（《别录》上品）
【校正】并入《拾遗》救荒草。
【释名】黄芝（《瑞草经》）、戊己芝（《五符经》）、菟竹（《别录》）、鹿竹（《别录》）、
仙人余粮（弘景）、救穷草（《别录》）、米铺（《蒙筌》）、野生姜（《蒙筌》）、重楼（《别录》）、
鸡格（《别录》）、龙衔（《广雅》）、垂珠。
颂曰∶隋时羊公服黄精法云∶黄精是芝草之精也，一名葳蕤，一名白芨，一名仙人余粮，
一名苟格，一名马箭，一名垂珠，一名菟竹。
时珍曰∶黄精为服食要药，故《别录》列于草部之首，仙家以为芝草之类，以其得坤土
之精粹，故谓之黄精。《五符经》云∶黄精获天地之淳精，故名为戊己芝，是此义也。余粮、
救穷，以功名也；鹿竹、菟竹，因叶似竹，而鹿兔食之也。垂珠，以子形也。陈氏《拾遗》
救荒草即此也，今并为一。嘉谟曰∶根如嫩姜，俗名野生姜。九蒸九曝，可以代粮，又名米
。
【集解】《别录》曰∶黄精生山谷。二月采根，阴干。
弘景曰∶今处处有之。二月始生，一枝多叶，叶状似竹而短。根似葳蕤。葳蕤根如荻根
及菖蒲，概节而平直；黄精根如鬼臼、黄连，大节而不平。虽燥，并柔软有脂润。俗方无用
此，而为《仙经》所贵。根、叶、花、实，皆可饵服，酒散随宜，具在断谷方中。其叶乃与
钩吻相似，惟茎不紫、花不黄为异，而人多惑之。其类乃殊，遂致死、生之反，亦为奇事。
曰∶钩吻真似黄精，只是叶头尖有毛钩子二个，若误服之，害人。黄精叶似竹也。
恭曰∶黄精，肥地生者，即大如拳；薄地生者，犹如拇指。葳蕤肥根，颇类其小者，肌
理形色，大都相似。今以鬼臼、黄连为比，殊无仿佛。黄精叶似柳及龙胆、徐长卿辈而坚。
其钩吻蔓生，叶如柿叶，殊非比类。
藏器曰∶黄精叶偏生不对者，名偏精，功用不如正精。正精叶对生。钩吻乃野葛之别名，
二物殊不相似，不知陶公凭何说此？
保升曰∶钩吻，一名野葛，陶说叶似黄精者当是。苏说叶似柿者，当别是一物。
颂曰∶黄精南北皆有，以嵩山、茅山者为佳。三月生苗，高一、二尺以来。叶如竹叶而
短，两两相对。茎梗柔脆，颇似桃枝，本黄末赤。四月开细青白花，状如小豆花。结子白如
黍粒，亦有无子者。根如嫩生姜而黄色，二月采根，蒸过曝干用。今遇八月采，山中人九蒸
九曝作果卖，黄黑色而甚甘美。其苗初生时，人多采为菜茹，谓之笔菜，味极美。江南人说
黄精苗叶稍类钩吻，但钩吻叶头极尖而根细，而苏恭言钩吻蔓生，恐南北所产之异耳。
时珍曰∶黄精野生山中，亦可劈根长二寸，稀种之，一年后极稠，子亦可种。其叶似竹
而不尖，或两叶、三叶、四、五叶，俱对节而生。其根横行，状如葳蕤，俗采其苗爆熟，淘
去苦味食之，名笔管菜。《陈藏器本草》言青粘是葳蕤，见葳蕤发明下。又黄精、钩吻之说，
陶弘景、雷 、韩保升皆言二物相似。苏恭、陈藏器皆言不相似。苏颂复设两可之辞。今考
《神农本草》、《吴普本草》，并言钩吻是野葛，蔓生，其茎如箭，与苏恭之说相合。张华《博
物志》云∶昔黄帝问天老曰∶天地所生，有食之令人不死者乎？天老曰∶太阳之草名黄精，
食之可以长生；太阴之草名钩吻，不可食之，入口立死。人信钩吻杀人，不信黄精之益寿，
不亦惑乎？按∶此但以黄精、钩吻相对待而言，不言其相似也。陶氏因此遂谓二物相似，与
神农所说钩吻不合。恐当以苏恭所说为是，而陶、雷所说别一毒物，非钩吻也。历代本草惟
陈藏器辨物最精审，尤当信之。余见钩吻条。
根
【修治】 曰∶凡采得以溪水洗净蒸之，从巳至子，薄切，曝干用。
颂曰∶羊公服黄精法∶二月、三月采根，入地八九寸为上。细切一石，以水二石五斗，
煮去苦味，漉出，囊中压取汁，澄清再煎，如膏乃止。以炒黑黄豆末，相和得所，捏作饼子，
如钱大。初服二枚，日益之。亦可焙干筛末，水服。
诜曰∶饵黄精法∶取瓮子去底，釜内安置得所，入黄精令满，密盖，蒸至气溜，即曝之。
如此九蒸九曝。若生则刺人咽喉。若服生者，初时只可一寸半，渐渐增之，十日不食，
服止三尺五寸。三百日后，尽见鬼神，久必升天。根、叶、花、实皆可食之。但以相对者是
正，不对者名偏精也。
【气味】甘，平，无毒。权曰∶寒。
时珍曰∶忌梅实，花、叶、子并同。
【主治】补中益气，除风湿，安五脏。久服轻身延年不饥（《别录》）。
