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Chi Jian (Rhizoma Gastrodiae)

Pungent in flavor, warm in nature. It primarily treats the expulsion of evil spirits and demons, gu poison, and malignant qi; it reduces carbuncles and swellings, alleviates lower limb distension, hernia (shān), and bloody stool. Long-term consumption benefits qi and strength, promotes genital growth, makes the body robust and strong, lightens the physique, and extends longevity. Also known as Li Mu (Separating Mother), also known as Gui Du You (Ghost Supervisor). It grows in the valleys of Chencang, Yongzhou, as well as Mount Tai and Mount Shaoshi. The roots are harvested in March, April, and August, and dried in the sun.

Tao Hongjing stated: Chencang belongs to Fufeng Commandery in Yongzhou. According to this, this herb is also a type of Zhi (mushroom/fungus). It is said that its stem is red like an arrow shaft, with leaves growing at the tip. The root resembles a human foot, or again, resembles a taro, protected by twelve offshoots. It does not move when there is wind, but sways on its own when there is no wind. Such characteristics are not commonly seen by the general public, and furthermore, Xuchangqing is also called Gui Du You. There is also Gui Jian (Ghost Arrow), which has feather-like structures on its stem; although its therapeutic effects are similar, its benefits to humans differ significantly, so it is likely not this Chi Jian. The annotation in *Tang Bencao* states: This Zhi-type plant has a stem resembling an arrow shaft, red in color, with flowers and leaves at the end, looking from afar like an arrow with feathers. The root, bark, and fleshy juice are similar to Tian Dong (Asparagi Radix), except it lacks a central pith. About five or six cun below the root, there are more than ten protective offshoots, resembling taro. Its fruit resembles the nut of Melia azedarach, with a five- or six-angled core, and the flesh inside is flour-like; it withers when dried in the sun. Upon obtaining the root, it can be eaten raw (dàn); there is no need for dry preparation methods. Chen Yuxi and others carefully noted according to *Yaoxing Lun*: Chi Jian is non-toxic.

*Tujing* states: Chi Jian grows in the valleys of Chencang, Yongzhou, Mount Tai, and Mount Shaoshi. It is now also found in the Jianghu region, but it does not meet the standards for medicinal use. Its sprout has a single stem like an arrow shaft, with leaves at the tip, flowering in April; both the stem and leaves are red. The fruit resembles the nut of Melia azedarach, with a five- or six-angled core, and the flesh inside is flour-like. It withers when dried in the sun. Its root is large and similar to Tian Dong, lacking only the central pith. About five or six cun below the root, there are more than ten protective offshoots, resembling taro. Roots are harvested in March, April, and August, and dried. Now, sprouts are harvested in March and April, and roots in July, August, and September. Carefully observing this herb, it does not move when there is wind, but sways on its own when there is no wind. *Baopuzi* states: In immortal prescriptions, there is He Li Cao (Union-Separation Herb), also known as Du Yao (Single Sway) and Li Mu (Separating Mother). It is called He Li and Li Mu because this herb's root resembles a taro tuber, surrounded by twelve "youzi" (offshoots) at a distance of several feet from the main tuber. Although they depend on each other, they are not physically connected, but linked by qi. It is like Tusisi (Cuscutae Semen), which has a hidden root below; without this hidden root, the Dodder cannot climb up, nor are they connected. However, regarding the uniqueness of Chi Jian, Tao Hongjing already mentioned that it is not commonly seen by the public. The hidden root under Tusisi is also rarely seen; perhaps among these species, there are occasionally miraculous varieties that behave thus. Furthermore, both Tao Hongjing and Su Song stated that Chi Jian is a type of Zhi. Above, there are entries for Six Zhis; the Five Zhis all have five colors and grow in the Five Sacred Mountains, offered by various regions, while Purple Zhi grows in the valleys of Gaoxia. Su Song said that Zhi is mostly yellow or white, rarely black or green; Purple Zhi is the most common, belonging to neither the Five Zhi category. But Zhi is inherently rare; even if one or two are obtained, how can they be taken long-term? Although occasionally found in mountains today, people cannot identify them authentically, and physicians absolutely do not use them, so prefectures and commanderies have no illustrations. They are likely auspicious or strange items, not commonly existing in the world, so this explanation is attached here. Regarding the timing of herb collection, one should first rely on *Benjing* and then note local customs. Moreover, *Benjing* for Chi Jian only mentions harvesting roots in March, April, and August, without mentioning using sprouts. However, current practitioners use both roots and sprouts, with different harvest times, differing from *Benjing*. It is difficult to record both, so we follow current practices. Other herbs with similarities follow this analogy. Additionally, the Preface states: For root herbs, collection is mostly done in February and August, because in early spring, sap begins to sprout but has not yet pushed through branches and leaves, so the potency is rich and concentrated. In autumn, sap flows back down from branches and leaves. Current practical verification shows that spring collection should be early, and autumn collection should be late. Based on this meaning, for root collection, it must be after late autumn and before early spring, waiting for the sprout stems to wither and fall, until just before sprouting, when the aroma and essence are complete, then they can be harvested. However, for other herb categories, growth and withering have early and late stages, so collection naturally follows their respective seasons, without being restricted to spring and autumn. The text further states: Flowers, fruits, stems, and leaves should be collected according to their maturity; years may vary in early or late timing, so one need not strictly follow the original text; this is the principle. Others follow this analogy.

*Bielu* states: Carefully observing, the Tianma (Gastrodiae Rhizoma) currently used by physicians is indeed the root of this Chi Jian. The current *Buzhu* and *Tujing* describe a different substance. Under the Middle Category, another entry for Tianma is listed, annotated as originating from Yunzhou. Examining current sources, Chi Jian roots and sprouts from Qi and Yun are considered superior. Shen Kuo, a Hanlin academician, was highly knowledgeable and once explained this point: Ancient formulas using Tianma did not use Chi Jian, and those using Chi Jian did not use Tianma. The other herbs in the formula were identical, with only the name differing, indicating that Tianma and Chi Jian are originally the same substance, and both should use the root. The separate entry for Tianma under the Middle Category is unrelated to the description of Chi Jian, clearly indicating it is a different substance. However, the Tianma under the Middle Category has never been used in the world. If we now consider Chi Jian root as Tianma, it aligns with current usage. Nevertheless, Chi Jian refers to the sprout, which has the effect of moving from the exterior to the interior; Tianma refers to the root, which has the effect of moving from the interior to the exterior. The root draws the sprout straight upward; the sprout produces seeds, matures, falls, and returns downward from the stem into the soil to regenerate. Roughly speaking, this illustrates the logic of their internal and external therapeutic actions.

*Yanyi* states: Chi Jian is the sprout of Tianma. However, its therapeutic effects differ from Tianma, so later generations divided them into two. *Benjing* states harvesting roots in August and drying them, so it is known that this refers to the sprout.