（宋《开宝》）
【释名】交藤（《本传》）、夜合（《本传》）、
肝石（《纲
红内消。
大明曰∶其药本草无名，因何首乌见藤夜交，便即采食有功，因以采人为名尔。
时珍曰∶汉武时，有马肝石能乌人发，故后人隐此名，亦曰马肝石。赤者能消肿毒，外
科呼为疮帚、红内消。《斗门方》云∶取根若获九数者，服之乃仙。故名九真藤。
【集解】颂曰∶何首乌，本出顺州南河县，今在处有之，岭外、江南诸州皆有，以西洛、
嵩山及河南柘城县者为胜。春生苗，蔓延竹木墙壁间，茎紫色。叶叶相对如薯蓣，而不光泽。
夏秋开黄白花，如葛勒花。结子有棱，似荞麦而细小，才如粟大。秋冬取根，大者如拳，各
有五棱瓣，似小甜瓜。有赤、白二种∶赤者雄，白者雌。一云∶春采根，秋采花。九蒸九曝，
乃可服。此药本名交藤，因何首乌服而得名也。唐元和七年，僧文象遇茅山老人，遂传此事。
李翱乃着《何首乌传》云∶何首乌者，顺州南河县人。祖名能嗣，父名延秀。能嗣本名田儿，
生而阉弱，年五十八，无妻子，常慕道术，随师在山。一日醉卧山野，忽见有藤二株，相去
三尺余，苗蔓相交，久而方解，解了又交。田儿惊讶其异，至旦遂掘其根归。问诸人，无识
者。后有山老忽来。示之。答曰∶子既无嗣，其藤乃异，此恐是神仙之药，何不服之？遂杵
为末，空心酒服一钱。七日而思人道，数月似强健，因此常服，又加至二钱。经年旧疾皆痊，
发乌容少。十年之内，即生数男，乃改名能嗣。又与其子延秀服，皆寿百六十岁。延秀生首
乌。首乌服药，亦生数子，年百三十岁，发犹黑。有李安期者，与首乌乡里亲善，窃得方服，
其寿亦长，遂叙其事传之云。何首乌，味甘性温无毒，茯苓为使。治五痔腰膝之病，冷气心
痛，积年劳瘦痰癖，风虚败劣，长筋力，益精髓，壮气驻颜，黑发延年，妇人恶血痿黄，产
后诸疾，赤白带下，毒瓦斯入腹，久痢不止，其功不可具述。一名野苗，二名交藤，三名夜合，
四名地精，五名何首乌。本出虔州，江南诸道皆有。苗如木 ，叶有光泽，形如桃柳，其背
偏，皆单生不相对。有雌雄∶雄者苗色黄白，雌者黄赤。根远不过三尺，夜则苗蔓相交，或
隐化不见。春末、夏中、秋初三时，候晴明日兼雌雄采之。乘润以布帛拭去泥土，勿损皮，
烈日曝干，密器贮之，每月再曝。用时去皮为末，酒下最良。遇有疾，即用茯苓汤下为使。
凡服用偶日二、四、六、八日，服讫，以衣覆汗出，导引尤良。忌猪肉血、羊血、无鳞
鱼，
触药无力。其根形大如拳连珠，其有形如鸟兽山岳之状者，珍也。掘得去皮生吃，得味甘甜，
可休粮。
曰∶神效助道，着在仙书。雌雄相交，夜合昼疏。服之去谷，日居月诸。返老还少，
变安病躯。有缘者遇，最尔自如。明州刺史李远附录云∶何首乌以出南河县及岭南恩州、韶
州、潮州、贺州、广州四会县、潘州者为上，邕州晋兴县、桂州、康州、春州、高州、勤州
、循州出者次之，真仙草也。五十年者如拳大，号山奴，服之一年，发髭青黑；一百年者，
如碗大，号山哥，服之一年，颜色红悦；一百五十年者，如盆大，号山伯，服之一年，齿落
更生；二百年者，如斗栲栳大，号山翁，服之一年，颜如童子，行及奔马；三百年者，如三
斗栲栳大，号山精，纯阳之体，久服成地仙也。
时珍曰∶凡诸名山、深山产者，即大而佳也。
根
【修治】志曰∶春、夏、秋采其根，雌雄共用。乘湿以布拭去土，曝干。临时以苦竹刀
切，米泔浸经宿，曝干，木杵臼捣之。忌铁器。
慎微曰∶方用新采者，去皮，铜刀切薄片，入甑内，以瓷锅蒸之。旋以热水从上淋下，
勿令满溢，直候无气味，乃取出曝干用。
时珍曰∶近时治法∶用何首乌、赤白各一斤，竹刀刮去粗皮，米泔浸一夜，切片。用黑
豆三斗，每次用三升三合三勺，以水泡过。砂锅内铺豆一层，首乌一层，重重铺尽，蒸之。
豆熟，取出去豆，将何首乌晒干，再以豆蒸。如此九蒸九晒，乃用。
【气味】苦、涩，微温，无毒。
时珍曰∶茯苓为之使。忌诸血、无鳞鱼、萝卜、蒜
【主治】瘰 ，消痈肿，疗头面风疮，治五痔，止心痛，益血气，黑髭发，悦颜色。久