补五劳七伤，助筋骨，耐寒暑，益脾胃，润心肺。单服九蒸九曝食之，驻颜断谷（大明）。
补诸虚，止寒热，填精髓，下三尸虫（时珍）。
【发明】时珍曰∶黄精受戊己之淳气，故为补黄宫之胜品。土者万物之母，母得其养，
则水火既济，木金交合，而诸邪自去，百病不生矣。《神仙芝草经》云∶黄精宽中益气，使
五脏调良，肌肉充盛，骨髓坚强，其力增倍，多年不老，颜色鲜明，发白更黑，齿落更生。
又能先下三尸虫∶上尸名彭质，好宝货，百日下；中尸，名彭矫，好五味，六十日下；下尸
名彭居，好五色，三十日下，皆烂出也。根为精气，花实为飞英，皆可服食。又按∶雷氏《炮
炙论》序云∶驻色延年，精蒸神锦。注云∶以黄精自然汁拌研细神锦，于柳木甑中蒸七日，
以木蜜丸服之。木蜜，枳 也。神锦不知是何物，或云朱砂也。
禹锡曰∶按《抱朴子》云∶黄精服其花胜其实服其实胜其根。但花难得，得其生花十斛，
干之，才可得五、六斗尔，非大有力者不能办也。日服三合，服之十年，乃得其益。其断谷
不及术。术饵令人肥健，可以负重涉险；但不及黄精甘美易食，凶年可与老少代粮，谓之米
脯也。
慎微曰∶徐铉《稽神录》云∶临川士家一婢，逃入深山中，久之，见野草枝叶可爱，取
根食之，久久不饥。夜息大树下，闻草中动，以为虎攫，上树避之。及晓下地，其身 然凌
空而去，若飞鸟焉。数岁家人采薪见之，捕之不得，临绝壁下网围之，俄而腾上山顶。或云
此婢安有仙骨，不过灵药服食尔。遂以酒饵置往来之路，果来，食讫，遂不能去，擒之，具
述其故。指所食之草，即是黄精也。
【附方】旧一，新四。
服食法∶《圣惠方》∶用黄精根茎不限多少，细锉阴干捣末。每日水调末服，任多少。一
年内变老为少，久久成地仙。 仙《神隐书》∶以黄精细切一石，用水二石五斗煮之，自旦
至夕，候冷，以手 碎，布袋榨取汁煎之。渣焙干为末，同入釜中，煎至可丸，丸如鸡头子
大。每服一丸，日三服。绝粮轻身，除百病。渴则饮水。
补肝明目∶黄精二斤，蔓菁子一斤（淘），同和，九蒸九晒，为末。空心每米饮下二钱，
日二服，延年益寿。（《圣惠方》）
大风癞疮∶营气不清，久风入脉，因而成癞，鼻坏色败、皮肤痒溃。用黄精根（去皮，
洗净）二斤，日中曝令软，纳粟米饭甑中，同蒸至二斗米熟，时时食之。（《圣济总录》）
补虚精气∶黄精、枸杞子等分。捣作饼，日干为末，炼蜜丸梧子大。每汤下五十丸。（《奇
效良方》）
【《名医别录》列为上品】
【校正】并入《本草拾遗》中的救荒草。
【释名】黄芝（出自《瑞草经》）、戊己芝（出自《五符经》）、菟竹（出自《名医别录》）、鹿竹（出自《名医别录》）、仙人余粮（陶弘景）、救穷草（出自《名医别录》）、米铺（出自《蒙筌》）、野生姜（出自《蒙筌》）、重楼（出自《名医别录》）、鸡格（出自《名医别录》）、龙衔（出自《广雅》）、垂珠。
苏颂说：隋朝时羊公服用黄精的方法说：黄精是芝草的精华，又名葳蕤，又名白芨，又名仙人余粮，又名苟格，又名马箭，又名垂珠，又名菟竹。
李时珍说：黄精是服食养生要药，所以《名医别录》将其列在草部之首，道家认为它属于芝草一类，因为它获得了坤土的精粹，所以叫作黄精。《五符经》说：黄精获得天地淳厚的精气，所以名为戊己芝，就是这个意思。“余粮”、“救穷”是根据它的功效命名；“鹿竹”、“菟竹”，是因为叶子像竹子，而鹿和兔子吃它。“垂珠”，是因为果实的形状。陈氏《本草拾遗》中的救荒草就是这种植物，现在合并为一类。嘉谟说：根像嫩姜，俗名叫野生姜。经过九次蒸煮、九次晾晒，可以代替粮食，又叫做米脯。
【集解】《名医别录》说：黄精生长在山谷中。二月采集根部，阴干。
陶弘景说：现在到处都有。二月开始生长，一枝多叶，叶子形状像竹子但较短。根像葳蕤。葳蕤的根像荻草根及菖蒲，节段平直；黄精的根像鬼臼、黄连，节段大且不平整。即使是干燥的，也都柔软且有脂润感。世俗方剂中不用此药，而被道教经典所珍贵。根、叶、花、果实，都可以服用，泡酒或研粉随宜使用，具体都在断谷方中记载。它的叶子与钩吻相似，只有茎不呈紫色、花不呈黄色是区别，但人们常常混淆它们。它们的种类不同，却导致了致死与致生的相反结果，也是奇怪的事。雷敩说：钩吻真的像黄精，只是叶尖有两个带毛的钩子，如果误服，会害人。黄精的叶子像竹子。
