味苦，寒，无毒。主消渴身热，烦满大热，补虚安中，续绝伤。除肠胃中痼热，八疸身
面黄，唇干口燥，短气，通
月水，止小便利。一名地蒌，一名果裸，一名天瓜，一名泽姑。实，名黄瓜，主胸痹，悦泽
人面。茎叶，疗中热伤暑。
生弘农川谷及山阴地。入土深者良。生卤地者有毒。二月、八月采根曝干，三十日成。
枸杞为之使，恶干姜，畏牛膝、干漆，反乌头。 出近道，藤生，状如土瓜，而叶有叉。
《毛诗》云∶果裸之实，亦
施于宇。其实今以杂作手膏，用根，入土六、七尺，大二、三围者，服食亦用之。
〔谨案〕
今用根作粉，大宜服石，
虚热人食之。作粉如作葛粉法，洁白美好。今出陕州者，白实最佳。
味苦、咸、微寒，无毒。主腹中寒热积聚，女子产乳余疾，补肾气，令人目明。疗暴中
风伤寒，身热支满，狂邪忽
忽不知人，温疟洒洒，血瘕，下寒血，除胸中气，下水，止烦渴，散
坚症，定五脏。久服补虚，
明目，强阴，益精。一名重台，一名玄台，一名鹿肠，一名正马，一名咸，一名端。生河间
川谷及宛朐。三月、四月采
根，曝干。
恶黄 、干姜、大枣、山茱萸，反藜芦。 今出近道，处处有。茎似人参而长大。根甚
黑，亦微香，道家时用，亦
以合香。
〔谨案〕玄参根苗并臭，茎亦不似人参。陶云道家亦以合香，未见其理也。
【玄参】
味道苦，性寒，无毒。主治消渴病（以多饮、多食、多尿、身体消瘦为特征的疾病）引起的身体发热，烦闷胀满及大热症状，补益虚损、安定中焦，接续断裂损伤。清除肠胃中的顽固热邪，治疗八种黄疸（包括黄疸、谷疸、酒疸、女劳疸、黑疸、风疸、水疸、燥疸）导致的身面和皮肤发黄，嘴唇干燥、口舌干渴，气短，通调月经，止住小便过多。又名地蒌，又名果裸，又名天瓜，又名泽姑。果实成熟时称为黄瓜，主治胸痹（胸部闷痛、呼吸不畅的病证），使面色红润光泽。茎和叶，治疗中暑受热。生长在弘农郡的山谷及山北阴湿之地。入土深的根部品质优良。生长在盐碱地的有毒。二月、八月采集根部晒干，三十天制成。枸杞作为其引经药，忌与干姜同用，畏惧牛膝、干漆，与乌头相反。产地在附近道路沿线，藤蔓生长，形状像土瓜，但叶子有分叉。《毛诗》说：“果裸的果实，也蔓延到屋檐下。”现在的用法是将其混合制作手膏，使用根部，入土六、七尺深，直径二、三围粗的，也可以服用。
〔谨案〕
现在用的根磨成粉，非常适合服用石药（矿物类药物）的人食用，特别是体虚有热者。制作粉末的方法如同制作葛粉一样，洁白美好。现在陕州出产的，白色且质地坚实的最佳。
【玄参】
味道苦、咸，微寒，无毒。主治腹中寒热积聚，女子产后余留的疾病，补肾气，使人眼睛明亮。治疗突发中风伤寒，身体发热、支撑胀满，精神狂乱、恍惚不知人事，温疟疾发作时战栗发抖，血瘕（腹部结块），排出下部寒血，消除胸中气滞，利水，止烦渴，消散坚硬积块，安定五脏。长期服用可补虚，明目，强壮阴精，增加精气。又名重台，又名玄台，又名鹿肠，又名正马，又名咸，又名端。生长在河间郡的山谷及宛朐。三月、四月采集根部，晒干。
忌与黄芩、干姜、大枣、山茱萸同用，与藜芦相反。现在产地在附近道路沿线，到处都有。茎像人参但更大更长。根部非常黑，也有微香，道家时候用来合香。
〔谨案〕玄参的根和苗都有臭味，茎也不像人参。陶弘景说道家也用来合香，我没看到其中的道理。
[Xuan Shen]
Taste: bitter. Nature: cold. Toxicity: non-toxic. Indications: Mainly treats heat in the body caused by Xiao Ke (Wasting and Thirsting Syndrome, characterized by polydipsia, polyphagia, polyuria, and emaciation), irritability and fullness with severe heat, tonifies deficiency, calms the Middle Jiao, and repairs severed injuries. Clears stubborn heat in the stomach and intestines; treats the yellow discoloration of the body and face caused by the Eight Jaundices (including Huang Dan, Gu Dan, Jiu Dan, Nu Lao Dan, Hei Dan, Feng Dan, Shui Dan, and Zao Dan); dry lips and mouth, shortness of breath; regulates menstruation; stops excessive urination. Also known as Di Lou, Guo Luo, Tian Gua, and Ze Gu. When the fruit is mature, it is called Huang Gua; it mainly treats Xiong Bi (chest bi-syndrome, characterized by chest tightness, pain, and dyspnea) and enhances facial luster. The stems and leaves treat heat injury from summerheat. Habitat: Grows in valleys and shady slopes of Hongnong Commandery. Roots penetrating deep into the soil are superior. Those growing in saline-alkali land are toxic. Harvest time: Roots are collected in the