典藏书目

Zeqi (Euphorbia helioscopia), the seedling of Daji (Euphorbia pekinensis). It grows in the streams and marshes of Mount Tai. Currently, it is also found in Jizhou, Dingzhou, Mingzhou, and nearby regions.
When harvested, its leaves exude a white juice that can irritate the skin, hence the name Zeqi. However, Zhang Zhongjing used Zeqi Tang to treat lung cough with qi rebellion and a deep pulse. Three jin of Zeqi were boiled in five dou of flowing water from the east until one dou and five sheng remained. Then, half sheng of Banxia (Pinellia Rhizome), five liang each of Zishen (Glehniae Radix or similar herb depending on context, often Glehniae Radix in this formula but historically debated, here kept as Zishen), Shengjiang (Fresh Ginger), and Baiqian (Cynanchi Stauntonii Rhizoma) were added, along with three liang each of Gancao (Licorice Root), Huangqin (Scutellaria Root), Renshen (Ginseng Root), and Guizhi (Cinnamon Twig). These eight ingredients were cut into pieces, placed into the Zeqi decoction, and boiled down to five sheng. Each dose was five he, taken three times daily, finishing by night.

Daji (Euphorbia pekinensis), the root of Zeqi. It grows in Changshan and is now common in nearby areas. In spring, red buds emerge, gradually growing into clumps about one chi high; the leaves resemble small clusters of young willow; yellow-purple flowers bloom in March and April; the round flowers resemble apricot blossoms or Coriandrum fruit; the root resembles fine Sophora flavescens root, with yellow-black bark and yellow-white flesh; roots are harvested in autumn and winter and dried in the shade. Daji from Huaidian has round stems three to four chi high, yellow flowers, and heart-shaped leaves resembling lily shoots. Those growing in Jiangnan have leaves resembling Peony root. Physicians use it to treat hidden rashes due to wind, wind-toxicity causing swollen feet, and hot stranguria by boiling water for washing, applied multiple times daily until cured. Li Jiang's "Military Department Hand-collected Prescriptions" states: For treating edema, regardless of duration, even if the pulse is ominous, this prescription is indicated. One da liang each of Daji, Danggui (Angelica Sinensis Root), and Juapi (Tangerine Peel) are cut and boiled in two da sheng of water until seven he remains, taken at once. Two to three dou of water will be discharged; do not be alarmed. For severe cases, no more than two doses are needed for recovery. Avoid toxic foods for one year. After water discharge, further administration prevents recurrence. This prescription comes from Zhang Shangke.

Xuanfuhua (Inulae Flos), grows in plains, lakes, and valleys, and is now found everywhere. Seedlings appear after February, mostly near water, resembling Honglan (Carthamus tinctorius) but without thorns; they grow one to two chi long; leaves are like willow leaves; stems are slender; flowers bloom in June like chrysanthemums, the size of copper coins, deep yellow; people in the fields of Shangdang call it Jinianhua (Golden Coin Flower). Flowers are harvested in July and August, sun-dried, and processed over twenty days. Now, Golden Coin Flowers planted in gardens near the capital have flowers and leaves matching the description above and grow very vigorously, likely being this Xuanfu. Zhang Zhongjing used Qi Wu Xuanfu Daizhe Tang for post-typhoid sweating/purging conditions presenting with epigastric fullness and hardness and persistent belching. There is also San Wu Xuanfu Tang for miscellaneous gynecological treatments. Hu Qia had Xuanfuhua Wan for treating phlegm-fluid retention causing distension and fullness in the hypochondrium, which was widely used.