服长筋骨，益精髓，延年不老。亦治妇人产后及带下诸疾（《开宝》）。久服令人有子，治腹
脏一切宿疾，冷气肠风
【发明】时珍曰∶何首乌，足厥阴、少阴药也。白者入气分，赤者入血分。肾主闭藏，
肝主疏泄。此物气温，味苦涩。苦补肾，温补肝，涩能收敛精气。所以能养血益肝，固精益
肾，健筋骨，乌髭发，为滋补良药。不寒不燥，功在地黄、天门冬诸药之上。气血太和，则
风虚痈肿瘰 诸疾可知矣。此药流传虽久，服者尚寡。嘉靖初，邵应节真人，以七宝美髯丹
方上进。世宗肃皇帝服饵有效，连生皇嗣。于是何首乌之方，天下大行矣。宋怀州知州李治，
与一武臣同官。怪其年七十余而轻健，面如渥丹，能饮食。叩其术，则服何首乌丸也。乃传
其方。后治得病，盛暑中半体无汗，已二年，窃自忧之。造丸服至年余，汗遂浃体。其活血
治风之功，大有补益。其方用赤白何首乌各半斤，米泔浸三夜，竹刀刮去皮，切焙，石臼为
末，炼蜜丸梧子大。每空心温酒下五十丸。亦可末服。
【附方】旧四，新十二。
何首乌各一斤（米泔水浸三、四日，瓷片刮去皮，用淘净黑豆二升，以砂锅木甑，铺豆及首
乌，重重铺盖蒸之。豆熟，取出去豆，曝干，换豆再蒸，如此九次，曝干为末），赤白茯苓
各一斤（去皮研末，以水淘去筋膜及浮者，取沉者捻块，以人乳十碗浸匀，晒干研末），牛
膝
八两（去苗，酒浸一日，同何首乌第七次蒸之，至第九次止，晒干），当归八两（酒浸晒），
枸
杞子八两（酒浸晒），菟丝子八两（酒浸生芽，研烂晒），补骨脂四两（以黑脂麻炒香）。并
忌铁
器，石臼为末，炼蜜和丸弹子大，一百五十丸。每日三丸，侵晨温酒下，午时姜汤下，卧时
盐汤下。其余并丸梧子大，每日空心酒服一百丸，久服极验。忌见前。（《积善堂方》）
服食滋补 《和剂局方》∶何首乌丸∶专壮筋骨，长精髓，补血气。久服黑须发，坚阳
道，
令人多子，轻身延年。月计不足，岁计有余∶用何首乌三斤（铜刀切片，干者以米泔水浸软
切之），牛膝（去苗）一斤（切）。以黑豆一斗，淘净。用木甑铺豆一层，铺药一层，重重铺
尽，
瓦锅蒸至豆熟。取出去豆曝干，换豆又蒸，如此三次。为末，蒸枣肉，和丸梧子大。每服三、
五十丸，空心温酒下。忌见前。郑岩山中丞方∶只用赤白何首乌各半斤，去粗皮阴干，石臼
杵末。每旦无灰酒服二钱。《积善堂方》∶用赤
去
皮，切片，用米泔水浸一宿，晒干；以壮妇男儿乳汁拌晒三度，候干，木臼舂为末；以密云
枣肉和杵，为丸如梧子大。每服二十丸，每十日加十丸，至百丸止，空心温酒、盐汤任下。
一方不用人乳。笔峰《杂兴方》∶用何首乌雌雄各半斤，分作四分∶一分用当归汁浸，一分
生地黄汁浸，一分旱莲汁浸，一分人乳浸。三日取出，各曝干，瓦焙，石臼为末，蒸枣肉，
和丸梧子大。每服四十丸，空心百沸汤下。禁忌见前。
骨软风疾，腰膝疼，行步不得，遍身瘙痒∶用何首乌（大而有花纹者），
同牛膝各一斤，以好酒一升，浸七宿，曝干，木臼杵末，枣肉和丸梧子大。每一服三、
五十丸，空心酒下（《经验方》）
宽筋治损∶何首乌十斤，生黑豆半斤（同煎熟），皂荚一斤（烧存性），牵牛十两（炒取
头末），薄荷十两，木香、牛膝各五两，川乌头（炮）二两，为末，酒糊丸梧子大。每服三
十丸，茶汤下。（《永类方》）
皮里作痛，不问何处∶用何首乌末，姜汁调成膏涂之，以帛裹住，火炙鞋底熨之。（《经
验方》）
自汗不止∶何首乌末，津调，封脐中。（《集简方》）
肠风脏毒，下血不止∶何首乌二两，为末。食前米饮服二钱。（《圣惠方》）
小儿龟背∶龟尿调红内消，点背上骨节，久久自安。
破伤血出∶何首乌末，敷之，即止，神效。（笔峰《杂兴方》）
瘰 结核，或破、或不破，下至胸前者，皆治之∶用九真藤，一名赤葛，即何首乌。其
叶如杏，其根如鸡卵，亦类 子。取根洗净，日日生嚼，并取叶捣涂之，数服即止。其药久
服，延年黑发，用之神效。（《斗门方》）
痈疽毒疮∶红内消不限多少，瓶中文武火熬煎，临熟入好无灰酒相等，再煎数沸，时时
饮之