苏恭说：黄精，生长在肥沃土地里的，就有拳头大；生长在贫瘠土地里的，还像拇指大。葳蕤的肥根，很像黄精的小者，肌理形色，大体相似。现在拿鬼臼、黄连来比较，完全不像。黄精的叶子像柳叶及龙胆、徐长卿等植物的叶子且质地坚硬。钩吻是蔓生植物，叶子像柿叶，完全不同类。
陈藏器说：黄精叶子偏生不对生的，名叫偏精，功效不如正精。正精的叶子是对生的。钩吻乃是野葛的别名，这两物完全不相似，不知道陶弘景根据什么这样说？
孟诜说：钩吻，一名野葛，陶弘景说叶子像黄精的是对的。苏恭说叶子像柿叶的，应当是另一种东西。
苏颂说：黄精南北都有，以嵩山、茅山出产的为佳。三月生苗，高一二尺左右。叶子像竹叶但较短，两两相对。茎梗柔脆，很像桃枝，基部黄色梢部红色。四月开细小的青白色花，形状像小豆花。结出的种子白如黍粒，也有不结子的。根像嫩生姜且呈黄色，二月采根，蒸过后晒干使用。现在遇到八月采收，山里人经过九次蒸煮、九次晾晒做成果品售卖，呈黄黑色且非常甘美。它的嫩苗初生时，人们多采摘作为蔬菜食用，叫做笔菜，味道极美。江南人说黄精的苗叶稍微像钩吻，但钩吻叶尖极尖且根细，而苏恭说钩吻蔓生，恐怕是南北产地不同造成的差异罢了。
李时珍说：黄精野生在山中，也可以劈开根长二寸，稀疏种植，一年后长得非常茂密，种子也可以种植。它的叶子像竹子但不尖，有的两叶、三叶、四、五叶，都对着节而生。它的根横着长，形状像葳蕤，俗人采摘它的苗煮熟，淘去苦味后食用，名叫笔管菜。《陈藏器本草》说青粘是葳蕤，见葳蕤发明条下。另外关于黄精、钩吻的说法，陶弘景、雷敩、韩保升都说这两物相似。苏恭、陈藏器都说两物不相似。苏颂又采取模棱两可的态度。现在考证《神农本草经》、《吴普本草》，都说钩吻是野葛，蔓生，茎像箭，与苏恭的说法相合。张华《博物志》说：从前黄帝问天老说：天地间生长的植物，有吃了能让人不死的吗？天老说：太阳之草名叫黄精，吃了可以长生；太阴之草名叫钩吻，不可吃，入口立刻死亡。人们相信钩吻杀人，不相信黄精益寿，不是太糊涂了吗？按：这里只是把黄精、钩吻相对待来说，并没有说它们相似。陶弘景因此就说两物相似，这与神农所说的钩吻不符。恐怕应该以苏恭所说为是，而陶弘景、雷敩所说的是一种别的毒物，不是钩吻。历代本草中只有陈藏器辨物最精细审慎，尤其应当相信他。我详见钩吻条。
根
【修治】雷敩说：凡是采集到后用溪水洗净蒸制，从巳时到子时，薄切，晒干使用。
苏颂说：羊公服用黄精的方法：二月、三月采根，入地八九寸深的为上品。细切一石，用水二石五斗，煮去苦味，滤出，用布袋压取汁液，澄清后再煎，像膏状才停止。用炒黑的黄豆末，调和得当，捏成饼子，像铜钱大。初次服用两枚，每天增加剂量。也可以焙干筛成粉末，用水送服。
孟诜说：服用黄精的方法：取去掉底部的瓮，在釜内安置妥当，放入黄精使其满，严密盖好，蒸至气透，就拿出来晒。如此九次蒸煮、九次晾晒。如果是生的就会刺人咽喉。如果服用生的，起初只可以吃一寸半，渐渐增加，十天不吃其他食物，最多服到三尺五寸。三百天后，就能看见鬼神，久了必能升天成仙。根、叶、花、实都可以吃。只要叶子对生的是正精，不对生的名叫偏精。
【气味】甘，平，无毒。李权说：寒。
李时珍说：忌梅实，花、叶、果实都一样。
【主治】补中益气，除风湿，安五脏。久服轻身延年不饥（《名医别录》）。
补五劳七伤，助筋骨，耐寒暑，益脾胃，润心肺。单服九蒸九曝后食用，驻颜断谷（唐大明宫医官）。
补诸虚，止寒热，填精髓，下三尸虫（李时珍）。
【发明】李时珍说：黄精受戊己之淳气，所以是补脾土的胜品。土是万物的母亲，母亲得到滋养，则水火既济，木金交合，而各种邪气自然去除，百病不生。《神仙芝草经》说：黄精宽中益气，使五脏调顺良好，肌肉充盛，骨髓坚强，体力倍增，多年不老，颜色鲜明，白发变黑，落齿再生。又能先排出三尸虫：上尸名叫彭质，喜好宝物，百日排出；中尸名叫彭矫，喜好五味，六十日排出；下尸名叫彭居，喜好五色，三十日排出，都腐烂排出。根为精气，花实为飞英，都可以服用。又按：雷敩《炮炙论》序中说：驻色延年，精蒸神锦。注解说：用黄精自然汁拌研细神锦，在柳木甑中蒸七日，用木蜜丸服用。木蜜，即枳椇子。神锦不知是什么东西，有人说朱砂。
