典藏书目

Zige (Purple Vine), not recorded in old texts regarding its origin, is said to grow in valleys. Currently, it is only found in Jiangning Prefecture and Taizhou. It sprouts in spring and withers in winter. It resembles the grapevine but is purple in color, growing up to one zhang (approx. 3.3 meters) long, with thicker stems having a diameter of two or three cun (approx. 6-10 cm). The leaves resemble [missing character], and both roots and bark are purple. The root bark is harvested in March and August and dried in the sun.

Bimazu (Ricinus Communis Seed), old texts do not specify its origin; it is now available everywhere. The seedlings emerge in summer, with leaves resembling [missing character] grass but being thicker and larger. The stem is red and jointed like sugarcane, reaching about one zhang in height. Small flowers appear in autumn, followed by fruit bearing spiny shells. The seeds resemble Croton tiglium (Badou, 巴豆), appearing greenish-yellow with brown spots, shaped like cattle ticks, hence the name. Stems and leaves are harvested in summer; fruits in autumn; roots in winter, all dried in the sun. Those imported from Hu regions have larger stems and fruits. Cui Yuanliang's *Haishang Fang* records its use for difficult labor and retained placenta: take seven Ricinus Communis Seeds, grind into a paste, apply to the soles of the feet. Once the fetus and placenta are delivered, wash off immediately. Otherwise, if the intestine prolapses, apply this paste to the neck, and the intestine should retract spontaneously.

[Missing Character Grass, likely Gele Man], old texts do not specify its origin; it is said to grow near ruins and roadsides, and is now ubiquitous. The leaves resemble Ricinus Communis but are smaller and thinner, growing as vines with fine thorns; flowers are yellowish-white; seeds resemble hemp seeds. Stems and leaves are harvested in April and May and dried in the sun. Commonly known as Gele Man, also called Gele Man. Tang Dynasty physician Wei Zhou's *Duxing Fang* treats leprosy with widespread ulcers using one dan of Gele Grass boiled in two shi of water down to one shi, used to soak the wounds; healing occurs within three applications. However, *Shennong Bencao Jing* lacks records of its efficacy for ulcers. Additionally, Wei Dan treats Gao Lin (Gouty Urine/Gelatinous Leukorrhea) by crushing fresh juice (three sheng) mixed with vinegar (two he), taken on an empty stomach in one dose, resulting in urination of white fluid-like urine. For chronic dysentery progressing to Gan syndrome, dry vines are crushed, sifted, and insufflated into the anus via a tube according to severity; healing occurs within three to four applications, remarkably effective.

[Missing Character Grass, commonly called Huo... Cao], commonly referred to as Huo [missing] Grass. *Shennong Bencao Jing* does not record its origin; it is now found everywhere. Seedlings emerge in spring, leaves resemble mustard greens but are narrower and longer, with coarse texture. Stems are two to three chi (approx. 0.6-1 meter) high. Flowers resembling chrysanthemums appear in early autumn; fruits resembling Xanthium sibiricum (Heshi, 鹤虱) form in late autumn. Leaves are harvested in summer and dried in the sun. In recent times, many consume it alone, claiming it greatly benefits Yuan Qi (Primal Qi). This is the Shu method: harvest leaves on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month, sixth of the sixth, and ninth of the ninth. Remove roots, stems, flowers, and fruits, wash clean, and dry. Steam in a steamer with layers of wine and honey, then dry again. Repeat this process nine times until complete; the aroma becomes extremely fragrant. After drying, grinding, and sifting, form pills with honey. It is claimed to treat Wind-Qi in Liver and Kidney causing limb numbness, bone-steaming pain, and weak waist/knees, and can also promote Qi flow in the Large Intestine. Most prefectures state it is cold in nature with slight toxicity, consistent with *Shennong Bencao Jing*. Only Wen Prefecture and Gaoyou Jun state it is hot in nature and non-toxic. Consumption tonifies deficiency, calms the Five Zang organs, promotes hair growth, and treats wind-damp ulcers and stubborn muscle bi-syndrome; it is particularly suitable for women with chronic cold conditions. Remove coarse stems, retaining branches, leaves, flowers, and fruits for steaming and drying. These two views differ. Is it that using only leaves makes it cold and slightly toxic, while adding branches, flowers, and fruits makes it hot and non-toxic? Or is this due to differences in local production?