典藏书目

Shashen (Adenophorae Radix), originally growing in the river valleys of Henei, as well as Yuanju, Banyang, and Xushan. Currently, it is produced in Lizhou, Qizhou, Luzhou, and Suizhou, and is also found in various prefectures of Jianghuai and Jinghu. The plant grows to a height of one or two chi (approx. 30-60 cm) or more, growing in clusters on cliff walls; the leaves resemble those of Lycium chinense (Goji berry) but have serrated edges, and it bears purple flowers in July. The root resembles that of Malva verticillata (mallow), with a thickness similar to a tendon, appearing reddish-yellow; roots that are white inside and solid in texture are considered superior. The roots are harvested in February and August and dried in the sun. Those grown in southern regions have leaves of varying sizes, white flowers, and sticky white gum on the petals, which is a slight difference from northern varieties. Ancient prescriptions also used it singly. Ge Hong recorded its use for treating sudden onset of various hernias, characterized by pulling pain in the lower abdomen and genitalia like twisting or cutting, accompanied by spontaneous sweating and a sensation of impending death. The root is pounded into powder, sifted, and administered with wine in a dose of one fangcun bi (approx. 2-3 grams); recovery is immediate.

Danshen (Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma), originally growing in the river valleys of Tongbai Mountain and Mount Tai. Currently, it is also found in prefectures of Shaanxi, Hedong, and Suizhou. Seedlings emerge in February, growing to about one chi (approx. 30 cm) high; the stems are square-prismatic and green; the leaves grow opposite each other, resembling Mentha haplocalyx (Peppermint) but hairy; it bears red-purple flowers in March, similar to Perilla frutescens (Perilla) flowers. The root is red, as thick as a finger, and can exceed one chi (approx. 30 cm) in length, with multiple roots per seedling. It is harvested in May and dried in the sun. It is also stated that roots harvested in winter are of better quality, whereas those harvested in summer are inferior and hollow.

Wubuliuxing (Vaccariae Semen), originally growing in the mountains and valleys of Mount Tai. Currently, it is found in Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and areas near the Yellow River. The seedlings and stems are green, growing to a height of seven or eight cun (approx. 20-25 cm) or more; the root is yellow, resembling Sinapis alba (White Mustard) root; the leaves are pointed like the head of a small spoon, and some resemble Sophora japonica (Pagoda Tree) leaves. It bears yellow-purple flowers in April, growing along the stem, resembling pine cones, and also similar to Centaurea cyanus (Cornflower) flowers. The seedlings and stems are harvested within May and dried in the sun. In folk practice, it is also called Jianjincao (Cutting Gold Grass). Varieties grown in Hebei have round leaves and red flowers, which differ slightly from this description. Zhang Zhongjing treated metal weapon wounds (Jinchuang) using Bayao Wubuliuxing San (Eight-Ingredient Vaccaria Powder); for minor wounds, the powder was applied topically. For major wounds, it was taken orally. Postpartum women could also take it. Zhengyuan Guangli Fang (The General Benefiting Formulas of Zhengyuan Era) treats various wind-induced spasms (Fengjing) using Wubuliuxing Tang (Vaccaria Decoction), which is highly effective.