禹锡说：按《抱朴子》说：黄精服用其花胜过服用其实，服用其实胜过服用其根。但花难得，得到鲜花十斛，晒干，只得五六斗而已，不是有大财力的人不能办到。每天服用三合，服用十年，才能见效。其断谷效果不及术。术饵使人肥健，可以负重涉险；但不及黄精甘美易食，凶年可与老少代粮，叫做米脯。
慎微说：徐铉《稽神录》说：临川士大夫家有一婢女，逃入深山中，很久之后，看见野草枝叶可爱，取根食用，久久不觉得饿。晚上休息在大树下，听见草中有动静，以为是老虎抓她，就上树躲避。等到天亮下到地面，身体轻盈凌空而去，像飞鸟一样。几年后家人砍柴看见她，捕捉不到，在绝壁下设网包围，一会儿腾上山顶。有人说这婢女难道有仙骨，不过是灵药服食罢了。于是用酒食放在往来路上，果然来了，吃完，就不能离开，抓住她，详细述说原因。指出所吃的草，就是黄精。
【附方】旧方一个，新方四个。
服食法：《圣惠方》：用黄精根茎不限多少，细锉阴干捣末。每日用水调末服，任多少。一年内变老为少，久久成为地仙。
《神隐书》：将黄精细切一石，用水二石五斗煮它，从早到晚，等候冷却，用手揉碎，布袋榨取汁液煎煮。药渣焙干为末，一同放入釜中，煎至可丸，丸如鸡头子大。每次服用一丸，每天三次。断绝粮食轻身，除百病。渴则饮水。
补肝明目：黄精二斤，蔓菁子一斤（淘洗），混合，九蒸九晒，为末。空腹每用米饮下二钱，每天两次，延年益寿。（《圣惠方》）
大风癞疮：营气不清，久风入脉，因而成癞，鼻坏色败、皮肤痒溃。用黄精根（去皮，洗净）二斤，日中晒软，放入粟米饭甑中，同蒸至二斗米熟，时时食用。（《圣济总录》）
补虚精气：黄精、枸杞子等分。捣作饼，日干为末，炼蜜丸梧子大。每次汤下五十丸。（《奇效良方》）
[Classified as Upper Grade in *Shennong Bencao Jing*]
[Correction] Merged with "Jiu Huang Cao" (Rescue-from-Hunger Grass) from *Bencao Shiyi*.
[Names] Huangzhi (from *Ruicao Jing*), Wuji Zhi (from *Wufu Jing*), Tuzhu (from *Bielu*), Luzhu (from *Bielu*), Xianren Yuliang (Tao Hongjing), Qiujiong Cao (from *Bielu*), Mipu (from *Mengquan*), Yesheng Jiang (from *Mengquan*), Chonglou (from *Bielu*), Jige (from *Bielu*), Longxian (from *Guangya*), Chuizhu.
Su Song said: In the Sui Dynasty, Yang Gong's method of taking Huangjing stated: Huangjing is the essence of Zhi grass. It is also called Weirui, Baiji, Xianren Yuliang, Gouge, Majian, Chuizhu, and Tuzhu.
Li Shizhen said: Huangjing is an essential medicine for dietary therapy, so it was listed at the beginning of the herbal section in *Bielu*. Daoists consider it a type of Zhi grass because it obtains the pure essence of Kun Earth, hence the name Huangjing. *Wufu Jing* states: Huangjing acquires