second and eighth lunar months and sun-dried for thirty days to complete processing. Interactions: Gouqi acts as an assistant; incompatible with Gan Jiang (Dried Ginger); adverse reaction with Niu Xi (Achyranthes Root) and Gan Qi (Dried Lacquer); contrary to Wu Tou (Aconite Root). Description: Found near roadsides; vine-like growth; resembles Tu Gua (Trichosanthes cucumerina) but with forked leaves. "Mao Shi" states: 'The fruit of Guo Luo spreads over the eaves.' Current usage: Mixed to make hand ointment; the root is used, penetrating six or seven chi deep, with a diameter of two or three wei; also used for consumption. [Commentary]: Currently, the root is processed into powder, which is highly suitable for individuals taking mineral drugs (Shi Yao), especially those with deficiency-heat. The method of making powder is similar to that of Ge Fen (Kudzu Root Powder), resulting in a white and fine product. The best quality comes from Shan Zhou, characterized by whiteness and solidity.
[Xuan Shen]
Taste: bitter, salty. Nature: slightly cold. Toxicity: non-toxic. Indications: Mainly treats cold and heat accumulations in the abdomen; residual diseases after childbirth in women; tonifies Kidney Qi; improves vision. Treats sudden onset of Zhong Feng (Wind Stroke) and Shang Han (Cold Damage) with body heat and distending fullness; mania, confusion, and loss of consciousness; Chino Malaria (Warm Malaria) with shivering; Xue Xia (blood masses); expels lower cold blood; resolves Qi stagnation in the chest; promotes diuresis; stops irritability and thirst; dissipates hard masses; stabilizes the Five Viscera. Long-term use tonifies deficiency, brightens the eyes, strengthens Yin, and benefits Jing (Essence). Also known as Chong Tai, Xuan Tai, Lu Chang, Zheng Ma, Xian, and Duan. Habitat: Grows in valleys of Hejian Commandery and Wan Qu. Harvest time: Roots are collected in the third and fourth lunar months and sun-dried. Interactions: Incompatible with Huang Qin (Scutellaria Root), Gan Jiang (Dried Ginger), Da Zao (Jujube Fruit), and Shan Zhu Yu (Cornus Fruit); contrary to Li Lu (Veratrum Root). Description: Found near roadsides, ubiquitous. Stems resemble Ginseng but are larger and longer. Roots are very black and slightly fragrant; used by Daoists for incense blending. [Commentary]: Xuan Shen's roots and shoots have a foul odor, and its stems do not resemble Ginseng. Tao Hongjing stated that Daoists use it for incense blending, but I do not see the rationale behind this.