Supplement to the Compendium of Materia Medica, Volume 14

It bears fruit resembling a peach. When ripe, it is slightly red and as small as a pea. Those containing insects inside are considered of the highest quality.

Immortal Peach Grass

original: "仙桃草" (Xiantao cao); botanically identified as Veronica peregrina, also known as Neckweed. The "peach" refers to the galls formed on the plant by the larvae of small weevils.

The Mirror of a Hundred Herbs original: "百草鏡" (Baicao jing) states: Immortal Peach Grass is frequently found on the embankments of fields near water. After the Grain Rain solar term Grain Rain: Guyu, a traditional Chinese solar term occurring around April 20th, marking a period of increased rainfall for crops., the sprouts emerge. The leaves are glossy and long, similar to the False Daisy original: "旱蓮" (Hanlian); Eclipta prostrata. It grows about a foot high. The stem is hollow; when broken, it does not turn black, nor does it have a fragrance. After the Start of Summer Start of Summer: Lixia, a solar term beginning around May 5th., it produces small white flowers, also resembling those of the False Daisy, which form into spikes.

The fruit it bears is as large as a bean and shaped like a tiny peach. It is hollow inside and contains small insects. These insects eventually grow wings, bore a hole through the fruit, and emerge. When harvesting, one must wait until the fruit is just about to turn red, but before the insects have grown wings and left. Only then is the medicinal potency complete. The effectiveness of this medicine depends entirely on the insects. One must sun-dry or roast the fruit to kill the insects inside. If it is merely hung to air-dry, there is a risk the insects will grow wings and escape, rendering the medicine useless.

按：Zhao Xuemin's commentary follows
This grass must be harvested after Grain in Ear Grain in Ear: Mangzhong, a solar term beginning around June 5th, signifying the time when seeds form.. If the Summer Solstice Summer Solstice: Xiazhi, the longest day of the year, around June 21st. passes, the insects will bore through the fruit and transform into small gnats. The pods will then be empty and useless.

Its nature is warm and its flavor is sweet and mild. It is used to "dissipate" Dissipate: Xiao (消), a therapeutic method to reduce swellings, abscesses, or internal accumulations. abscesses, swellings, and injuries from falls or blows. It is effective whether the juice is extracted or the plant is ground into powder for ingestion.