the pure essence of heaven and earth, thus named Wuji Zhi. This explains the meaning. "Yuliang" and "Qiujiong" are named after its merit; "Luzhu" and "Tuzhu" are named because its leaves resemble bamboo and are eaten by deer and hares. "Chuizhu" refers to the shape of its fruit. The "Jiu Huang Cao" in Chen Shi's *Bencao Shiyi* is this plant, now merged into one category. Jiamo said: The root resembles young ginger, commonly known as Yesheng Jiang. After nine steamings and nine dryings, it can replace grain, also called Mifu.
[Collection and Explanation] *Bielu* states: Huangjing grows in mountain valleys. Roots are harvested in February and dried in the shade.
Tao Hongjing said: It is found everywhere today. It begins to sprout in February, with many leaves on one stem. The leaves resemble bamboo but are shorter. The root resembles Weirui. Weirui roots resemble reed roots and Acorus tatarinowii, with flat and straight nodes; Huangjing roots resemble Podophyllum emodi and Coptis chinensis, with large and uneven nodes. Even when dry, they remain soft and moist. This herb is not used in common prescriptions but is highly valued in Daoist classics. The root, leaves, flowers, and fruits can all be ingested, prepared as wine infusions or powders as appropriate, detailed in fasting formulas. Its leaves resemble Gelsemium elegans, differing only in that the stem is not purple and the flower is not yellow, yet people often confuse them. Their distinct nature leads to opposite effects of death and life, which is remarkable. Lei Xiao said: Gelsemium elegans truly resembles Huangjing, except for two hairy hooks at the leaf tip; accidental ingestion harms humans. Huangjing leaves resemble bamboo.
