典藏书目

Bai Lian (Radix Ampelopsis), originally growing in the valleys of Hengshan, is now produced in various prefectures and commanderies along the Jianghuai region, as well as in Jingzhou, Xiangzhou, Huaizhou, Mengzhou, Shangzhou, and Qizhou. Seedlings emerge in the second lunar month, often climbing among forests with reddish stems; leaves resemble those of small mulberry trees; flowers bloom in the fifth lunar month, and fruits mature in the seventh. The roots resemble chicken or duck eggs; three to five roots cluster together at the same base, with reddish-black skin and white flesh. Roots are harvested in the second and eighth lunar months, sliced, and sun-dried. Currently, physicians frequently use this herb in formulas treating wind pathogens and metallic wounds (Jin Chuang), as well as in facial cosmetics. In Haozhou, there exists a variety called Chi Lian (Red Ampelopsis), which shares similar efficacy with Bai Lian and has comparable flowers and fruits, differing only in that both its exterior and interior are reddish.

Bai Ji (Rhizoma Bletillae), originally growing in the mountains and valleys of the northern regions, and also found in Yuanju and Yueshan, is now produced in various prefectures including Jianghuai, He (Yellow River), Shaanxi, Han (Han River), and Qian, typically growing on rocky hills. Seedlings sprout in spring, reaching about one chi in length, resembling Areca catechu (Betel nut) and Veratrum nigrum (He Huan), with a single platform-like structure at the stem tip; leaves are about two fingers wide and green; purple flowers bloom in summer; fruits mature in the seventh lunar month, turning yellowish-black when ripe. Leaves wither in winter. The rhizome resembles water chestnut meat, possessing three white angles, with buds emerging from the tips of the angles. Rhizomes are harvested in the second and seventh lunar months. Currently, physicians frequently use this herb in formulas treating non-healing metallic wounds and carbuncles and sores (Yong Ju).

She Han (Herba Pedicularis), originally growing in the valleys of Yizhou, is now also found in nearby areas. It grows on earth and stones or in lower wetlands. Households in Shu also cultivate it. Each stem bears five or seven leaves. There are two varieties; the one with fine leaves and yellow flowers is considered superior. Roots are harvested in the eighth lunar month and dried in the shade. The *Gujin Luyan Fang* treats red rash (Chi Zhen) by using She Xian Cao (Herba Pedicularis), pounding it until extremely soft, and applying it topically, resulting in recovery. Red rash arises from cold and dampness clashing within the muscles; if severe, heat transforms, forming the rash, which worsens in hot weather and improves in cold. This herb is commonly used in ancient and modern formulas for erysipelas and swollen sores. Additionally, under the entry for Nu Qing, it states: "She Xian refers to the root, produced in Zhuya." Tao Hongjing and Su Gong both believed: "If it were indeed the root of She Xian, it should not grow exclusively in Zhuya." Some suggest it is Que Piao, an alias for Metaplexis japonica (Luo Mo), while others claim the two names refer to different things due to their similarity. Physicians rarely use it and seldom distinguish it clearly; therefore, it is merely appended here.