingchu called it "Diqian Cao" (Ground Money Herb) because its leaves resemble coins; *Xu Yi Yaotu* named it "Lianqian Cao" (Connected Coins Herb), which is rare in its habitat. According to Chen Cangqi's *Bencao*, Jixuecao treats sudden high fever, pediatric erysipelas, alternating chills and fever, and internal heat accumulation; it is crushed, juice extracted, and taken orally. Another version of the annotation notes: It is now found everywhere and included in medicinal use. It grows in shady and damp places; the seedlings and leaves are harvested in August and September and dried in the shade. Minister Yuxi and others, according to *Yaoxing Lun*, stated: Lianqian Cao can also be used alone. It can treat scrofula and rat fistula, with chills and fever coming and going intermittently. Rihua Zi stated: Bitter and pungent. Rubbed with salt and applied topically, it reduces swelling and toxicity and treats wind-rash, scabies, and tinea.

*Tujing* stated: Jixuecao grows in the valleys of Jingzhou and is now ubiquitous. Its leaves are round as large as copper coins, with slender and tough stems, growing creeping by streams. People in Jingchu called it "Diqian Cao" due to the coin-like leaves; *Xu Yi Yaotu* named it "Lianqian Cao". The seedlings and leaves are harvested in August and September and dried in the shade. Duan Chengshi's *Youyang Zazu* stated: Diqian has round leaves and slender stems with vines. One variety is called Jixuecao, another Lianqian Cao. According to *Tianbao Danxing Fang*: In the ponds and marshes of Ziju and Jiyang Commanderies, it is very fragrant.

Some say its round leaves resemble mint. It is abundant in Jiangdong, specifically Wuyue and Danyang Commanderies, where locals often consume it as a raw vegetable. In Hebei, Liucheng Commandery, it is entirely called "Haisu"; it prefers growing near water, survives winter, and is also found in Xianzhou and Luoyang capitals. Sometimes called "Hubohe" (Wild Mint), it exists in various locations. Taken alone, it treats lower abdominal pain in women. Furthermore: If a woman suddenly suffers from lower abdominal pain, feeling sharp pain in the waist radiating to the spine upon the onset of menstruation, as if pierced by knives or awls, unbearable to endure, and physicians misdiagnose it as "Guizhu" (demon infection), prescribing random medicines without effect while the condition worsens, one should carefully verify the symptoms match and then use this herb. Harvest this herb when it blooms in May, dry it in the sun, crush and sieve into powder. For women suffering from the aforementioned condition, take two "fangcun bi" (measurements), mix well with two small "he" (measurements) of good vinegar, stir evenly, and take on an empty stomach at dawn. Take once daily until effective. If the woman has a pre-existing cold constitution, take five liang of the aforementioned herb, add 200 peach kernels (remove tips and skins, roast and crush), mix with honey to form pills the size of wu zi (wuju seeds). Take thirty pills on an empty stomach with drink or wine, twice daily, until cured. Avoid consuming hemp seeds.

Chen Cangqi stated: Easterners call it Lianqian; it grows in shady places, creeping on the ground, with leaves like coins.

*Yanyi* stated: Jixuecao is now common in the South, growing in shady and damp places, not limited to Jingchu. Its shape resembles *Shuixing* (water nymph weed) but smaller, with a smooth surface and slightly pointed tip as a distinguishing feature.

Currently, people call it Lianqian Cao, likely derived from its appearance. Leaves grow individually; crushed and applied topically, it treats all types of heat-toxin sores and carbuncles. Harvest after autumn, dry in the shade, grind into powder, and apply mixed with water.