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Snake Han (The character "Quan" should be "Han")

Bitter, slightly cold, non-toxic. Primarily treats convulsions and epilepsy (Jingxian), pathogenic factors of cold and heat, clears internal heat, treats metal wounds (Jinchuang), carbuncles (Ju), hemorrhoids, and malignant ulcers such as rat fistula (Shu); eliminates pathogenic factors in the heart and abdomen, relieves abdominal pain and damp-bi syndrome, nourishes the fetus, and benefits children. Also known as She Xian. Grows in the mountains and valleys of Yizhou. Harvested in August, dried in the shade.

Tao Hongjing states: This is She Xian. There are two types of She Xian, both growing on rocks. The one with fine leaves and yellow flowers should be used; it is found everywhere. It also grows in loess soil, not necessarily only on rocks. The annotation in *Tang Bencao* notes: The character "Quan" is actually "Han". Tao Hongjing saw an erroneous version and it should be corrected to "Han". "Han" and "Xian" have the same meaning, as seen in ancient Materia Medica texts. Currently examining Chen Cangqi's *Bencao*: She Xian primarily treats snake bites. Planting it can also prevent snakes from appearing. If this herb is placed in a snake's mouth, even if the snake bites someone, it will not be venomous. Ministers Yu Xi et al. respectfully note according to *Shu Ben Tu Jing*: Grows on rocks and in lower wetlands. Flowers are yellow-white; households also plant it. Harvest the seedlings in May, use raw. *Yaoxing Lun* records: She Xian is a minister herb, toxic. It can treat erysipelas (Dan Zhen) and childhood cold-heat syndromes. Ri Huazi states: She Han can treat injuries from snakes, insects, bees, and vipers, as well as red eyes, stop bleeding, wind-rash, and abscesses/swellings. Both stems and leaves are usable. Also named Wei She.

*Tujing* states: She Han grows in the mountains and valleys of Yizhou. It is now also found in other regions. It grows on earth/rocks or in lower wetlands. Households in Shu also plant it. One stem has five or seven leaves. There are two varieties. The one with fine leaves and yellow flowers is superior. Harvest the roots in August, dry in the shade. *Gujin Luyuan Fang*: Treats erysipelas. Use She Xian grass, pound until extremely soft, and apply externally for recovery. Erysipelas arises from cold-dampness clashing within the muscles; when severe, it transforms into heat, forming erysipelas. Symptoms worsen in hot weather and improve in cold. It is commonly used in various ancient and modern formulas for treating carbuncle toxins and swellings. Furthermore, under the entry for Nu Qing, it is recorded: She Han root grows in Zhuya. Tao Hongjing and Su Gong both believed that if it were She Han root, it should not grow exclusively in Zhuya. Some say it is Que Piao, which is another name for Metaplexis japonica (Luomo). Others say the two items share the same name due to their similarity. Physicians rarely use it and seldom distinguish it, so it is merely attached here.

Lei Gong states: When using it, do not use those with pointed leaves, known as Jing Ming Cao. Its leaves are hollow in the middle and only sour/astringent, unsuitable for medicinal use. If mistakenly ingested, causing continuous hematemesis, quickly consume Zhishi Zi to resolve the toxicity. After harvesting, remove roots and stems, take only the leaves, cut finely, and sun-dry; avoid fire contact. *Zhouhou Fang*: Treats metal wounds. Pound and apply externally, which is good. Another formula: Treats centipede stings. Rub She Han grass and apply externally. *Doumen Fang*: Treats postpartum diarrhea and dysentery. Use one handful of Xiao Longya root, decoct strongly, and drink; very effective. Xiao Longya is She Han. *Baopuzi* states: She Han ointment can reconnect severed fingers. Jin Dynasty's *Yi Yuan* records: A farmer saw a wounded snake, and then saw She Han grass placed on its wound. After a few days, the wounded snake left. The farmer then collected this grass to treat sores, all proving effective. Thus it was named She Xian Cao.