Su Gong said: Huangjing growing in fertile soil can be fist-sized; that in poor soil is thumb-sized. The fleshy root of Weirui is similar to small Huangjing, with largely similar texture and color. Comparing it to Podophyllum emodi or Coptis chinensis does not fit well. Huangjing leaves resemble those of Salix spp., Gentiana scabra, and Polygala sibirica, and are firm. Gelsemium elegans is a vine with leaves resembling Diospyros kaki, completely different.
Chen Cangqi said: Huangjing with asymmetrical, non-opposite leaves is called Pianjing, which has inferior efficacy compared to Zhengjing (with opposite leaves). Gelsemium elegans is another name for Yege. These two are not similar at all; I do not know what Tao Hongjing based his statement on.
Meng Shen said: Gelsemium elegans is also called Yege. Tao's description of leaves resembling Huangjing is likely correct. Su Gong's description of leaves resembling Diospyros kaki likely refers to a different species.
Su Song said: Huangjing is found both north and south, with those from Mount Song and Mount Mao being superior. Sprouts emerge in March, reaching one to two chi in height. Leaves are like bamboo leaves but shorter, growing in pairs. Stems are flexible and brittle, resembling peach branches, yellow at the base and red at the tip. Small greenish-white flowers bloom in April, resembling soybean flowers. Seeds are white like broomcorn millet, though some plants do not produce seeds. Roots resemble young ginger and are yellow. Harvested in February, steamed, and sun-dried. Now harvested in August, locals process them through nine steamings and nine dryings to sell as snacks, which are dark yellow-black and very sweet. Young shoots are picked as vegetables, called Bicai, with excellent taste. People in Jiangnan say Huangjing shoots resemble Gelsemium elegans slightly, but Gelsemium elegans has extremely sharp leaf tips and thin roots. Su Gong described Gelsemium elegans as vining; this may be due to regional differences.
Li Shizhen said: Huangjing grows wild in mountains but can be propagated by planting root segments two cun long. It becomes dense after one year; seeds can also be planted. Leaves resemble bamboo but are not sharp, growing in pairs, triplets, quads, or quintets against the nodes. Roots grow horizontally, resembling Weirui. Locals harvest the shoots, cook them, wash away bitterness, and eat them, calling them Bituan Cai. *Chen Cangqi Bencao* states Qingnian is Weirui (see Weirui explanation). Regarding Huangjing and Gelsemium elegans, Tao Hongjing, Lei Xiao, and Han Baosheng claimed they were similar. Su Gong and Chen Cangqi claimed they were not. Su Song offered ambiguous views. Examining *Shennong Bencao Jing* and *Wu Pu Bencao*, both state Gelsemium elegans is Yege, a vine with arrow-like stems, consistent with Su Gong. Zhang Hua's *Bowuzhi* records: Yellow Di asked Tian Lao if any plant prevents death. Tian Lao replied: Sun grass, Huangjing, promotes longevity; Yin grass, Gelsemium elegans, is toxic and causes immediate death upon ingestion. People believe Gelsemium elegans kills but doubt Huangjing's benefits, which is confusing. Note: This passage contrasts Huangjing and Gelsemium elegans without claiming similarity. Tao Hongjing inferred similarity, contradicting Shennong. Su Gong is likely correct; Tao and Lei may have referred to a different toxin. Among all dynasties' materia medica, Chen Cangqi's identification is most precise and should be trusted. See entry for Gelsemium elegans.
Roots
[Processing] Lei Xiao said: Wash collected roots in stream water, steam from Si hour to Zi hour, slice thinly, and sun-dry.
Su Song said: Yang Gong's method: Harvest roots in Feb-Mar, those 8-9 cun deep are best. Slice one dan finely, boil in 2.5 shoku water to remove bitterness, strain, press juice in a bag, clarify, and simmer until paste-like. Mix with fried black soybean powder, form coin-sized cakes. Start with two pills, increasing daily. Can also be dried, powdered, and taken with water.
