（《纲目》）
【释名】闹鱼花（《纲目》）、鱼尾草（《纲目
【集解】时珍曰∶醉鱼草南方处处有之。多在堑岸边，作小株生，高者三、四尺。根状
如
八月开花成穗，红紫色，俨如芫花一样。结细子。渔人采花及叶以毒鱼，尽圉圉而死，呼
为醉鱼儿草。池沼边不可种之。此花色状、气味并如芫花，毒鱼亦同。但花开不同时为异
尔。按《中山经》云∶熊耳山有草焉，其状如苏而赤华，名曰葶苎，可以毒鱼。其此草之类
欤？
花、叶
【气味】辛、苦，温，有小毒。
【主治】痰饮成 ，遇寒便发，取花研末，和米粉作果，炙熟食之，即效。又治误食石
斑鱼子中毒，吐不止，及诸鱼骨鲠者，捣汁，和冷水少许咽之，吐即止，骨即化也。久疟成
癖者，以花填鲫鱼腹中，湿纸裹煨熟，空心食之，仍以花和海粉捣贴，便消（时珍）。
（《本经》下品）
【校正】自木部移入此。
【释名】 草（音罔）、芒草（《山海经》）、鼠莽。
弘景曰∶莽本作 字，俗讹呼尔。
时珍曰∶此物有毒，食之令人迷罔，故名。山人以毒鼠，谓之鼠莽。
【正误】《别录》曰∶一名 ，一名春草。
禹锡曰∶按《尔雅》云∶ ，春草。孙炎注云∶药草也，俗呼为 草。郭璞注云∶一名
芒草。所见异也。
时珍曰∶ ，音尾，白薇也。薇、 字音相近尔。《别录》白薇下云∶一名春草，而此
又以为 草，盖因
【集解】《别录》曰∶莽草生上谷山谷及冤句。五月采叶，阴干。
弘景曰∶今东间处处皆有，叶青辛烈者良。人用捣以和陈粟米粉，纳水中，鱼吞即死浮
出，人取食之无妨。
颂曰∶今南中州郡及蜀川皆有之。木若石南而叶稀，无花实。五月、七月采叶，阴干。
一说∶藤生，绕木石间。既谓之草，乃蔓生者是也。
宗 曰∶莽草诸家皆谓之草，而本草居木部。今世所用，皆木叶如石南叶，枝梗干则皱，
揉之其臭如椒。
曰∶凡用叶，勿用尖及挛生者。
时珍曰∶《范子计然》云∶莽草出三辅，青色者善。
叶
【修治】 曰∶凡使，取叶细锉，以生甘草、水蓼二味同盛入生稀绢袋中，甑中蒸一日，
去二件，晒干用。
【气味】辛，温，有毒。普曰∶神农∶辛；雷公、桐君∶苦，有毒。
时珍曰∶莽草制雌黄、雄黄而有毒，误食害人。惟紫河车磨水服，及黑豆煮汁服，可
解。豆汁浇其根即烂，性相制也。
【主治】风头痈肿，乳痈疝瘕，除结气疥瘙。杀虫鱼（《本经》）。
疗喉痹不通，乳难。头风痒，可用沐，勿令入眼（《别录》）。治风疽，疝气肿坠凝血，
治瘰 ，除湿风，不入汤服。主头疮白秃杀虫。与白蔹、赤小豆为末，鸡子白调如糊， 毒
肿，干更易上（甄权）。治皮肤麻痹，煎浓汤淋。风虫牙痛（大明）。
【发明】颂曰∶古方治风毒痹厥诸酒，皆用 草。今医家取叶煎汤，热含少顷吐之，治
牙齿风虫及喉痹甚效。
宗 曰∶浓煎汤，淋渫皮肤麻痹。《周礼》翦氏掌除蠹物，以莽草熏之则死。
时珍曰∶古方治小儿伤寒，有莽草汤。又《琐碎录》云∶思村王氏之子，生七日而两肾
缩入。二医云∶此受寒气而然也。以硫黄、茱萸、大蒜研涂其腹，以 草、蛇床子烧烟，熏
其下部而愈也。
【附方】旧四，新十。
贼风肿痹，风入五藏恍惚，宜莽草膏主之∶莽草一斤，乌头、附子、踯躅各二两，切，
以水
和醋一升，渍一宿。猪脂一斤，煎三上三下，绞去滓。向火，以手摩病上三百度，应手即瘥。