。其滓焙研为末，酒煮面糊丸梧子大。空心温酒下三十丸，疾退宜常服之。即赤何首乌也，
建昌产者，良。（陈自明《外科精要》）
大风疠疾∶何首乌（大而有花纹者）一斤（米泔浸一七，九蒸九晒），胡麻四两（九蒸
九晒）。为
末。每酒服二钱，日二。（《圣惠方》）
疥癣满身，不可治者∶何首乌、艾叶等分。水煎浓汤洗浴。甚能解痛，生肌肉。（王衮
《博济方》）
茎、叶
【主治】风疮疥癣作痒，煎汤洗浴，甚效（时珍）。
（宋代《开宝本草》记载）
【释名】交藤（出自《何首乌传》）、夜合（出自《何首乌传》）、肝石（出自《纲目》）。
李大明说：这种药在早期本草中没有名字，因为何首乌看到藤蔓夜晚相交，便采集食用并见效，因此以采药人的名字来命名。
李时珍说：汉武帝时期，有一种马肝石能使人的头发变黑，所以后人隐晦地使用这个名字，也称它为马肝石。红色的品种能消散肿毒，外科医生称之为“疮帚”、“红内消”。《斗门方》记载：如果取到的根符合“九数”，服用后就能成仙。所以它又名“九真藤”。
【集解】苏颂说：何首乌原本产于顺州南河县，现在各地都有生长，岭外、江南各州均有分布，其中以洛阳、嵩山以及河南柘城县出产的质量最好。春天生苗，蔓延在竹木墙壁之间，茎呈紫色。叶子对生，像薯蓣（山药），但没有光泽。夏秋季节开黄白色花，类似葛勒花。结出的种子有棱，像荞麦但更细小，只有谷粒大小。秋冬季节采挖根部，大的像拳头，各有五个棱瓣，形状像小甜瓜。有赤、白两种：红色的是雄株，白色的是雌株。另一种说法是：春天采根，秋天采花。经过九次蒸制和九次曝晒，才可以服用。这种药本名叫交藤，因何首乌服用而得名。唐宪宗元和七年，僧人文象遇到茅山老人，于是传承了这件事。李翱写了《何首乌传》说：何首乌是顺州南河县人。祖父名叫能嗣，父亲名叫延秀。能嗣原名田儿，出生时阉割过体质虚弱，五十八岁时没有妻儿，常羡慕道术，跟随师父在山中修行。一天醉卧山野，忽然看见两株藤蔓，相距三尺多，苗蔓相互交错，很久才解开，解开后又重新交织。田儿惊讶于它的奇异，天亮后便挖掘其根回家。询问众人，没有人认识。后来有位山中老人突然来访，向他展示并解释。回答说：“你既然没有后代，这藤蔓又如此奇异，这可能是神仙之药，为何不服用呢？”于是将其捣碎成粉末，空腹用酒送服一钱。七天后便有性欲，几个月后身体变得强健，因此经常服用，剂量增加到二钱。一年后旧疾痊愈，头发变黑，容颜年轻。十年内生了几个儿子，于是改名为能嗣。又给他的儿子延秀服用，都活了一百六十岁。延秀生下首乌。首乌服药后，也生了几个儿子，活到一百三十岁，头发依然乌黑。有个叫李安期的人，与首乌是同乡且关系亲密，偷得药方服用，寿命也很长，于是叙述此事流传开来。何首乌，味甘性温，无毒，茯苓作为引经药。治疗五种痔疮及腰膝疾病，冷气心痛，多年劳损消瘦、痰癖，风虚体弱，增强筋力，补益精髓，壮气驻颜，黑发延年，治疗妇人恶血萎黄，产后各种疾病，赤白带下，毒瓦斯入腹，久痢不止，其功效无法详尽列举。又名野苗，二名交藤，三名夜合，四名地精，五名何首乌。原本产于虔州，江南各道都有。苗像木本植物，叶有光泽，形状像桃柳，背面偏斜，都是单生不相对。有雌雄之分：雄株苗色黄白，雌株黄赤。根远不过三尺，夜晚则苗蔓相交，有时隐藏变化不见。春末、夏中、秋初三个时节，选择晴朗的日子同时采摘雌雄植株。趁湿润时用布帛擦去泥土，不要损伤表皮，烈日下晒干，装入密封容器中储存，每月再曝晒一次。用时去皮研末，用酒送服效果最好。遇到有病时，就用茯苓汤送服作为引导。凡是服用，选择在双日（二、四、六、八日）服用，服完后用衣服覆盖使其出汗，配合导引术效果更好。忌食猪肉、血类、无鳞鱼，否则药效减弱。其根形大如拳连珠状，有的形状像鸟兽山岳的，是珍品。掘出后去皮生吃，味道甘甜，可以断粮休养生息。
诗曰：神效助道，着在仙书。雌雄相交，夜合昼疏。服之去谷，日居月诸。返老还少，变安病躯。有缘者遇，最尔自如。
