Bitter, sweet, neutral and extremely cold, non-toxic. It mainly treats sudden wind-dampness hemiplegic bi syndrome (a condition characterized by pain and numbness in half of the body due to wind-dampness pathogen), strengthens the bone marrow, kills three types of parasites, and eliminates corpse-gathering ghosts (a term referring to chronic wasting diseases or tumors). It stabilizes Lung Qi, removes cold and heat, nourishes the skin and flesh, supplements Qi and strength, promotes urination, is cold yet capable of tonification. Long-term use lightens the body, benefits Qi, prolongs life, and prevents hunger. Another name is Dianle. It grows in the valleys of Fenggao Mountain. The roots are harvested in February, March, July, and August, and dried in the sun.
Wall moss (Yuanyi) and Rehmanniae Radix (Dihuang) act as its guides; it fears Zengqing (Mineral Cuprite). Fenggao is the name of a county at the foot of Mount Tai. Now it is found everywhere; those with large roots from high grounds and sweet taste are considered good. Zhang Hua's "Bowuzhi" states: If one strokes Tianmendong against the grain, it has reverse thorns. If the leaves are smooth, it is called Xiu, another name Dianji. It can be used to wash silk fabrics, white as velvet-like material. People in Jincheng call it Huancao. Split its roots, rub them in warm water, and they clean clothes better than ash. This is not similar to Mendong. According to this description, what people collect now are all those with thorns, originally named Dianle, also roughly similar, and they clean dirty clothes thoroughly. "Tongjun Yaolu" further states: Leaves have thorns, grow as vines, flowers are white in May, fruits are black in October, roots connect in dozens of pieces. Such distinct appearances cause confusion, and there is no longer any distinction for Mendong; perhaps Mendong is a separate species, not being Huancao? There is also Stemona Radix (Baibu), whose roots are also similar, but the seedlings differ. Steamed Tianmendong, peeled, tastes very sweet and delicious, stops hunger. Even when dried in the sun, it remains oily and moist, difficult to grind. It must be sliced thinly, dried in the sun, or baked over fire. Common people call the seedlings Ji Ci; boiled as a drink, it is suitable for consumption, but ultimately not true Ji Ci. When taking Tianmendong, avoid eating carp.
[Respectful Note] There are two types here: those with thorny and rough seedlings, and those without thorns and smooth seedlings; both are Mendong. Commonly called Dianci and Huancao, describing their appearance. Although given several names, they are ultimately one substance. Both roots clean dirt thoroughly; Mendong and Huancao are mutually named.