若耳鼻疾，可以绵裹塞之。疥癣杂疮，并宜摩之。（《肘后》）
小儿风痫，掣 戴眼，极者日数十发，又治大人贼风∶莽草、雷丸各一鸡子黄大，化猪
脂一斤，煎七沸，去滓，摩痛处，勿近目及阴，日凡三、四次。（《外台秘要》）
头风久痛∶莽草煎汤沐之，勿令入目。（《圣惠方》）
风虫牙痛∶《肘后方》∶用莽草煎汤，热漱冷吐。一加山椒
师方》）；一加芫花； 一加川椒、细辛各等分。煎汤热漱冷吐。《圣惠》∶用莽草半两，皂
角三挺（去皮子），汉椒七粒。为末，枣肉丸芥子大。每以一丸塞孔中，吐涎取效。
瘰 结核∶ 草一两为末鸡子白调涂帛上，贴之，日二易，取效止。（《圣惠方》）
痈疮未溃∶方同上，得痛为良。（《肘后方》）
乳肿不消∶莽草、小豆等分。为末。苦酒和，敷之。（《卫生易简》）
狗咬昏闷∶浸椒水，调莽草末敷之。（《便民图纂》）
（《本草纲目》）
【释名】闹鱼花（出自《本草纲目》）、鱼尾草（出自《本草纲目》）。
【集解】李时珍说：醉鱼草在南方各地都有生长。多生长在沟渠岸边，呈小灌木状生长，高的有三、四尺。八月开花成穗状，花色红紫，形状完全像芫花（一种有毒植物）。结细小的种子。渔人采集它的花和叶用来毒鱼，鱼全部翻肚而死，所以称之为“醉鱼儿草”。池塘沼泽边不可种植这种草。这种花颜色形状、气味都与芫花相同，毒鱼的效果也一样。只是花开的时间不同作为区别罢了。按《中山经》记载：熊耳山有一种草，形状像苏草但开红花，名叫葶苎，可以用来毒鱼。大概这就是那类草吧？
花、叶
【气味】辛味、苦味，性温，有小毒。
【主治】痰饮病形成的癖块，遇寒冷就发作，取花研成粉末，与米粉混合做成食品，烤熟后食用，立即见效。又治疗误食石斑鱼子中毒，呕吐不止，以及被各种鱼骨卡住喉咙的情况，捣烂取汁，加入少许冷水咽下，呕吐就会停止，鱼骨就会化解。长期疟疾形成痞块的，将花填入鲫鱼腹中，用湿纸包裹煨熟，空腹食用，同时用花和海粉（海螵蛸）捣碎外贴，痞块即可消除（李时珍）。
（《神农本草经》下品）
【校正】从木部移入此部。
【释名】莽草（音同“罔”）、芒草（出自《山海经》）、鼠莽。
陶弘景说：莽字原本写作“䕃”字，俗传讹称为“尔”。
李时珍说：这种物有毒，吃了让人神志迷乱恍惚，所以得名。山里人用它来毒老鼠，所以叫它鼠莽。
【正误】《名医别录》说：又名“䕃”，又名春草。
禹锡说：按《尔雅》记载：“䕃”，就是春草。孙炎注释说：是药草，俗称为䕃草。郭璞注释说：又名芒草。所见说法不同。
李时珍说：“䕃”，音同“尾”，指白薇。薇、䕃二字读音相近罢了。《名医别录》在白薇条下说：又名春草，而这里又把“䕃”当作莽草，大概是因……（原文此处似有脱漏或语意未尽，依文意理解为混淆了名称）。
【集解】《名医别录》说：莽草生长在上谷山谷及冤句等地。五月采集叶子，阴干。
陶弘景说：现在江东地区到处都有，叶子青色且气味辛辣烈性的为好。人们用它捣碎混合陈粟米粉，放入水中，鱼吞食后即死浮出，人取食这些鱼没有妨碍。
苏颂说：现在南方各州郡及蜀川都有。树木像石南藤但叶子稀疏，不开花结果。五月、七月采集叶子，阴干。
另一种说法：它是藤本植物，缠绕在树木石头间。既然叫草，应该是蔓生植物才对。
寇宗奭说：莽草各家都称之为草，但《本草》却将其列在木部。现在世面所用的，都是叶子像石南叶，枝梗干枯后起皱，揉搓后气味像花椒。
