典藏书目

*Huanyuan* (Radix Genkwa), growing in the valleys of Huaiyuan, is now found everywhere. The perennial roots and old stems are purple, one to two chi in length. The root penetrates the soil three to five cun deep, is white in color, and resembles the root of elm; in spring, seedlings and leaves emerge, small and pointed, resembling the branches and leaves of willow; in the second month, purple flowers bloom, somewhat similar to *Cercis chinensis* but in spikes, and like vine flowers but finer. Harvested on the third day of the third lunar month, dried in the shade. The flowers must be collected before stamens form, when the calyx is small and thin, prior to leaf emergence. Once leaves appear and flowers fall, they are unsuitable for use. *Wu Pu Bencao* states: *Huanyuan*, also known as Baihua, Ercao, or Huang Daji. Leaves emerge in the second month; if concentrated, they turn black. Flowers may be purple, red, or white. In the third month, fruits drop completely, and then leaves grow. Those produced in Jiangzhou today with yellow flowers are called Huang Huanyuan. Chunyu Yi, Grand Master of the Granary in Han Dynasty, treated Bo Wu, a woman from Linzi, who suffered from *Nao Jia* (pinworm mass). This disease presents with abdominal distension, yellowish coarse skin, and a trembling sensation upon palpation. Yi administered a pinch of *Huanyuan*, resulting in the expulsion of several sheng of pinworms, and the disease was cured. Zhang Zhongjing treated wind-stroke of the Taiyang channel with vomiting, diarrhea, and rebellious qi, recommending Shizao Tang (Ten Jujube Decoction) for purgation. Equal parts of processed *Huanyuan* (Radix Genkwa), Kansui Radix (*Gansui*), and Spurge Root (*Daji*) are separately sifted into powder. Take ten jujubes, boil in 1.5 sheng of water until reduced to 0.8 sheng, remove dregs, add the various powders. Strong individuals take one qianbi; weak individuals take half a qianbi, taken warm. If no effect, increase by half a qianbi the next morning. After purgation, nourish oneself with millet porridge. It also treats patients with Xueyin (suspended fluid retention). Hu Qia treated edema and Zhiyin (fluid retention in hypochondrium) and Liuyin (retained fluid) by adding Dahuang (Rhubarb Rhizome) and Gancao (Licorice Root), each one liang along with the previous five substances, and ten jujubes, boiled together as directed. Another formula adds Mangxiao (Mirabilite) one liang, taken after decoction. Additionally, Ningxue Tang (Snow-Coagulating Decoction) from *Qianjin Fang* treats epidemic toxic diseases lasting seven or eight days, where heat accumulates in the chest causing severe restlessness and despair. For a resurrection prescription, take one jin of *Huanyuan*, boil in three sheng of water until reduced to 1.5 sheng, soak an old cloth, and apply thinly to the chest. No more than two or three applications; remove when heat subsides. Warm the limbs to protect against Jueni (cold extremities). Wu Pu further stated: *Huanyuan* root, also known as Chi Yuan Gen. Shen Nong considered it pungent; Lei Gong considered it bitter and toxic. Produced in Handan, harvested in the eighth and ninth months, dried in the shade. Long-term consumption causes diarrhea. Ancient formulas also used it medicinally. *Gujin Luyan* records treatment for sudden cold invasion, nasal congestion due to cold damage, asthma, coughing, hoarseness, and aphonia. Take a handful of *Huanyuan* root, cut and sun-dry. Wrap the patient in bedding. Pound the root until fine, blow into the seven orifices. Tears should flow, and powder should cover mouth and nose continuously until the root is exhausted. The disease will surely resolve at this point.