典藏书目

Guangya (Broad Elegance) states: "Shanqi (Mountain Celery, pronounced 'qin') is Danggui (Angelica sinensis), resembling celery but thicker and larger." Shuowen Jiezi (Explanations of Simple Graphs and Analytical Compounds) states: "Qi is a herb; those growing in the mountains are named Bi (pronounced 'bai')." The newly compiled Tu Jing Ben Cao (Illustrated Materia Medica) asserts that "Danggui belongs to the celery family; those growing on flat land are called celery, while those growing in the mountains that are thick and large are called Danggui." If this is the case, then currently in Sichuan and Shu regions, it is cultivated in raised beds on flat land, becoming particularly fat and oily. Regardless of whether it grows on flat land or in mountains, the best quality is that which is fleshy, moist, and not dry. Physicians nowadays consider this type superior. Merchants sometimes sprinkle it with thin wine to make it appear plump and moist, which requires careful observation. Xing Ling Lun (Treatise on Medicinal Properties) states: "It tonifies various deficiencies in women." This statement fully encompasses the uses of Danggui.

For Shaoyao (Peony Root), the entire root is used. There are many varieties; one must select those with red flowers and single leaves, with those from mountainous areas being the best. If the flowers and leaves are abundant, the root will be hollow. However, its roots are mostly reddish, with an astringent and bitter taste; those that are white, coarse, and plump are even better. Other details follow the classics. However, individuals with blood deficiency and cold constitution should avoid this herb. An ancient saying goes: "Reduce the dosage of Shaoyao to avoid damaging middle-jiao cold," which indeed cannot be ignored.

To treat sudden onset of rebellious Qi (rebellious qi movement), chew an amount equivalent to three soapberry-sized pieces, swallow, and the rebellion will subside immediately; repeated administration yields repeated results. For initial onset of chills, fever, and phlegm-cough, burn a piece of Gegen (Kudzu Root), chew it when cool, and the cough will heal spontaneously within a day. For sudden red eyes without sores, scrape fresh ginger on an ancient copper coin to obtain juice, apply it to the eyelid margin, induce tearing, apply on the same day, and it will heal by the next day. Children may be frightened, but there is no need for doubt; this has been tested and proven effective.

Gegen from Zhengzhou is of superior quality. Trim the nodes, take half tael (liang), stir-fry with one spoonful of honey for a long time, add half sheng of water, boil, skim off the foam, continue boiling until one-third of the liquid evaporates, do not discard the dregs. For patients with ulcers that have turned black due to inversion, drink the decoction hot in its entirety, avoid wind, and wait for the ulcer to re-emerge/pus to come out. Another method involves decocting with non-ashy wine. However, it is difficult for children who cannot consume alcohol, though the effect is faster. From this, we know that this herb enters the exterior level.

In the regions between Li and Ding, during winter, fresh Gegen (Kudzu Root) is collected, rubbed in water to extract starch, settled into piles, then boiled soup is prepared first. The starch blocks are broken apart and added to the boiling soup. After prolonged cooking, the color becomes like glue, and the texture is very tough. It is mixed and eaten with honey water. Adding a little grated fresh ginger is especially good. It effectively treats excessive heat in the middle jiao, alcohol-induced illness, and thirst. Consuming more promotes urination and also induces bowel movement. For those suffering from alcoholism and thirst, obtaining this is very beneficial. Locals also slice it and boil it in tea to serve guests, but it is merely sweet and lacks medicinal benefit. Boiled fresh Gegen root is also sold as fruit. This practice is also seen in Qian, Ji Prefectures, and Nan'an Commandery.