曰：凡是使用叶子，不要用尖端及卷曲生长的部分。
李时珍说：《范子计然》记载：莽草出产于三辅地区，青色的品质好。
叶
【修治】曰：凡是用莽草，取叶子细切，与生甘草、水蓼两味一同装入生的稀绢袋中，在蒸笼中蒸一天，去掉这两味药，晒干后使用。
【气味】辛味，性温，有毒。雷公说：神农认为辛；雷公、桐君认为苦，有毒。
李时珍说：莽草能制约雌黄、雄黄的毒性因而本身有毒，误食害人。只有紫河车磨水服用，以及黑豆煮汁服用，可以解毒。豆汁浇在根部就会腐烂，这是性质相互制约的缘故。
【主治】风头痈肿，乳痈疝瘕，去除结气和疥疮瘙痒。杀虫、毒鱼（出自《神农本草经》）。
治疗喉痹不通，乳汁难下。头风瘙痒，可用其煎汤洗头，不要让药液进入眼睛（出自《名医别录》）。治疗风疽，疝气肿坠凝血，治疗瘰疬，除湿祛风，不入汤剂内服。主治头疮白秃，杀虫。与白蔹、赤小豆研成末，用鸡蛋清调成糊状，敷涂毒肿处，干了就更换（甄权）。治疗皮肤麻痹，煎浓汤淋洗。风虫牙痛（大明）。
【发明】苏颂说：古方治疗风毒痹厥的各种酒剂，都用莽草。现在医家取叶子煎汤，热含片刻后吐出，治疗牙齿风虫及喉痹非常有效。
寇宗奭说：浓煎汤，淋洗治疗皮肤麻痹。《周礼》翦氏掌管清除蛀虫，用莽草熏蒸则虫子死亡。
李时珍说：古方治疗小儿伤寒，有莽草汤。又《琐碎录》记载：思村王氏的儿子，出生七天睾丸缩入腹中。两位医生说：这是受寒气所致。用硫黄、茱萸、大蒜研碎涂抹腹部，用莽草、蛇床子烧烟，熏蒸其下部而痊愈。
【附方】旧方四个，新方十个。
贼风引起的肿痛痹症，风邪侵入五脏导致神志恍惚，宜用莽草膏主治：莽草一斤，乌头、附子、踯躅各二两，切碎，用水一升、醋一升，浸泡一夜。猪脂一斤，煎煮三次，过滤去渣。面向火，用手按摩患处三百遍，应手即愈。如果是耳鼻疾病，可以用棉裹塞入。疥癣杂疮，都适宜按摩。（出自《肘后备急方》）
小儿风痫，抽搐瞪眼，严重的每天发作几十次，又治疗大人贼风：莽草、雷丸各如鸡子黄大小，化开猪脂一斤，煎七沸，去渣，按摩疼痛处，不要靠近眼睛及阴部，每天共三、四次。（出自《外台秘要》）
头风久痛：用莽草煎汤洗头，不要让药液进入眼睛。（出自《太平圣惠方》）
风虫牙痛：《肘后方》：用莽草煎汤，热漱冷吐。一方加山椒（出自《圣惠方》）；一方加芫花；一方加川椒、细辛各等分。煎汤热漱冷吐。《圣惠方》：用莽草半两，皂角三挺（去皮子），汉椒七粒。研成末，枣肉制成芥子大小的丸。每次取一丸塞入患孔中，吐出涎液即见效。
瘰疬结核：莽草一两为末，鸡蛋清调涂在帛上，贴敷患处，每天换两次，见效为止。（出自《太平圣惠方》）
痈疮未溃：方同上，感到疼痛为佳。（出自《肘后备急方》）
乳房肿胀不消：莽草、小豆等分。研成末。用醋调和，敷之。（出自《卫生易简方》）
狗咬昏闷：浸泡椒水，调莽草末敷之。（出自《便民图纂》）
(From *Bencao Gangmu*)
[Names] Naoyuhua (Fish-Killing Flower, from *Bencao Gangmu*), Yuweicao (Fish-Tail Grass, from *Bencao Gangmu*).
