典藏书目

Jianzhongxiao (See-Swelling-Down Herb), also known as Tu Sanqi (Earth Seven-Treasure) and Ruxiangcao (Milk Fragrant Herb). People in Zhejiang call it Naicao (Milk Grass). When first sprouting, the seedlings and leaves are green on the surface and purple on the back. The leaves resemble those of *Brassica chinensis* var. *parachinensis* (Yangjiaocai) with many branches. In autumn, it opens small yellow flowers resembling chrysanthemums, with hanging filaments that are lovely to behold. The root resembles a taro corm, and many households cultivate it.

According to research: *Bencao Gangmu* (Compendium of Materia Medica) records "Jianzhongxiao," stating its leaves resemble mulberry leaves and it treats carbuncles, swellings, and dog bites; this must be a different species. *Caiyao Lu* (Record of Herb Collection) states: "Jianzhongxiao" grows in streams and ravines, has triangular leaves, green stems and stalks, and green roots shaped like *Acorus tatarinowii* (Changpu). Its root is cool in nature, treats various sores and toxins, promotes blood circulation throughout the body, expels wind and disperses qi. This is yet another distinct species. Same name, different substance.

*Cao Bao* (Grass Treasure) records: It is an essential herb for treating traumatic injuries from falls and blows, reducing swelling, and dissipating blood stasis. *Baicao Jing* (Mirror of Hundred Herbs) records: It treats ru Yong (breast abscess) and swellings/toxins, stops bleeding from metal wounds (Jin Chuang), treats sores from beating with sticks or clubs, throat xuan (throat lichen), Shuang E (double tonsillar hypertrophy), cough, acute and chronic convulsive diseases (Ji Man Jing Feng). *Yanlutang Fang* (Prescriptions from Yanlu Hall) records: For Tu Sanqi, use leaves in spring and summer, and roots in autumn and winter. Crush and extract one cup of juice, mix evenly with water, wine, and fermented grain liquid, then administer orally; it will naturally prove effective.

When Yang Lamao (a type of parasitic skin condition or larva) enters the flesh causing pain: *Mifang Jiyuan* (Collection of Secret Formulas and Proven Experiences) records: Tu Sanqi, also named Jin Buhuan (Gold Does Not Exchange), use its leaves crushed and applied immediately to stop pain.

Zibeitiankui refers to the root of *Ottelia acuminata*. *Baicao Jing* records: Sprouts appear in the second lunar month; leaves resemble *Rumex acetosella* (Triangular Sorrel); those shaded with purple backs are considered best. The root resembles rat droppings, black outside and white inside. It blooms with fine white flowers in the third lunar month, forms fine pods, and withers in the fourth lunar month. According to research: Li Shizhen's annotation under "Tu Kui" in *Bencao Gangmu* states: "It is Zibeitiankui." However, regarding therapeutic indications, only the use of the seedlings is mentioned, omitting the use of the root. This is now supplemented. (Those produced in the crevices of deep mountains in Zhuji, Jinhua, have large roots and are of superior quality. They grow in spring and wither in summer; rarely seen in autumn and winter.)

Nature is cool, clears heat, treats yong ju (carbuncles and sores), swellings and toxins, ding chuang (carbuncle-like lesions), traumatic injuries from falls, and mad dog bites; treats seven types of hernia (Qi Zhong Shen Qi), hemorrhoids, and劳伤 (consumptive injury/strain) (*Baicao Jing*).

External application method: *Yizong Huibian* (Compilation of Medical Classics) records: Use one seed of Zibeitiankui per year, crush together with crucian carp, apply externally, and it will dissipate immediately.

Luo Li (Scrofula/Cervical Tuberculosis): *Jiusheng Kuhai* (Sea of Bitterness Saving Lives) records: Crush "Thousand-Year Rat Droppings" (Millennium Mouse Droppings), place in a bottle with good wine, boil for the time it takes to burn one incense stick. Every three days, drink until intoxicated at will, cover with blankets to induce sweating; after several times, it will naturally prove effective.

The Tiankui Wan (Heavenly Dew Pill) passed down by Huang Binjiang specializes in treating Luo Li. Formula: Zibeitiankui 1.5 qian, Haizao (Sargassum), Haidai (Kelp), Kunbu (Ecklonia), Beimu (Fritillaria), Jiegeng (Platycodon), each 1 liang. Haipiaoxiao (Cuttlebone) 0.5 liang. All are ground into fine powder, mixed with wine paste to form pills the size of Chinese honeylocust seeds. Take 70 pills per dose, washed down with warm wine after meals. In this formula, Jiegeng lifts and opens all qi, Beimu eliminates toxicity and transforms phlegm, Haizao and Kunbu soften hard nodules. It is a sacred medicine for treating Luo Li.

Initial stage of various hernias: *Jingyan Ji* (Collection of Experienced Prescriptions) records: Whenever a hernia first arises, it must present with alternating cold and fever, pain, and threatens to become a nong yong (scrotal abscess). Use 13 lychee seeds (Lizhi He), Xiao Huixiang (Fennel) 2 qian, and 2 tan of wine. Frequent consumption leads to recovery.