典藏书目

Dendrobium (Shihu), grows on rocks by the water in the valleys of Lu'an. It is now also found in Jingzhou, Hubei, Sichuan, Guangzhou prefectures, as well as Wenzhou and Taizhou, with those from Guangnan being considered superior. It mostly grows in mountain valleys. In May, shoots emerge; the stem resembles bamboo nodes, with small leaves emerging from between each node. Flowers bloom in July, and fruits mature in October. The roots are slender and yellow. Stems are harvested in July and August. They are soaked in lye water made from mulch ash until they turn golden, then dried in the shade for use. Alternatively, some say they should be washed with wine, rubbed, steamed, and roasted, without using ash water. There are two varieties growing in Jiangnan: one resembles large barley, connected in clusters, with a single leaf at the head, named Maihu (Wheat Dendrobium); the other is as large as a sparrow's thigh bone, named Quebihu (Sparrow Thigh Dendrobium). Only those growing on rocks are of high quality. There are also those growing on oak trees, named Mujhu (Wood Dendrobium), which are not suitable for medicinal use.

Achyranthes bidentata (Niuxi), grows in the river valleys of Henei and Linqu. It is now also found in Jianghuai, Fujian, Guangdong, and Guanzhong, but those from Huazhou are considered authentic. Shoots emerge in spring; the stems are two to three chi tall, greenish-purple, with nodes resembling the knee joint of a crane or that of an ox, hence the name. Leaves are pointed and round like spoons, arranged oppositely. Flowers form spikes at the nodes, producing very fine seeds in autumn. There are two types: those with purple stems and large nodes are male; those with green, slender stems are female. Roots are harvested in February, August, and October, and dried in the shade. Roots that are long, large, and moist are preferred. Stems and leaves can also be used alone. Ge Hong treated chronic, persistent malaria by taking a handful of stems and leaves, chopping them, soaking them in three sheng of wine, and drinking it until a slight alcoholic warmth was felt. If the malaria did not cease immediately, repeat the preparation; no more than three doses are needed to stop it. In the Tang Dynasty, Cui Yuanliang's "Haishang Fang" prescribed treating malaria by boiling Achyranthes bidentata roots in water and taking them before the onset of fever. Currently, people in Fuzhou use only the root of wild Achyranthes bidentata (Tuniuxi), washing it clean, chopping it, baking it dry, pounding it, sifting it, and decocting it with wine. Taken warm, it is said to be extremely effective for treating blood masses in women.

Selaginella tamariscina (Juanbai), grows in the valleys of Changshan. It is now also found in Guan, Shaanxi, Yi, and Yan prefectures. The perennial roots are purple with many fibrous roots. Shoots emerge in spring, resembling pine needles but finer and fragmented, curled like a chicken's foot, greenish-yellow, three to five cun high. It has no flowers or seeds. It mostly grows on rocks. Harvested in May and July, dried in the shade. The part near the stone with sand and soil is removed before use.