[Collected Explanations] Li Shizhen stated: Zuiyuc grass (Buddleja officinalis) is found everywhere in the South. It mostly grows on the banks of ditches, forming small shrubs, reaching a height of three or four chi. In the eighth lunar month, it flowers into spikes; the flowers are red-purple, resembling completely those of Yuanhua (Daphne genkwa). It bears fine seeds. Fishermen harvest its flowers and leaves to poison fish; the fish all die floating on their bellies, hence it is called "Zuiyu'er Cao" (Fish-Intoxicating Grass). It should not be planted near ponds or marshes. The color, shape, and odor of this flower are identical to Yuanhua, and its effect on poisoning fish is also the same. The only difference is the time of flowering. According to the *Zhongshan Jing* (Classic of the Central Mountains): "On Xiong'er Mountain there is a herb, shaped like Su (Perilla) but with red flowers, named Tingzhu, which can be used to poison fish." Is this herb one of that kind?
Flowers and Leaves
[Properties and Flavor] Pungent, bitter, warm, slightly toxic.
[Indications] For phlegm-fluid retention forming masses (Pi), which flare up upon exposure to cold: take the flowers, grind them into powder, mix with rice flour to make cakes, roast until cooked, and eat them for immediate effect. Also treats poisoning from accidentally eating stone grouper roe, causing incessant vomiting, as well as fish bones stuck in the throat: crush and extract juice, mix with a little cold water, and swallow; vomiting will cease, and the bone will dissolve. For chronic malaria forming masses: stuff the flowers into the belly of a crucian carp, wrap in wet paper, and bake/roast until cooked; eat on an empty stomach. Additionally, paste a mixture of flowers and Hai Fen (Sepia shell) externally to dissipate the mass (Li Shizhen).
(From *Shennong Bencao Jing*, Lower Grade)
[Correction] Transferred from the Wood section to this section.
[Names] Mangcao (pronounced 'Wang'), Mangcao (Mang Grass, from *Shanhai Jing*), Shumang (Rat Poison).
Tao Hongjing stated: The character 'Mang' was originally written as 'Yin', commonly mispronounced as 'Er'.
Li Shizhen stated: This substance is toxic; ingestion causes mental confusion and disorientation, hence the name. Mountain people use it to poison rats, calling it Shumang.
[Correction of Errors] *Mingyi Bielu* states: Also known as 'Yin', also known as Chuncao (Spring Grass).
Yuxi stated: According to *Erya*: 'Yin' is Chuncao. Sun Yan's commentary states: It is a medicinal herb, commonly called Yincao. Guo Pu's commentary states: Also known as Mangcao. The views differ.
Li Shizhen stated: 'Yin' (pronounced 'Wei') refers to Baiwei (Cynanchum atratum). The characters Wei and Yin have similar pronunciations. Under the entry for Baiwei in *Mingyi Bielu*, it says: Also known as Chuncao. Here, 'Yin' is taken as Mangcao, likely due to... [text implies confusion of names].
[Collected Explanations] *Mingyi Bielu* states: Mangcao grows in the valleys of Shanggu and Yuanju. Harvest leaves in the fifth lunar month, dry in shade.
Tao Hongjing stated: Now it is found everywhere in Jiangdong. Those with green leaves and pungent, strong odor are good. People crush it, mix it with aged millet flour, put it in water; fish swallowing it die and float up. Humans eating these fish are unharmed.
Su Song stated: Now it exists in southern prefectures and Shu region. The plant resembles Shi Nan Teng (Pyrularia edulis) but has sparse leaves, no flowers or fruits. Harvest leaves in the fifth and seventh lunar months, dry in shade.
Another theory: It is a vine, winding around trees and rocks. Since it is called 'Cao' (grass/herb), it should be a creeping plant.
Kou Zongshi stated: Various texts call Mangcao a herb, yet *Bencao* places it in the Wood section. What is used today has leaves like Shi Nan Teng; stems become wrinkled when dry, and rubbing them releases an odor like Sichuan pepper.
Stated: When using leaves, do not use the tips or curled ones.
Li Shizhen stated: *Fanzi Jiran* records: Mangcao comes from Sanfu region; those that are green are superior.
Leaves
[Processing] Stated: To process, take leaves, cut finely, place together with raw Gancao (Licorice root) and Shuiliao (Water Smartweed) into a bag made of raw thin silk, steam in a steamer for one day, remove the two herbs, and sun-dry for use.
[Properties and Flavor] Pungent, warm, toxic. Leigong stated: Shennong said pungent; Leigong and Tongjun said bitter, toxic.
