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(Xi) (Mou)

Bitter in taste, cold in nature, slightly toxic. Primarily treats heat diseases causing vexation, chest fullness, and inability to eat. Fresh plants are crushed to extract juice; administer 3–4 he (approximately 60–80 ml). Excessive dosage may induce vomiting.

The *Tang Bencao* annotation states: The leaves resemble those of *Physalis alkekengi* (Chinese lantern plant) but are narrower and longer; flowers are yellowish-white. Also known as Huo Cao (Fire Grass), it is recognizable by common people in fields. According to other version annotations: Harvest the seedlings and leaves in March and April, then dry them in the sun. (Attached to *Tang Bencao*). Minister Yu Xi et al. carefully examined the *Shu Ben Tujing*, stating: The plant grows approximately two chi tall, with greenish-yellow fruits; leaves are harvested in summer for use, found in low-lying damp areas everywhere.

The *Tujing* states: Commonly called Huo Cao (Fire Grass). The *Shennong Benjing* does not specify its origin provinces; it is now found everywhere. Seedlings emerge in spring; leaves resemble mustard greens but are narrow and long with coarse veins. Stems are two to three chi high. Flowers appear like chrysanthemums in early autumn. Fruits form in late autumn, resembling *Nanostellum japonicum* (Japanese starwort/Herba Siegesbeckiae). Leaves are harvested in summer and dried. In recent times, many have taken it alone, claiming it greatly benefits Yuan Qi (Original Qi). The method of consumption in Shu region: Harvest leaves on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month, sixth day of the sixth lunar month, and ninth day of the ninth lunar month. Remove roots, stems, flowers, and fruits; wash thoroughly and dry. Place in a steamer basket, sprinkling layers with wine and honey, steam, then dry again. Repeat this process nine times. The aroma becomes extremely fragrant and delicious. Roast, grind, mix with honey, and form pills. It is said to treat Wind-Qi in Liver and Kidney, paralysis of limbs, pain between bones, weakness in waist and knees, and can also promote the movement of Large Intestine Qi. Regional theories generally agree it is cold in nature and slightly toxic, consistent with the *Benjing*. However, Wenzhou and Gaoyou Jun state it is hot in nature and non-toxic. Taking it tonifies deficiency, calms the Five Zang Organs, promotes hair growth, and treats wind-damp sores, stubborn bi-syndrome of muscles, and chronic cold conditions in women; it is particularly suitable for these cases. Remove thick stems, retaining branches, leaves, flowers, and fruits, then steam and dry. The two accounts differ; is it that using only leaves makes it cold and toxic, while adding branches, flowers, and fruits makes it hot and non-toxic? Or is this due to differences in local soil production?

Cheng Ne stated: The Jiedushi (Military Commissioner) of Jiangling Prefecture submitted a formula for these pills: My brother Xin suffered stroke at age thirty-one, remaining bedridden for five years despite treatments by many physicians. A Daoist priest named Zhong Zhen observed this condition and said: "Ingesting these pills will surely cure him." This herb grows abundantly in fertile soil, about three chi high, with nodes and opposite leaves. Leaves should be harvested starting from May in summer, cutting every five cun above ground, washing off mud with warm water, and picking leaves and branch tips. Undergo nine cycles of steaming and drying; do not dry completely, just ensure thorough steaming. Grind into powder after roasting, form pills the size of paulownia seeds. Take 20–30 pills on an empty stomach with warm wine or rice drink. Upon reaching 2,000 pills, symptoms may temporarily worsen; do not worry, this is the medicinal force attacking the pathogen. Upon reaching 4,000 pills, health will fully return. After 5,000 pills, one will possess the robustness of a strong man in summer. I prepared it according to this method and administered it to Xin, exactly as predicted. Zhong Zhen further added: The efficacy of this herb differs from that described in the Bencao because it thrives in Jiangdong, where locals call pigs 'shi' and stench 'qi'; since this herb smells like pig feces, it derives its name. However, after steaming and drying, the odor disappears. After each dose, consume 3–5 spoonfuls of rice to suppress any residual effect. Harvesting on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month is best. By imperial decree, this was submitted to the Imperial Hospital for detailed recording.

Zhang Yong stated: When serving as Prefect of Yizhou, I submitted a memorial regarding Huo Cao Pills: While renovating Longxing Temple, I unearthed a stele inscribed with methods for cultivating Qi and two herbal formulas. Following the formulas, I sent personnel to locate and harvest the herb. The plant is quite unique, featuring golden veins and silver lines, white roots, and purple stems, growing with opposite nodes. Known in Shu as Huo Cao (Fire Grass), its stems and leaves resemble Xanthium sibiricum (Cocklebur). Who would expect such extraordinary effects from such a humble substance? I personally took it up to 100 doses, resulting in clear vision and lightness. At 1,000 doses, my beard and temples turned black, and my sinews and strength became more vigorous, with diverse therapeutic effects. Luo Shouyi, a Du Ya Ya (Military Officer) in my prefecture, had lost his voice and speech after falling from a horse due to stroke. I gave him 10 doses, and his illness was instantly cured. Monk Zhi Yan, aged seventy, suddenly suffered from hemiplegia, facial deviation, and excessive salivation. I gave him 10 doses, and he recovered. I have now compounded 100 doses and dispatched official Shi Yuan to present them.