Meng Shen said: Method for ingesting Huangjing: Place a bottomless jar over a pot, fill with Huangjing, cover tightly, steam until vapor penetrates, then dry. Repeat nine times. Raw roots irritate the throat. If eating raw, start with 1.5 cun, gradually increase to 3.5 cun over ten days of fasting. After 300 days, one sees spirits and eventually ascends to heaven. Root, leaves, flowers, and fruits are edible. Opposite leaves indicate Zhengjing; asymmetrical leaves are Pianjing.
[Aroma and Flavor] Sweet, neutral, non-toxic. Li Quan said: Cold.
Li Shizhen said: Avoid Prunus mume fruit; applies to flowers, leaves, and fruits.
[Indications] Tonifies middle jiao and qi, dispels wind-dampness, calms the five zang organs. Long-term use lightens the body, extends lifespan, and suppresses hunger (*Bielu*).
Tonifies five labors and seven injuries, strengthens sinews and bones, resists cold and heat, benefits spleen and stomach, moistens lungs and heart. Single administration after nine steamings and nine dryings preserves youth and enables fasting (Tang Da Ming).
Tonifies various deficiencies, stops chills and fever, fills essence and marrow, eliminates three corpse worms (Li Shizhen).
[Elucidation] Li Shizhen said: Huangjing receives the pure qi of Wu and Ji, making it a superior tonic for the spleen (Earth element). Earth is the mother of all things; when nourished, water and fire balance, wood and metal interact, evil pathogens depart, and diseases do not arise. *Shenxian Zhicao Jing* states: Huangjing benefits the middle and tonifies qi, harmonizes the five zang, fills muscles, strengthens bone marrow, doubles strength, prevents aging, brightens complexion, turns white hair black, and regrows teeth. It first expels the three corpse worms: Shangshi (Peng Zhi, loves treasures, expelled in 100 days), Zhongshi (Peng Jiao, loves flavors, expelled in 60 days), Xiashi (Peng Ju, loves colors, expelled in 30 days), all rotting out. Roots represent essence; flowers and fruits represent flying essence, all ingestible. Also, Lei Xiao's *Paozhi Lun* preface mentions preserving youth via steaming "Shenjin". Annotation says: Mix Huangjing juice with fine Shenjin, steam in willow steamer for seven days, take as pills with Mimi (Ziziphus jujuba var. spinosa seed?). Shenjin's identity is unknown, possibly Cinnabaris.
Yu Xi said: According to *Baopuzi*: Flowers > Fruits > Roots in efficacy. Flowers are rare; ten hu of fresh flowers yield only 5-6 dou dried. Requires great wealth. Daily dose: 3 he. Ten years for effect. Fasting efficacy is inferior to Atractylodes macrocephala. Atractylodes makes one strong and agile; Huangjing is sweeter and easier to eat, serving as famine food ("Mifu").
Shen Wei said: Xu Xuan's *Jishen Lu* recounts a maid fleeing to mountains, eating wild herbs, losing hunger. Hearing noise, she climbed a tree, fearing a tiger. At dawn, she floated away like a bird. Years later, family found her near a cliff. She explained she ate Huangjing. Wine bait caught her.
[Attached Prescriptions] One old, four new.
Dietary Therapy: *Shenghui Fang*: Finely chop Huangjing rhizomes, dry, powder. Take with water daily, dosage unrestricted. Reverses aging, achieves earthly immortality.
*Shenyin Shu*: Boil one dan sliced Huangjing in 2.5 shoku water from morning to evening. Cool, mash, squeeze juice, simmer. Dry residue, mix with juice, form chicken-head-sized pills. Take one pill, three times daily. Stops hunger, lightens body, cures hundred diseases. Drink water if thirsty.
Tonify Liver and Brighten Eyes: Huangjing 2 jin, Brassica rapa var. nipposinica seeds 1 jin (washed). Nine steamings, nine dryings, powder. Take 2 qian with rice water on empty stomach, twice daily. Extends life (*Shenghui Fang*).
Severe Leprosy: Unclear Ying qi, chronic wind entering meridians causing leprosy, nasal destruction, skin ulcers. Huangjing root 2 jin (peeled, washed), sun-softened, steamed with 2 dou millet rice. Eat frequently (*Shengji Zonglu*).
Tonify Deficiency and Essence: Huangjing and Lycium barbarum equal parts. Make cakes, dry, powder, honey-pill size of wutong seeds. Take 50 pills with decoction (*Qixiao Liangfang*).