明州刺史李远附录说：何首乌以南河县及岭南恩州、韶州、潮州、贺州、广州四会县、潘州出产的为上品，邕州晋兴县、桂州、康州、春州、高州、勤州、循州出产的为次品，真是仙草啊。五十年的像拳头大，号称山奴，服用一年，胡须头发青黑；一百年的像碗大，号称山哥，服用一年，面色红润喜悦；一百五十年的像盆大，号称山伯，服用一年，掉落的牙齿再生；二百年的像斗栲栳大，号称山翁，服用一年，容颜如童子，行走速度赶上奔马；三百年的像三斗栲栳大，号称山精，纯阳之体，长期服用成为地仙。
李时珍说：凡是在名山、深山出产的，就是大而好的。
【修治】寇宗奭说：春、夏、秋采挖其根，雌雄共用。趁湿用布擦去泥土，晒干。临时用苦竹刀切开，米泔水浸泡过夜，晒干，用木杵臼捣碎。忌用铁器。
陈慎微说：方剂中使用新采的，去皮，铜刀切薄片，放入甑内，用瓷锅蒸。随即从上面淋下热水，不要让水满溢，直到没有气味，才取出晒干使用。
李时珍说：近时的治疗方法：用何首乌赤白各一斤，竹刀刮去粗皮，米泔水浸泡一夜，切片。用黑豆三斗，每次用三升三合三勺，用水泡过。砂锅内铺一层豆，一层首乌，层层铺尽，蒸制。豆熟后，取出去掉豆子，将何首乌晒干，再用豆子蒸。如此九蒸九晒，然后使用。
【气味】苦、涩，微温，无毒。
【主治】瘰疬，消散痈肿，治疗头面风疮，治疗五种痔疮，止心痛，益血气，黑髭发，悦颜色。久服长筋骨，益精髓，延年不老。也治疗妇人产后及带下各种疾病（《开宝本草》）。久服令人有子，治疗脏腑一切宿疾，冷气肠风。
【发明】李时珍说：何首乌，是足厥阴肝经、足少阴肾经的药物。白色的入气分，红色的入血分。肾主闭藏，肝主疏泄。此物气温，味苦涩。苦能补肾，温能补肝，涩能收敛精气。所以能养血益肝，固精益肾，健筋骨，乌髭发，是滋补良药。不寒不燥，功效在地黄、天门冬等药物之上。气血调和，那么风虚痈肿瘰疬等各种疾病自然可知可愈。此药流传虽久，服用的人还很少。嘉靖初年，邵应节真人，将七宝美髯丹方进献给皇帝。世宗肃皇帝服用有效，接连生下皇嗣。于是何首乌的方子，天下大为流行。宋怀州知州李治，与一名武官同僚。奇怪他七十多岁却轻健，面色红润，能饮食。询问他的方法，则是服用何首乌丸。于是传承了他的方子。后来李治病了，盛暑中半身无汗，已经两年，暗自担忧。制作丸药服用一年多，汗液遂遍布全身。其活血治风的功效，大有补益。其方用赤白何首乌各半斤，米泔水浸泡三夜，竹刀刮去皮，切片焙干，石臼研为末，炼蜜做成梧桐子大小的丸药。每次空腹温酒送服五十丸。也可以研末服用。
【附方】旧方四个，新方十二个。
何首乌各一斤（米泔水浸泡三、四天，瓷片刮去皮，用淘净黑豆二升，用砂锅木甑，铺豆及首乌，层层铺盖蒸之。豆熟，取出去掉豆子，晒干，换豆再蒸，如此九次，晒干研末），赤白茯苓各一斤（去皮研末，用水淘去筋膜及浮者，取沉者捏成块，用人乳十碗浸匀，晒干研末），牛膝八两（去苗，酒浸一日，同何首乌第七次蒸之，至第九次止，晒干），当归八两（酒浸晒），枸杞子八两（酒浸晒），菟丝子八两（酒浸生芽，研烂晒），补骨脂四两（以黑脂麻炒香）。并忌铁器，石臼研为末，炼蜜和丸弹子大，一百五十丸。每日三丸，清晨温酒送下，中午姜汤送下，睡前盐汤送下。其余并丸梧子大，每日空腹酒服一百丸，久服极验。禁忌见前。（《积善堂方》）
服食滋补 《和剂局方》：何首乌丸：专壮筋骨，长精髓，补血气。久服黑须发，坚阳道，令人多子，轻身延年。月计不足，岁计有余：用何首乌三斤（铜刀切片，干者以米泔水浸软切之），牛膝（去苗）一斤（切）。以黑豆一斗，淘净。用木甑铺豆一层，铺药一层，层层铺尽，瓦锅蒸至豆熟。取出豆子晒干，换豆又蒸，如此三次。为末，蒸枣肉，和丸梧子大。每服三、五十丸，空腹温酒下。禁忌见前。郑岩山中丞方：只用赤白何首乌各半斤，去粗皮阴干，石臼杵末。每旦无灰酒服二钱。《积善堂方》：用赤何首乌去皮，切片，用米泔水浸一宿，晒干；以壮妇男儿乳汁拌晒三度，候干，木臼舂为末；以密云枣肉和杵，为丸如梧子大。每服二十丸，每十日加十丸，至百丸止，空腹温酒、盐汤任下。一方不用人乳。笔峰《杂兴方》：用何首乌雌雄各半斤，分作四分：一分用当归汁浸，一分生地黄汁浸，一分旱莲汁浸，一分人乳浸。三日取出，各曝干，瓦焙，石臼为末，蒸枣肉，和丸梧子大。每服四十丸，空腹百沸汤下。禁忌见前。
