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Shuqi (Radix Dichroae)

Pungent in flavor, neutral or slightly warm in nature, toxic. It primarily treats malaria as well as cough with counterflow of qi, alternating chills and fever, hardness and firmness of masses in the abdomen, palpable lumps and accumulations, pathogenic evil qi, gu poison (poison caused by parasites), gui zhu (a highly contagious disease attributed to ghosts/spirits). It treats the binding of evil qi in the chest, inducing vomiting to expel it. It grows in the valleys and mountains of Jiangling and Shu-Han regions. It is the young shoot of Changshan (Dichroa febrifuga). The leaves are harvested in the May, dried in the shade. (Gualou [Fructus Trichosanthis] serves as its guiding herb; it is incompatible with Guanzhong [Cyathulae Radix].)

Tao Hongjing stated: This is the young shoot of Changshan, but the place of origin differs. Jiangling Mountain refers to the name of Jiangyang Mountain in Yizhou, hence they are from the same location. People there harvest it and still wind it into knots to form pills; those that are properly dried are considered superior. The commentary in *Xinxiu Bencao* notes: When this herb is slightly withered by the sun, it should be bundled and sun-dried until dry; its color becomes greenish-white, making it suitable for use. If dried in the shade, it turns black, rots, and spoils. Tao mentioned forming pills. This actually refers to cakes, not Shuqi. Ministers Yu Xi et al. respectfully followed the *Shu Bencao Tu Jing*: Harvested in May, sun-dried.

*Yao Xing Lun* states: Shuqi, with Gualou as the guiding herb, fears Tuowu (Lithospermum erythrorhizon), has a bitter flavor, and is slightly toxic. It is the young shoot of Changshan. It can primarily treat zhang qi (miasma) and gui nue (ghost malaria) that persists without recovery, eliminates chills and fever associated with malaria, and treats wen nue (warm malaria) with alternating chills and fever. It should not be taken in large doses, as it causes vomiting and counterflow of qi. It treats hard masses, reduces fei qi (enlarged spleen/liver), and resolves accumulations. Xiao Bing stated: Jiegeng (Platycodonis Radix) serves as the guiding herb. Ri Huazi stated: Shuqi treats zheng jia (abdominal masses). It is also known as Jiniaocao (Chicken Urine Grass) and Yaniaocao (Duck Urine Grass). Li Hanguang stated: It is the stem of Changshan. Harvested in August and September.

*Tujing* states: Shuqi grows in the valleys and mountains of Jiangling and Shu-Han. It is the young shoot of Changshan. Changshan grows in the valleys and mountains of Yizhou and Shu-Han, while Shuqi is its root. Jiangling Mountain is the name of Jiangyang Mountain in Yizhou; they are the same place. Currently, it is also produced in prefectures of Jingxi, Huai, Zhe, and Hunan. The leaves resemble tea leaves but are narrower and longer, growing opposite each other. The stem is round and jointed. In March, it bears red flowers with green calyxes. In May, it produces fruits that are green, round, with three seeds per locule. The taller plants do not exceed three or four chi in height; the roots resemble Jing tiao (Vitex negundo), yellow in color. However, the variety from Haizhou has leaves resembling Paulownia leaves, bears red-and-white flowers in August, and produces green fruits smaller than those of Shanlian (Melia azedarach). Leaves are harvested in May, roots in August, dried in the shade. These two preparations are the most crucial herbs for treating malaria. Zhang Zhongjing's Shuqi San: Use equal parts of Shuqi, Yunmu (Lepidolite), and Longgu (Fossilized Bones), pound into powder. Before the onset of the patient's attack, mix half a qian with Jiangshui (fermented grain water) and administer. For Wen Nue, add half a qian of Shuqi; administer one qian bi (a spoonful measure) at the time of the attack. Currently, Tiantai Mountain produces a herb named Tuchangshan (Earth Changshan). Its shoots and leaves are extremely sweet; people use it as a beverage fragrance. Its taste is like honey, it is also called Mixiangcao (Honey Fragrance Grass), its nature is cool, and drinking it benefits the human body. It is not the true Changshan.

Lei Gong stated: After harvesting, include the roots and shoots. When ready for use, remove the roots, take the stems and leaves, mix them with four liang of Gancao (Licorice Root), finely sliced. Moisten with water and steam together. Temporarily remove the Gancao, take five liang of Shuqi, finely slice, mix evenly with Gancao water, steam again, and then use. Do not consume Musun (Bamboo Shoots).

*Yanyi* states: Shuqi is the young shoot of Changshan. It treats malaria but often induces vomiting in patients. No other significant advantages have been observed for this herb. Concerning this plant, it is feared that over long periods, people may interpret it differently.