Collected Illustrations of the Three Realms: Plants

Puncture Vine Seed original: 蒺藜子 (Jilizi); Tribulus terrestris. Traditionally used to treat eye ailments and soothe the liver.
Astragalus Root original: 黃耆 (Huangqi); Astragalus membranaceus. One of the most important tonic herbs in the Chinese tradition, used to strengthen the body's "Protective Qi" and boost vitality.
Cistanche original: 肉蓯蓉 (Roucongrong); Cistanche deserticola. Often called "Desert Ginseng," it was highly valued as a restorative tonic.
Saposhnikovia Root original: 防風 (Fangfeng); literally "Guard against Wind." It is used to treat ailments caused by external "wind" and dampness, such as chills or joint pain.
Cattail Pollen original: 蒲黃 (Puhuang); Typha angustifolia. A fine yellow powder used primarily to stop bleeding and improve blood circulation.
Teasel Root original: 續斷 (Xuduan); literally "Restore the Broken." As the name suggests, this root was historically used to promote the healing of fractured bones and torn ligaments.

Rhaponticum Root original: 漏蘆 (Loulu); Rhaponticum uniflorum. Used in traditional formulas to clear heat, reduce swelling, and eliminate toxins.

The herbs listed here are central to the study of Materia Medica (本草, Bencao), the foundational science of pharmacology in the Ming Dynasty. This volume organizes plants not just by their physical appearance, but by their "nature" and "flavor"—properties that determined their medicinal application.