典藏书目

Asafoetida (Awei)
Taste: Pungent. Nature: Slightly warm. Non-toxic. Originates from the interior of Persia, growing within the Aiyu tree. The tree is approximately eight to nine chi tall, with bark that is greenish-yellow; it bears no flowers or fruits throughout the four seasons, and its leaves resemble those of a mouse. When branches and stems are broken, the exuded juice drips like syrup. Over time, it hardens and solidifies, hence the name Asafoetida. The *Tang Bencao* annotation states: Its nature is extremely foul-smelling, yet it can stop foul odors, making it a wondrous substance. Those that are black in color have weak efficacy, while yellow, powdery forms are considered superior. However, merchants in the market today often use boiled garlic white bulbs to counterfeit it, so careful discrimination is necessary. When preparing for medicinal use, grind into powder and frost, steaming over a vessel heated with hot wine. Place on the ground to cool before incorporating into prescriptions as appropriate. It eliminates foul odors, kills various small insects, descends malignant qi, and breaks up various accumulations and masses. It wards off pestilence, prevents malaria, dispels ghosts and evil influences, dissolves gu poison, and eradicates consumption tuberculosis.

Aloe (Luhui)
Taste: Bitter. Nature: Cold. Non-toxic. Originates from the land of Persia, formed by the condensation of resinous tears dripping from trees. Its appearance resembles dark molasses, commonly known as "Elephant Gall" (Xiangdan). (It is called this because of its bitter taste.) It can detoxify if Croton seed (Badou) is accidentally ingested. It kills parasites, removes childhood malnutrition due to parasites (Gan syndrome), calms the heart spirit, and brightens the eyes. It treats epilepsy and convulsions in children, and sores, hemorrhoids, and carbuncles in adults. For tinea developing on the neck, grinding it evenly with Licorice root (Gancao) and applying externally is effective; for lesions between teeth, rinsing thoroughly with salt water solution and applying topically leads to recovery.

Myrrh (Moyao)
Varies in size, broken pieces are smooth, glossy, and lovely. Grind finely for medicinal use; processing methods are the same as for Frankincense (Ruxiang). It primarily treats injuries from falls and bruises, and manages suppurative sores, ulcers, and necrotic tissue. It invigorates blood circulation with immediate effect and relieves pain miraculously.

Momordica charantia Seed (Mubiezi)
Taste: Sweet. Nature: Warm. Non-toxic. Grows in Langzhou (belonging to Hunan), where vines and stems are very large. It bears yellow flowers and green leaves; the fruit resembles Trichosanthes fruit (Gualou). It is green when raw and red when ripe, with spines on the flesh. Its kernel resembles a turtle, hence the name. It reduces swelling and treats malignant sores, removing dark acne and comedones. It is immediately effective for "clam poison" (hard swellings) in both groins and highly efficacious for bilateral breast carbuncles with redness. It stops lower back pain and treats fractures and sprains. It not only specializes in drawing out toxins but also promotes tissue regeneration.
(Chen Jiamo) Note: *Aconitum* lateral roots (Wutou bisui) are also called Mubiezi. Two substances share the same name and must be distinguished. This one (the true Mubiezi) is specifically used in external medicine and has the effect of drawing out toxins. That one (*Aconitum*) merely carries the name and lacks any therapeutic ability. Unlike the three substances sharing the name "Immortal's Cane" (Xianrenzhang), which each have their own uses.