骨软风疾，腰膝疼，行步不得，遍身瘙痒：用何首乌（大而有花纹者），同牛膝各一斤，以好酒一升，浸七宿，曝干，木臼杵末，枣肉和丸梧子大。每一服三、五十丸，空腹酒下（《经验方》）
宽筋治损：何首乌十斤，生黑豆半斤（同煎熟），皂荚一斤（烧存性），牵牛十两（炒取头末），薄荷十两，木香、牛膝各五两，川乌头（炮）二两，为末，酒糊丸梧子大。每服三十丸，茶汤下。（《永类方》）
皮里作痛，不问何处：用何首乌末，姜汁调成膏涂之，以帛裹住，火炙鞋底熨之。（《经验方》）
肠风脏毒，下血不止：何首乌二两，为末。食前米饮服二钱。（《圣惠方》）
破伤血出：何首乌末，敷之，即止，神效。（笔峰《杂兴方》）
瘰疬结核，或破、或不破，下至胸前者，皆治之：用九真藤，一名赤葛，即何首乌。其叶如杏，其根如鸡卵，亦类马兜铃子。取根洗净，日日生嚼，并取叶捣涂之，数服即止。其药久服，延年黑发，用之神效。（《斗门方》）
痈疽毒疮：红内消不限多少，瓶中文武火熬煎，临熟入好无灰酒相等，再煎数沸，时时饮之。其滓焙研为末，酒煮面糊丸梧子大。空心温酒下三十丸，疾退宜常服之。即赤何首乌也，建昌产者，良。（陈自明《外科精要》）
大风疠疾：何首乌（大而有花纹者）一斤（米泔浸一七，九蒸九晒），胡麻四两（九蒸九晒）。为末。每酒服二钱，日二。（《圣惠方》）
疥癣满身，不可治者：何首乌、艾叶等分。水煎浓汤洗浴。甚能解痛，生肌肉。（王衮《博济方》）
茎、叶
(Song Dynasty *Kaibao Bencao*)
[Names] Jiaoteng (from *He Shouwu Zhuan*), Yehe (from *He Shouwu Zhuan*), Ganshi (from *Bencao Gangmu*).
Li Daming stated: This herb had no name in earlier materia medica. It was named after He Shouwu because he saw the vines intertwining at night, collected and consumed them with effect, thus naming it after the person who gathered it.
Li Shizhen stated: During the reign of Emperor Wu of Han, there was a stone called "Horse Liver Stone" that could darken human hair. Hence, later generations used this name euphemistically, also calling it Horse Liver Stone. The red variety can dissipate swelling and toxins; surgeons call it "Chuangshu" (Wound Broom) or "Hongneixiao" (Red Internal Dissolver). The *Doumen Fang* records: If the roots obtained conform to the "number nine," taking them will lead to immortality. Therefore, it is also named "Jiuzhen Teng" (Nine-True Vine).