Li Shizhen stated: Mangcao is toxic because it counteracts the toxicity of Cishi (Realgar) and Xionghuang (Orpiment); accidental ingestion harms humans. Only taking powdered Ziheche (Placenta) mixed with water, or decoction of Heidou (Black beans), can detoxify it. Bean juice causes its roots to rot; this is mutual antagonism of properties.
[Indications] Head wind carbuncles and swellings, breast carbuncles, hernias and masses; removes Qi stagnation and scabies itching. Kills insects and poisons fish (*Shennong Bencao Jing*).
Treats obstruction of throat bi (sore throat/swelling), difficulty in lactation. For head wind itching, use for washing hair; do not let enter eyes (*Mingyi Bielu*). Treats wind abscesses, hernial swelling with coagulated blood, scrofula; dispels dampness and wind; does not enter decoctions for internal use. Mainly treats scalp sores and alopecia, kills insects. Mix with Bailian (Ampelopsis radix) and Chixiaodou (Adzuki bean) into powder, blend with egg white to paste-like consistency, apply to toxic swellings, change when dry (Zhen Quan). Treats skin numbness, wash with strong decoction. Wind-worm toothache (Daming).
[Elucidation] Su Song stated: Ancient formulas treating wind-toxicity, bi, and厥 (convulsions/coma) in wines all use Mangcao. Modern physicians take leaves, decoct in water, hold hot in mouth briefly, then spit out; very effective for wind-worm toothache and throat bi.
Kou Zongshi stated: Strong decoction washed over skin treats numbness. *Zhou Li* (Rites of Zhou) states the Jian Shi (official removing pests) uses Mangcao fumigation to kill pests.
Li Shizhen stated: Ancient formulas for pediatric typhoid fever include Mangcao Tang. Also, *Suosui Lu* records: The son of Wang family in Sicun had testes retracting into the abdomen seven days after birth. Two doctors said: This is caused by cold qi. Apply crushed sulfur, Cornus, and garlic to the abdomen; fumigate the lower part with burning Mangcao and Shechuangzi (Cnidium fruit) until healed.
[Attached Formulas] Four old, ten new.
For thief-wind causing swelling and bi, wind entering five zang organs causing mental vagueness, use Mangcao Gao: Mangcao 1 jin, Wutou (Aconite lateral root), Fuzi (Prepared Aconite root), Zhizhu (Rhododendron molle) each 2 liang, sliced. Soak overnight in 1 sheng water and 1 sheng vinegar. Add 1 jin lard, boil three times up and down, strain off dregs. Face the fire, massage the affected area 300 times with hand; recovery follows immediately. If ear/nose diseases, wrap in cotton and insert. Scabies, tinea, miscellaneous sores: massage with it (*Zhouhou Beiji Fang*).
For pediatric wind epilepsy, convulsions, upward staring eyes, severe cases occurring dozens of times daily, also for adult thief-wind: Mangcao and Leiwan (Polyporus) each size of chicken egg yolk, melt in 1 jin lard, boil seven times, strain, massage painful areas; avoid eyes and genitals; 3-4 times daily (*Waitai Miyao*).
Chronic head wind pain: Wash head with Mangcao decoction; avoid eyes (*Taiping Shenghui Fang*).
Wind-worm toothache: *Zhouhou Fang*: Decoct Mangcao, rinse hot, spit cold. Add Shan Jiao (Mountain Pepper) (*Shenghui Fang*); add Yuanhua (*Daphne genkwa*); add Chuanjiao (Sichuan pepper) and Xixin (Asarum) in equal parts. Decoct, rinse hot, spit cold. *Shenghui Fang*: Mangcao 0.5 liang, Zaojiao (Gleditsia sinensis) 3 pods (remove skin/seeds), Hanjiao (Sichuan pepper) 7 grains. Powder, pill with jujube meat size of mustard seed. Insert one pill into cavity, expectorate saliva for effect.
Scrofula and lymphatic tuberculosis: Mangcao 1 liang powder, mix with egg white, apply on cloth, patch on site; change twice daily until effective (*Taiping Shenghui Fang*).
Carbuncles not yet ulcerated: Same formula as above; feeling pain is good (*Zhouhou Fang*).
Breast swelling not resolving: Mangcao and Xiaodou (Adzuki bean) in equal parts. Powder, mix with vinegar, apply (*Weisheng Yijian Fang*).
Dog bite causing fainting/stupor: Soak in pepper water, mix with Mangcao powder, apply (*Bianmin Tuzuan*).