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Zhu Gen (Broussonetia papyrifera Root)
Nature: Cold. Indications: Primarily treats Chi Dan (Red Erysipelas, a red skin eruption) in children. The juice obtained by soaking Ramie can treat thirst.
Tao Hongjing stated: This is the Ramie used for weaving today. There is also Shan Zhu (Wild Ramie) which is similar and can be used medicinally. The Tang Bencao annotation notes: The Mingyi Bielu records that the root stabilizes the fetus; applying it externally to treat Re Dan Du Zhong (Heat Erysipelas and toxic swelling) is effective. Fermented Ramie juice primarily treats Xiao Ke (Wasting-Thirst). Current research into Chen Cangqi's Bencao Shiyi records: Ramie invigorates blood and resolves stasis; after soaking and storing, it can be taken warm by postpartum women. Having the mother sleep on a pillow filled with Ramie stops bleeding and dizziness. For postpartum abdominal pain, placing Ramie on the abdomen stops the pain. If bitten by a silkworm with venom entering the flesh, drinking Ramie juice is indicated. It is observed that if Ramie is near silkworm eggs, the silkworms will not hatch. Ministers Yuxi et al. carefully followed the Shu Bencao annotation: When Ramie seedlings are over one zhang high, people in the south peel the bark to make cloth. Harvested in the second and eighth lunar months. Found in Jiangzuo and Shannan. The Yaoxing Lun records: Ramie root, as an assistant herb, has a sweet taste and neutral nature. It primarily treats pregnancy stabilization. Ri Huazi stated: Sweet, slippery, cold, non-toxic. Treats Heart and Diaphragm Heat, Lou Tai Xia Xue (threatened miscarriage with bleeding), pre- and postpartum mental restlessness, epidemic heat diseases, extreme thirst and mania, heart heat from taking mineral drugs, and bites from poisonous arrows, snakes, and insects.
The Tujing Bencao states: Zhu Gen was not recorded in older texts regarding its origin; currently, it grows abundantly in Fujian, Sichuan, Jiangsu, and Zhejiang. Its bark can be woven into cloth. Seedlings grow seven to eight chi high. Leaves resemble those of the paper mulberry (Chu Ye), green on the front, white on the back, with short hairs. In summer and autumn, it bears fine spikes with blue-white flowers. The root is yellowish-white, light, and spongy; harvested in the second and eighth lunar months. There is another type, Shan Zhu, which is similar. Carefully following Lu Ji's Caomu Shu: Ramie consists of dozens of stems per clump; the perennial root remains underground and sprouts naturally in spring without planting. In Jing and Yang regions, it is cut three times a year; official orders required gardens to plant it, cutting twice a year, then peeling the bark, scraping the surface with bamboo, allowing the thick outer layer to shed naturally, leaving the inner fibrous part to be boiled and used for sewing. This practice continues in Jiangzhe and Fujian. It is required in formulas for fetal damage in pregnant women. It also treats Bai Dan (White Erysipelas). Washing the affected area with strong decoction, three to four times daily, leads to recovery. Wei Zhi treated Yong Ju Fa Bei (Back Carbuncle); at the initial stage before suppuration, he applied mashed fresh Ramie root and leaves, changing frequently day and night until the swelling subsided and recovery occurred.
Taiping Shenghui Fang: Treats fetal movement threatening abortion with unbearable abdominal pain. Use two liang of chopped Ramie root, five liang of silver, one cup of wine, and one large cup of water; decoct together, strain. Take warm in two doses at any time. Beiji Qianjin Yaofang: Emergency treatment for Bai Dan. Three jin of Ramie root and four sheng of adzuki beans; boil in two to three dou of water; bathe three to four times, soaking is excellent. Zhouhou Beiji Fang: "Dan" refers to malignant sores of varying colors. Boil three sheng of Ramie root in three and a half units of water for bathing. Apply topically daily. Another formula: Treats restless fetus. Take one chi of Ramie root about as thick as the big toe, chop. Boil in five sheng of water to obtain three sheng, strain, and drink. Doumen Fang: Treats the five types of Lin syndrome (dysuria). Crush two stems of Ramie root, boil in one and a half bowls of water to obtain half a bowl. Drink frequently to promote urination. Highly effective. Mei Shi Jiyuan Fang: Treats various carbuncles on the back or breast; if initially slightly red and not treated urgently, death ensues. Rapid resolution formula: Mash Ramie root and apply externally, changing frequently. Another formula: Treats sudden discharge of yellow, glue-like fluid or bean-water-like fluid during pregnancy. Cut two sheng of Ramie root, remove black skin. Boil with one jin of silver and nine sheng of water to obtain four sheng. For each dose, add half to one sheng of wine to the decoction, reduce to one sheng, and divide into two doses.
Bencao Yan Yi states: Ramie root resembles hemp. Flowers resemble those of white poplar but longer, growing in spikes; each cluster produces dozens of spikes, pale greenish-white.