Library

Shepherd's Purse (Qi Cai)
Sweet in flavor, cold in nature. It primarily treats and resolves the toxicity of various medicines.
Tao Hongjing stated: The roots and stems resemble those of Ginseng (Renshen), but the leaves are slightly different; the root tastes extremely sweet and can detoxify. Because it is placed together with toxic substances, the toxicity naturally ceases and does not enter the body, so physicians rarely include it in prescriptions. Current examination of other annotated editions states: The root resembles Platycodonis Radix (Jiegeng), distinguished by the absence of a pith, and is non-toxic. Collect the roots in February and August, and dry them in the sun. Chen Yuxi et al. respectfully cited *Erya*: [Image], [Image]. The explanation states: [Image], also known as [Image]. Guo Pu said: Shepherd's Purse is [Image]. Ri Huazi said: Shepherd's Purse kills gu poison, treats snake and insect bites, heat-induced mania, warm diseases, and poisoned arrows.
*Tu Jing Ben Cao* stated: Shepherd's Purse, previously unrecorded regarding its place of origin, is now found throughout Sichuan, Shu, Jiangsu, and Zhejiang. In spring, it produces seedlings and stems that generally resemble Ginseng, but the leaves differ slightly; the root resembles Platycodonis Radix, distinguished only by the lack of a central pith. Runzhou has an abundance of it; people collect it as a fruit or vegetable or make it into dried meat-like snacks, which taste very sweet and delicious. Roots are collected in February and August and dried in the sun. Ancient prescriptions for resolving the toxicity of the Five Minerals often used fresh Shepherd's Purse juice taken directly, which is effective. Additionally, *Duan Ju Fang* treats gu poison. Take the root of Shepherd's Purse, grind it into powder, and administer one cun bi (square inch measure) with drink, resulting in immediate recovery.
*Shi Liao Ben Cao* stated: When Dan Shi (mineral pill) toxicity manifests, consuming the root is particularly beneficial. *Qian Jin Yi Fang* treats carbuncles and swellings. Take one he of fresh Shepherd's Purse root juice, strain it, and apply externally; no more than three applications are needed.
*Shi Yi Xin Jing* stated: Shepherd's Purse primarily benefits Lung Qi, harmonizes the Middle Jiao, brightens the eyes, and relieves pain. It can be steamed, chopped, and made into soup or porridge, or prepared as pickled vegetables. *Jin Gui Yu Han Fang*: Gou Wen (Aconitum coreanum) leaves resemble Celery leaves; accidental ingestion can be fatal. Use eight liang of Shepherd's Purse and six sheng of water, boil to obtain three sheng, and divide into two doses to resolve the toxicity. *Chao Ye Qian Zai* records that wild boars struck by poisoned arrows recover by consuming this plant extensively. Bie Shuo Yun noted that nowadays, many steam and press Shepherd's Purse to confuse it with Ginseng, though the taste is merely bland.
*Yan Yi* stated: Shepherd's Purse, currently processed into dried snacks in Shanzhou using special methods, is very sweet and delicious and suitable for sending as gifts to distant places. The ancients believed that the plant resembling Ginseng was this type of Shepherd's Purse.