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Solanum nigrum (Longkui)
Taste: Bitter. Nature: Cold. Toxicity: Non-toxic. Consumption can relieve fatigue and reduce sleepiness, and eliminate swelling caused by deficiency-heat. Its fruit treats carbuncles and swellings; it is available everywhere.

The *Bencao Tang* commentary states: This is the plant called "Kucai" (Bitter Vegetable) in the Guan and Hejian regions. The leaves are round, the flowers are white, and the fruits resemble those of a bull plum (Prunus cerasifera). They are green when raw and black when ripe. They are suitable only for boiling and eating, not for raw consumption. (This entry was previously attached in the *Bencao Tang*). Minister Yuxi et al., according to the *Yaoxing Lun*, state: Longkui serves as a minister herb. It can brighten the eyes and lighten the body. The fruit is particularly effective. The red berries are named "Longzhu" (Dragon Pearl); consuming them can turn white hair black and retard aging. If one consumes the bitter variety raw without eating other vegetables, spiritual efficacy will manifest after ten days. However, it must not be eaten with Allium fistulosum (Cong) or Allium macrostemon (Xie); the juice should be removed before consumption.

The *Tujing* states: Longkui was formerly said to be ubiquitous, but now it is rare even in nearby areas; it is found only in the North, where people call it "Kukui". The leaves are round, similar to those of Paimeng (likely referring to a species in the Verbenaceae or related family, often identified as Liriope or similar in ancient texts, but literally "arranged wind"), yet hairless. The flowers are white, and the fruits resemble bull plums—green when raw, black when ripe—also resembling the fruits of Paimeng. They are suitable only for boiling, not for raw consumption. The red ones are named "Chizhu" (Red Pearl)... [text fragment implies interaction with Xie]... eaten together with Xie. The root is also used medicinally. Current physicians use it to treat back carbuncles and sores that have ulcerated. The prescription is: Solanum nigrum root 1 liang, chopped; Musk 1 fen, ground. First, pound the Solanum nigrum root, sieve it into powder, add the musk, and grind evenly. Apply this mixture to the sore; it is very effective.

*Shiliao* states: It primarily treats carbuncles and swellings. For Huodanchuang (erysipelas), mix with soil, pound, and apply; this is especially good. Empirical Formula: To treat a carbuncle without a head, pound Solanum nigrum and apply it. *Shiyi Xinjing* states: It relieves fatigue, reduces sleepiness, and eliminates heat-induced swelling. Boiling Solanum nigrum vegetable into soup or porridge and consuming it is beneficial.

The seedlings and fruits are bitter, cold, and slightly toxic. They treat Chuan Shi Fu Lian (consumptive disease like tuberculosis), Gui Qi Zhu Wu (evil qi associated with possession or infectious diseases), internal heat accumulation, jaundice with anorexia, difficult urination and defecation, bone-steaming cough, excessive sleepiness with lassitude, vomiting with phlegm obstruction, and masses/fullness (Pi Man). For children's Wugu disease (a type of malnutrition with fever), alternating chills and fever, abdominal distension, they kill parasites, induce abortion, and remove gu poison. They can be taken as boiled juice, fresh pounded juice, or ground powder applied externally for pediatric Pi masses (abdominal hard lumps). They grow among old ruins, walls, and ditches, reaching two or three chi in height. The fruits are horn-shaped, like small pouches, containing bead-like seeds that turn red when ripe. People with bone-steaming consumption may take it frequently. In the Guan region, it is called Luoshenzhu, alternatively Wangmuzhu, or Pibiancao. There is also a smaller variety named Ku [character missing]. (Newly supplemented)