[Collection and Explanation] Su Song stated: He Shouwu originally came from Nanhe County, Shunzhou. Now it grows everywhere, including regions beyond the Ling Mountains and various prefectures in Jiangnan. Those from Luoyang, Mount Song, and Zhecheng County in Henan are considered superior. Sprouts emerge in spring, spreading over bamboo, trees, and walls; the stems are purple. Leaves grow opposite each other, resembling *Dioscorea* (yam), but lack luster. Yellowish-white flowers bloom in summer and autumn, similar to *Pueraria* flowers. The seeds have ridges, resemble buckwheat but are smaller, about the size of millet grains. Roots are harvested in autumn and winter; large ones are fist-sized, with five distinct lobes, resembling small sweet melons. There are two types: red and white. Red is male, white is female. Another account says: harvest roots in spring, flowers in autumn. After nine steaming and nine sun-drying cycles, it becomes suitable for consumption. Originally named Jiaoteng, it acquired the name He Shouwu due to his usage. In the 7th year of Yuanhe (Tang Dynasty), Monk Wenxiang met an old man from Maoshan, thereby transmitting this knowledge. Li Ao wrote *Biography of He Shouwu*: He Shouwu was a native of Nanhe County, Shunzhou. His grandfather was named Nengsi, father Yanshou. Nengsi's original name was Tian'er. Born castrated and weak, at fifty-eight he had no wife or children. Often admiring Daoist arts, he followed a master in the mountains. One day, drunk and sleeping in the wild, he suddenly saw two vines, over three feet apart, their tendrils intertwining, separating only to intertwine again. Astonished, Tian'er dug up the roots at dawn and took them home. No one recognized them. Later, a mountain hermit appeared, explained the phenomenon, and said, "Since you have no heir and this vine is extraordinary, it may be an immortal medicine. Why not take it?" The root was pounded into powder, taken on an empty stomach with wine (one qian). After seven days, sexual desire returned; within months, strength improved. He continued taking it, increasing the dose to two qian. Old ailments cured within a year; hair turned black, appearance rejuvenated. Within ten years, several sons were born, and he changed his name to Nengsi. He gave it to his son Yanshou, who also lived to 160. Yanshou fathered Shouwu, who also took the herb, fathered sons, lived to 130, and retained black hair. Li Anqi, a relative and friend, stole the prescription, lived long, and recorded the story. He Shouwu tastes sweet, nature warm, non-toxic. *Poria* (Fuling) acts as an assistant. It treats five types of hemorrhoids, waist and knee ailments, cold qi causing heart pain, chronic emaciation with phlegm-stasis, wind-deficiency debility, strengthens tendons and muscles, benefits essence and marrow, boosts qi, preserves youth, darkens hair, prolongs life, treats women's blood stasis and sallow complexion, postpartum diseases, leukorrhea (red and white), toxic qi entering the abdomen, and chronic dysentery. Its merits cannot be fully listed. Also known as Yemiao, Jiaoteng, Yehe, Dijing, and He Shouwu. Originally from Qianzhou, found throughout Jiangnan. Vines resemble woody plants; leaves are glossy, shaped like peach or willow leaves, asymmetrical, growing singly rather than oppositely. Male vines have yellowish-white shoots; female vines have yellowish-red shoots. Roots rarely exceed three feet; at night, vines intertwine or vanish magically. Harvest both sexes during clear days in late spring, mid-summer, and early autumn. Wipe off soil while moist with cloth, avoid damaging skin, dry in sun, store in sealed vessels, re-dry monthly. For use, peel, powder, and take with wine for best results. When treating illness, use *Poria* decoction to guide. Take on even-numbered days (2, 4, 6, 8); cover with clothes to induce sweating; combine with Daoyin exercises for best effect. Avoid pork, blood products, scaleless fish, as they reduce efficacy. Roots resembling linked pearls or shapes of birds/beasts/mountains are precious. Peeled and eaten raw, they taste sweet and can support fasting.
Poem: Divine efficacy aids the Dao, recorded in immortal texts. Male and female intersect, joining at night, parting by day. Taking it reduces grain intake, passing days and months. Returning to youth, transforming sick bodies into health. Only those destined meet it, acting freely as desired.
Li Yuan, Prefect of Mingzhou, appended: He Shouwu from Nanhe County, Enzhou, Shaozhou, Chaozhou, Hezhou, Sihuai County in Guangzhou, and Panzhou are superior. Those from Yinxing County in Yongzhou, Guizhou, Kangzhou, Chunzhou, Gaozhou, Qinzhou, and Xunzhou are secondary. Truly an immortal herb. Fifty-year-old roots are fist-sized, called "Shannu"; one year of use turns beard and hair black. Hundred-year-old roots are bowl-sized, called "Shange"; one year of use brings ruddy complexion. One-hundred-fifty-year-old roots are basin-sized, called "Shanbo"; one year of use regrows lost teeth. Two-hundred-year-old roots are basket-sized, called "Shanweng"; one year of use restores youthful face and running speed. Three-hundred-year-old roots are triple-basket-sized, called "Shanjing"; pure yang constitution, long-term use makes one an earth immortal.
