典藏书目

Er Shi (Xanthii Fructus)

Taste: bitter, sweet. Temperature: warm. Leaves taste: bitter, pungent. Temperature: slightly cold. Contains slight toxicity. Originally grew in Shu Chuan (Sichuan region), now distributed everywhere. Also known as Cang Er Shi (Cang'er Fruit).
It has many small thorns; when sheep pass by, they stick to the wool, hence it is also called Yang Fu Lai (Sheep-Borne). Harvested in autumn, slightly stir-fried for medicinal use. Most strictly avoid pork and rice washing water. Effective immediately for dispersing scabies and tinea with generalized itching of the skin. Remarkable efficacy in dispelling wind-dampness causing generalized bi-syndrome and spasms/contracture of the four limbs. Stops headache and effectively unblocks the vertex of the head. Pursues wind-toxicity residing even in the bone marrow. Kills pinworms and damp-heat parasites, treats foul flesh and necrotic muscle. Benefits qi, opens intelligence, strengthens willpower, warms waist and knees. Suitable for long-term consumption, brightens eyes and lightens the body. Roots and leaves should be collected and stored on Dragon Boat Festival (Duanwu). When entering a sickroom, it wards off evil influences without fear. Juice mixed with urine and drunk together removes carbuncles and swellings miraculously. Note: For drooling from under the tongue, it treats yellow eyes and excessive sleepiness. If bitten by a dog, taking it urgently is best. For hemorrhoids erupting at the anus, fumigation with decoction is excellent.

Tian Ming Jing (Radix Glehniae / Glehniae Radix - *Note: Contextually refers to Glehniae Radix or similar herb historically named Tianmingjing, often identified as Glehnia littoralis root or sometimes confused with other herbs in ancient texts, but here described as having properties of clearing heat and resolving toxicity*)

Taste: sweet, pungent. Temperature: cold. Non-toxic. Grows in rivers and lakes everywhere, especially abundant in plains and marshes. Resembles Mint (Bohe), sends up shoots in summer and autumn. Flowers are purple and white mixed. Leaves resemble Pak Choi (Song Cai) but smaller. The "Ben Jing" lists Di Song separately, which is this herb. Harvested and dried in May. One species with multiple names. Pungent taste resembles Ginger, hence the name Mai Ju Jiang (Wheat-Ju-Ginger); fragrance like Orchid, hence the name Chan Chu Lan (Toad Orchid). Also called Xia Ma Lan (Frog Indigo), because its shape somewhat resembles Indigo. Also called Tian Man Jing (Heavenly Turnip), as it is slightly similar to Turnip. "Bie Shuo" records the name Tian Men Jing. "Erya" records the name Shi Shou (Pig's Head). In the past, Liu Jin once pulled this grass to plug the belly of a slaughtered gazelle, and the gazelle jumped up again. (In the Jin Dynasty, Liu Jin shot a gazelle, dissected its organs, plugged the cavity with this grass, and the gazelle jumped up. Jin was surprised, removed the grass, and it fell down again, repeating this three times.) Later generations passed it down as Huo Lu Cao (Deer-Living Grass), also named Liu Jin Cao. So many overlapping names exist; if not carefully examined, how could there be no confusion? Used alone with Wall Moss (Yuan Yi) as an assistant, specifically treats fractures and metal wounds. Draws out swelling, toxic sores, and malignant carbuncles. Drains stasis blood and blood masses. Promotes urination to expel accumulated fluid, clears constrained heat and stops thirst and irritability. Pursues small parasites, removes damp-bi syndrome. Suitable for long-term consumption, making the old feel light and young.
(Mo) Note: There are many herbs with one species and multiple names, but few where each name has a specific reason. Here, the overlapping names all record their origins. Since it boasts the merit of reviving gazelles, it should also demonstrate benefits to humanity. However, examining ancient and traditional prescriptions, it is never used; famous doctors in various provinces have absolutely no knowledge of it. A useful medicine that cannot serve its purpose in current practice, merely listing many names. As the saying goes, "What good is it to have many [names]?"