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Qian Gen (Radix Rubiae)

Bitter, cold. Non-toxic. Primarily treats wind-bi (bi syndrome caused by wind-cold-dampness pathogens) due to cold-dampness, jaundice, tonifies the middle jiao, stops bleeding, treats internal hemorrhage and lower body bleeding, insufficiency of the bladder, traumatic injuries, and gu poison (poisoning from parasites or toxins). Long-term consumption benefits essence and qi, lightens the body. Can be used to dye crimson red. Also known as Di Xue (Earth Blood), Ru Qian (Ru Qian), Mao Sou (Mao Sou), and Qian (Qian). Grows in valleys of Qiao Mountain. Roots are harvested in February and March and dried in the sun. (Averse to Shu Gu / Paeonia lactiflora.)

Tao Hongjing states: This is the Rubia cordifolia used for dyeing crimson red today. It exists in various places in the eastern regions but is scarce, unlike in the west where it is abundant. Currently, it is not frequently used in folk practices or classical prescriptions. This is likely because its therapeutic effects are considered limited and it is plentiful and cheap. The *Book of Songs* mentions "Ru Qian in the marsh," referring to this herb. Minister Yuxi et al., according to the *Shu Ben Tu Jing*, record: Dyeing crimson grass, leaves resemble date leaves, pointed at the tip and broad at the base, stems and leaves are both astringent, four to five leaves grow oppositely at the nodes, creeping over other plants, roots are purple-red. It is found everywhere now, with roots harvested in August. The *Erya* states: Ru Qian is Mao Sou. Commentary cites Lu Ji: Also known as Di Xue, people in Qi call it Qian. People in Xuzhou call it Niu Man. The *Yao Xing Lun* states: Qian Gen has a sweet taste. It primarily treats the six extremes (extreme deficiency syndromes) affecting the heart and lungs, hematemesis, and hematochezia when used. Chen Cangqi states: Qian Gen primarily treats gu poison; decoct the juice and take it orally. The herb used for dyeing crimson today is also written as Qian. The *Rites of Zhou · Shushi Zhang* records removing gu poison by attacking it with Jia Cao (auspicious herbs). Jia Cao, He (lotus), and Qian are the best for treating gu poison. Ri Huazi states: Sour taste. Stops epistaxis, leukorrhea, postpartum blood vertigo, milk stasis, menorrhagia, intestinal wind, hemorrhoids, expels pus, treats carbuncles and sores, seminal emission, hematuria, traumatic injuries, and blood stasis; decocted in wine and taken. Kills gu poison; for medicinal use, chop and stir-fry.

The *Tu Jing* states: Qian Gen, also written as Qian. Grows in valleys of Qiao Mountain; now found in nearby areas. It is the dyeing crimson grass. Xu Shen's *Shuo Wen Jie Zi* considers it to be generated from human blood, leaves resembling date leaves, pointed at the tip and broad at the base, three to five leaves growing oppositely at the nodes, seedlings creeping over other plants, roots purple. Lu Ji's *Cao Mu Shu* states: Ru Qian, Mao Sou, is Qian Cao (Rubia cordifolia). People in Qi call it Qian, people in Xuzhou call it Niu Man. Roots are harvested in February and March and dried in the sun. Now, gardeners sometimes plant them in raised beds. Thus, the *Biography of Merchants and Money-makers* states: "A thousand dan of Zhi Qian is comparable to the wealth of a state with a thousand chariots," indicating rich geographical advantages. Physicians use it to treat gu poison, surpassing other herbs. The *Rites of Zhou · Shushi Zhang* records removing gu poison by attacking it with Jia Cao. Gan Bao considers Jia Cao to be He (lotus). Chen Cangqi believes He and Qian are the best for treating gu poison.

Lei Gong states: When using Qian Gen, do not use the root of Chi Liu Cao (Red Willow Root); it resembles true Qian Gen but has a sour and astringent taste and should not be used medicinally. If ingested, it causes internal cataracts; quickly administer Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma (Licorice Root) decoction to resolve it, and the toxic vapors will dissipate. When processing Qian Gen, use a copper knife on a locust wood cutting board to chop it, dry it in the sun, and avoid contact with iron and lead. *Jian Yao Ji Zhong*: Treats persistent hematemesis. Qian Cao (Rubiae Radix et Rhizoma) 1 liang, raw, pounded, sifted into powder. Take 2 qian per dose, with one zhong zhan of water, decoct to 0.7 zhong zhan, cool, and take after meals for good effect. *Shang Han Lei Yao*: Treats xin dan (heart heat/distress) with vexation and heat in the heart; Qian Gen is indicated. Another prescription: Treats gu poisoning, or vomiting and defecating blood resembling rotten liver. Qian Cao Gen (Rubiae Radix et Rhizoma) and He Ye Gen (Nelumbinis Petiolus) each 3 liang, sliced, with 4 sheng of water, decoct to obtain 2 sheng, remove dregs, adjust temperature, and take in one dose for cure.