Li Shizhen stated: Those from famous or deep mountains are large and excellent.
[Processing] Kou Zongshi stated: Harvest roots in spring, summer, autumn; use both sexes. Wipe soil while moist, dry. Cut with bitter bamboo knife, soak in rice wash overnight, dry, pound in wooden mortar. Avoid iron tools.
Chen Shenwei stated: Use freshly harvested herbs, peel, slice thinly with copper knife, steam in a steamer inside a porcelain pot. Pour hot water from above without overflowing, until odorless, then remove and dry.
Li Shizhen stated: Modern method: Use one jin each of red and white He Shouwu. Scrape coarse skin with bamboo knife, soak in rice wash overnight, slice. Soak three dou of black beans (using 3 sheng, 3 ge, 3 shao per batch) in water. Layer beans and He Shouwu in a clay pot, steaming thoroughly. When beans are cooked, remove beans, dry He Shouwu, then steam again with fresh beans. Repeat nine steaming and nine drying cycles before use.
[Properties and Flavor] Bitter, astringent, slightly warm, non-toxic.
Li Shizhen stated: *Poria* (Fuling) acts as an assistant. Avoid all blood products, scaleless fish, radishes, garlic.
[Indications] Scrofula, dissipates abscesses and swelling, treats wind-sores on head and face, cures five types of hemorrhoids, stops heart pain, nourishes blood and qi, darkens beard and hair, beautifies complexion. Long-term use strengthens bones and tendons, benefits essence and marrow, prolongs life and prevents aging. Also treats postpartum conditions and leukorrhea (*Kaibao Bencao*). Long-term use promotes fertility, treats chronic internal diseases, cold qi, and intestinal wind.
[Elucidation] Li Shizhen stated: He Shouwu enters the Foot-Jueyin Liver and Foot-Shaoyin Kidney meridians. White enters the Qi level; red enters the Blood level. The Kidney governs storage; the Liver governs dispersal. This herb is warm in nature, bitter and astringent in flavor. Bitter tonifies the Kidney; warm tonifies the Liver; astringent consolidates essence and qi. Thus, it nourishes blood and benefits the Liver, secures essence and tonifies the Kidney, strengthens bones and tendons, darkens beard and hair. It is a fine tonic, neither cold nor drying, surpassing *Rehmannia* (Dihuang) and *Asparagus* (Tiandong). When Qi and Blood are harmonious, wind-deficiency, abscesses, and scrofula are resolved. Though widely known, few take it. Early Jiajing era, True Man Shao Yingjia presented the Seven-Treasure Beard-Beautifying Pill formula to the Emperor. Emperor Shizong found it effective and sired heirs. Consequently, He Shouwu prescriptions became popular nationwide. Li Zhi, Prefect of Huaizhou, served with a military officer who, despite being over seventy, was agile, ruddy-faced, and had good appetite. Learning he took He Shouwu pills, Li copied the formula. Later, Li suffered from hemihidrosis (no sweat on half the body) for two years in summer. After taking the pills for over a year, sweating normalized. Its blood-invigorating and wind-dispelling effects are highly beneficial. Formula: Half a jin each of red and white He Shouwu, soaked in rice wash for three nights, scraped with bamboo knife, sliced, dried, powdered in stone mortar, honey-pilled to wu-size. Take 50 pills with warm wine on an empty stomach. Can also be taken as powder.
[Attached Prescriptions] Four old, twelve new.
