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Xiangru (Pronunciation: Rou)

Taste: Pungent (Acrid). Nature: Slightly warm. Indications: Mainly treats abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea caused by Huoluan (cholera-like syndrome); dissipates edema.

Tao Hongjing stated: This plant is found in every household and is usually consumed raw. It is harvested in the tenth lunar month, dried, and decocted for drinking to treat Huoluan, with no case failing to recover. Prepared as a syrup/jian, it is particularly effective in eliminating edema.

Chen Yuxi and others, following Xiao Bing's notes: Currently, in Xinding and Xin'an regions, there is a variety growing on rocks, known locally as Shixiangru (Stone Xiangru), which has fine stems and leaves and a pungent taste, considered of superior quality. Meng Shen stated: Xiangru is warm in nature. He also noted that Xiangru dispels wind-heat. When eaten as a raw vegetable, it should not be consumed in excess. In cases of sudden muscle cramps (Zhuanjin), one can boil it into juice and take half sheng at once to stop the cramps.

Ri Huaizi stated: Non-toxic. It directs Qi downward, eliminates vexation and heat, and treats vomiting, reflux, and cold qi.

Tu Jing stated: Xiangru (Pronunciation: Rou), old texts do not record its specific place of origin. Tao Hongjing said it is found in every household. Now it is cultivated everywhere, though slightly less common in northern regions. It resembles Baisu (Perilla frutescens var. acuta) but has finer leaves. Harvested in the tenth lunar month and dried, it is also called Xiangrong, commonly referred to as Xiangrong. For treating Huoluan with muscle cramps, decocting and drinking it leads to recovery without exception. Adding Liaozi (Polygonum orientale seeds), chopped together, and decocting for drinking is also used. Hu Qia used Xiangru decoction to treat water disease causing severe swelling: Take 50 jin of dry Xiangru, chop it finely, place it in a cauldron, cover with water rising one cun above the herb, boil until the medicinal power is fully extracted, clarify the liquid, and use strong fire to simmer until it can be formed into pills. Take five pills per dose, size of wutong seeds, gradually increasing the dosage, stopping when urination becomes smooth and abundant. Available in Shouchun and Xin'an. There is another variety growing on rocks in those areas, with finer stems and leaves and a stronger pungent aroma, which is even better for use. Locals call it Shixiangru. Ben Jing listed it in the Middle Grade of the Herb Category, stating it grows in rock crevices in mountains of Shu Commandery, Ling, Rong, Zi, Jian Zhou, and various southern regions. Harvested in the second and eighth lunar months; the seedlings, stems, flowers, and fruits all regulate the middle jiao, warm the stomach, and treat Huoluan with vomiting and diarrhea. However, people rarely use them now, so they are merely appended here.

Lei Gong stated: After harvesting, remove the roots, keep the leaves, chop finely, and sun-dry. Do not let it touch fire. If taken up to ten liang, one must never eat Baishantao (white mountain peach) during their lifetime. Waitai Miyao: Treats water disease with severe swelling, qi distension, and indigestion. Dry Xiangru 50 jin, roasted; fresh ones may also be used. Chop finely, put in a cauldron, soak with water rising several cun above the Xiangru, boil until the medicinal essence is exhausted, remove dregs and clarify, then slowly simmer over weak fire until pillable. Take five pills per dose, size of wutong seeds, three times daily, gradually increasing, stopping when urination becomes smooth. Qianjin Fang: Treats bad breath. Take one handful of Xiangru, boil in one dou of water to obtain three sheng, and slowly swish/hold in the mouth. Zhouhou Fang: For sudden bleeding from the tongue resembling drilled holes. Take Xiangru juice, one sheng per dose, three times daily. Shi Yi suggests: Decoction can be made into soup, porridge, or eaten raw. Zimu Milu: For pediatric white tinea capitis where hair does not grow, oozing fluid, and painful itching. Boil aged Xiangru juice thickly, mix with a small amount of fat and Hufen (lead carbonate powder), and apply topically.

Yanyi stated: Xiangru grows in mountains and wilds; it is present in both Eastern and Western Sichuan (Jinghu East and West Roads). Cultivated in gardens in the two capitals, it is also used as a vegetable in summer months to treat Huoluan... (Original text ends abruptly here)