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Xiangpu (Cattail Pollen/Stem)
Sweet in taste, neutral in nature, non-toxic. Primarily treats diseases of the five Zang organs, eliminates pathogenic factors below the heart, treats foul breath with oral ulcers, strengthens teeth, brightens the eyes, and improves hearing. Long-term consumption lightens the body and delays aging. Also known as Sui (pronounced like "qi yu qie"), also known as Jiao. Grows in ponds and marshes in the Nanhai region.

Tao Hongjing stated: It is no longer used in modern prescriptions; common people do not harvest it, and locals in that region have forgotten it. The Jiangnan region offers Jingmao (Juncus effusus), also known as Xiangmao, for the ritual pouring of wine at ancestral temples. Some say this is Xuncao (Acorus tatarinowii), others say it is Yansai (Avena sativa); this Xiangpu is merely similar to them. The Commentary on the Tang Materia Medica states: This is Ganpu, used for making mats. In early spring, the white parts are harvested to make pickles or steamed food. In Shannan, this cattail is called Xiangpu, while Acorus calamus is called Choupu. The Jingmao cited by Tao Hongjing is actually Sanji Mao (Juncus trigonus). As for Yansai, Xuncao, and Xiangmao, they are well-known to the folk and do not belong to this category, so they cannot be equated. Puhuang (Cattail Pollen) is the flower pollen of this Xiangpu. Detailed descriptions are provided under the entry for Puhuang in the Illustrated Classic.

Jixuan (Dipsacus asper)
Bitter and pungent in taste, slightly warm in nature, non-toxic. Treats Shanghan (Cold Damage syndrome), tonifies deficiencies, treats Jinchuang (metal weapon injuries), abscess wounds, fractures and dislocations, reconnects sinews and bones, treats difficult lactation in women, metrorrhagia and metrostaxis (uterine bleeding), internal bleeding from metal weapon injuries, relieves pain, promotes muscle regeneration, treats traumatic blood stasis, lower back pain, and joint flaccidity or spasticity. Long-term consumption boosts Qi and strength. Also known as Longdou, also known as Zhuzhe, also known as Jiegu, also known as Nancao, also known as Huai. Grows in the valleys of Changshan. Harvested in July and August, dried in the shade. (Di Huang acts as an assistant; fears Leiwan.)

Tao Hongjing stated: According to the Tongjun Yaolu: Dipsacus grows spreading, with fine leaves and stems as thick as Ren (a type of plant); the root is yellowish-white and juicy. The roots are harvested in July and August. Currently, the stems and leaves are used; those that break into segments, have yellow wrinkled bark, and resemble chicken feet are called Sangshang Jisheng (Taxillus chinensis). These are likely not the true Dipsacus. There is also a tree called Jiegu tree, over one zhang tall, with leaves resembling Fushuo (Ipomoea batatas). Its bark treats metal weapon injuries and has the name Jiegu, suggesting it might be related. In Guangzhou, there is a vine named Jixuan, also known as Nuoteng; when its stem is broken, the exuded juice is collected and drunk to treat deficiency injuries and severe trauma; washing the head with it promotes hair growth. Branches inserted into the ground take root easily, suggesting it is merely similar. Li Yun identified it as Hujì (Cirsium japonicum), which differs greatly from Dipsacus, though Hujì also treats blood disorders. The Commentary on the Tang Materia Medica states: This herb is found in valleys everywhere. What is commonly used today has leaves resembling Zhumá (Boehmeria nivea) and square stems, with roots resembling Daji (Cirsium setosum), yellowish-white in color. Tao's annotation is incorrect. Ministers Yu Xi et al. respectfully note according to the Shuben Tujing: Leaves resemble Zhumá, stem is square, leaves grow opposite each other, flowers are red and white, roots resemble Daji, with five to six branches per plant. The Treatise on the Properties of Medicinals states: Dipsasa serves as the sovereign herb. It treats severe injuries, dispels various warm toxins, and unblocks and circulates the meridians. Ri Huazi stated: It assists Qi, harmonizes blood vessels, tonifies the Five Exhaustions and Seven Injuries, breaks up masses and blood stasis, reduces swelling and toxicity, treats Changfeng (blood in stool due to wind), hemorrhoids, mastitis, scrofula, traumatic injuries, and all diseases in women before and after childbirth, sallow complexion with edema, reduces urination, stops seminal emission, hematuria, threatened miscarriage, and uterine cold. Also known as Daji, Shan Niubang.

The Illustrated Classic states: Dipsacus grows in the valleys of Changshan. It is now also produced in Shaanxi, Hezhong, Xingyuan Prefecture, Shuzhou, Yuezhou, and Jinzhou. Seedlings emerge after March, the stalk is quadrangular, resembling Zhumá, and the leaves are similar, growing oppositely. Flowers bloom in April, red and white, resembling Motherwort flowers. Roots resemble Daji, reddish-yellow, harvested in July and August. Respectfully noting the Fang Wang Formula: Dipsacus is Ma Ji (Cirsium arvense), similar in leaf to Xiao Ji (Cirsium setosum) but larger. Leaves resemble Pangwengcai (Sonchus oleraceus) but smaller and thicker, with thorns on both sides that prick the skin; flowers are purple, resembling those produced in Yuezhou. However, market goods include several varieties, few of which can be distinguished by quality. Physicians use it, identifying the true product by its segmented appearance and yellow wrinkled bark.

Lei Gong stated: When using this herb, do not use Caomao root, as it resembles true Dipsacus; mistaken use causes softening of tendons. After harvesting, slice horizontally and chop, remove the hard inner fibers, soak in wine for one shichen (approx. 2 hours), then dry by baking. The Externally Prescribed Essential Formulas: To treat Lin syndrome (dysuria), take fresh Dipsacus, squeeze out the juice, and ingest it; this uses the root of Ma Ji. The Secret Record of Mother and Child: Treats postpartal chest oppression, restlessness and heat in hands and feet, gasping with impending suffocation, blood syncope, hardness in the heart region, alternating chills and fever, and unbearable aversion to cold. Take a handful of Dipsacus bark, chop it, decoct in three sheng of water until one sheng remains, divide into three doses, take warm. Re-administer after walking two to three li. No dietary restrictions apply. This herb can save critically ill postpartal patients.