He Shouwu 1 jin (soaked in rice wash 3-4 days, scraped with porcelain shard, steamed layer-by-layer with 2 sheng washed black beans in clay pot/wooden steamer. Remove beans when cooked, dry, replace beans, repeat 9 times, dry and powder), Red/White Poria 1 jin (peeled, powdered, washed to remove membranes/floating parts, keep sinking parts, knead into blocks, soak in 10 bowls human milk, dry, powder), Achyranthes Root (Niuxi) 8 liang (remove sprouts, soak in wine 1 day, steam with He Shouwu from 7th to 9th cycle, dry), Angelica Sinensis (Danggui) 8 liang (soak in wine, dry), Lycium Fruit (Gouqizi) 8 liang (soak in wine, dry), Dodder Seed (Tusizi) 8 liang (soak in wine, sprout, mash, dry), Psoralea Fruit (Buguzhi) 4 liang (stir-fry with black sesame until fragrant). Avoid iron. Powder in stone mortar, mix with refined honey into pill size of a bullet, 150 pills. Take 3 daily: warm wine in morning, ginger soup at noon, salt water at bedtime. Other formulas make wu-size pills, take 100 on empty stomach with wine, highly effective long-term. See previous contraindications. (*Jishantang Fang*)
Nourishing Consumption (*Heji Ju Fang*): He Shouwu Pill: Strengthens bones/tendons, enriches essence/marrow, tonifies blood/qi. Darkens beard/hair, strengthens potency, increases fertility, lightens body, prolongs life. Monthly gains seem small, yearly gains great. Use He Shouwu 3 jin (slice with copper knife, soften dry slices in rice wash), Achyranthes Root (Niuxi) 1 jin (remove sprouts, slice). Wash 1 dou black beans. Layer beans and herbs in wooden steamer, steam in clay pot until beans cook. Remove beans, dry, replace beans, steam 3 times. Powder, mix with steamed jujube flesh, pill to wu-size. Take 30-50 with warm wine on empty stomach. See previous contraindications. Zheng Yan's Prescription: Use half a jin each of red/white He Shouwu, remove coarse skin, dry in shade, powder in stone mortar. Take 2 qian with unfermented wine every morning. *Jishantang Fang*: Peel red He Shouwu, slice, soak in rice wash overnight, dry; mix with breast milk from strong young men/women, dry and sun-dry 3 times, pound in wooden mortar to powder; mix with Miyun jujube flesh, pill to wu-size. Start with 20 pills, increase by 10 every 10 days up to 100, take with warm wine or salt water on empty stomach. One variant omits human milk. Bifeng's *Zaxing Fang*: Use half a jin each of male/female He Shouwu, divide into four parts: soak one part in *Angelica* juice, one in *Rehmannia* juice, one in *Eclipta* juice, one in human milk. After 3 days, take out, dry separately, bake on tiles, powder in stone mortar, mix with steamed jujube flesh, pill to wu-size. Take 40 with boiling water on empty stomach. See previous contraindications.
Soft bone wind disease, waist/knee pain, inability to walk, whole-body itching: Use large He Shouwu with patterns, same amount as Achyranthes Root (Niuxi) (1 jin each). Soak in 1 sheng good wine for 7 nights, dry, powder in wooden mortar, mix with jujube flesh, pill to wu-size. Take 30-50 with wine on empty stomach. (*Experience Formula*)
Relax tendons, treat injury: He Shouwu 10 jin, raw black beans 0.5 jin (boil together until cooked), Gleditsia Fruit (Zaojia) 1 jin (burn to retain character), Morning Glory Seed (Qianniu) 10 liang (stir-fry, take first powder), Mint (Bohe) 10 liang, Costus Root (Muxiang) & Achyranthes Root (Niuxi) 5 liang each, Prepared Sichuan Aconite Root (Chuan Wutou) 2 liang. Powder, paste with wine, pill to wu-size. Take 30 with tea. (*Yonglei Fang*)
Pain under skin, anywhere: Mix He Shouwu powder with ginger juice to make paste, apply, wrap with cloth, iron with heated shoe sole. (*Experience Formula*)
Spontaneous sweating unceasing: He Shouwu powder, mix with saliva, apply to umbilicus. (*Jijian Fang*)
Intestinal wind, visceral toxin, continuous bleeding: He Shouwu 2 liang, powder. Take 2 qian with rice water before meals. (*Shenghui Fang*)
Infant turtle back: Mix tortoise urine with Hongneixiao, apply to spinal joints; gradually stabilizes.
Laceration with bleeding: Apply He Shouwu powder; stops bleeding immediately, divine effect. (Bifeng's *Zaxing Fang*)
Scrofula tubercles, broken or unbroken, extending to chest: Use Jiuzhen Teng, also called Chige, which is He Shouwu. Leaves like apricot, roots like chicken eggs, resembling Aristolochia seeds. Wash roots, chew raw daily, crush leaves for topical application. Few doses stop it. Long-term use prolongs life, darkens hair, divine effect. (*Doumen Fang*)
Carbuncles and toxic sores: Hongneixiao any amount, simmer in bottle with medium-high heat. Near completion, add equal amount of good unfermented wine, boil briefly, drink occasionally. Dry residue, powder, paste with wine-flour dough, pill to wu-size. Take 30 with warm wine on empty stomach; continue after symptoms subside. This is red He Shouwu; those from Jianchang are good. (Chen Ziming's *Waike Jingyao*)
Great Wind Leprosy: He Shouwu (large with patterns) 1 jin (soak in rice wash 7 days, 9 steam/9 dry), Sesame 4 liang (9 steam/9 dry). Powder. Take 2 qian with wine, twice daily. (*Shenghui Fang*)
Generalized tinea/crusts, untreatable: Equal parts He Shouwu and Mugwort. Boil strong decoction for bathing. Relieves pain, generates flesh. (Wang Gun's *Boji Fang*)
Stems and Leaves
[Indications] Wind-sores, tinea, itching. Decoct for bathing, very effective. (Li Shizhen)