Collected Illustrations of the Three Realms: Plants

Yellow Essence

Yellow Essence grows in mountain valleys and is found throughout both the north and south of the country. Those specimens found on Mount Song and Mount Mao are considered to be of the highest quality.

original: 嵩山 (Mount Song) and 茅山 (Mount Mao). Mount Song in Henan is one of the Five Sacred Peaks of China, while Mount Mao in Jiangsu is a historic center of Daoism, famous for its medicinal herbs and spiritual cultivation.

In the third month of the year, the shoots emerge, reaching a height of one to two feet or more. The leaves resemble those of bamboo but are shorter, growing in opposite pairs along the stalk. The stems and stalks are soft and brittle, somewhat resembling the branches of a gardenia; they are yellow at the base and red at the tips. In the fourth month, the plant produces small, bluish-white flowers shaped like bean blossoms. The seeds are white and resemble broomcorn millet, though some varieties do not produce seeds at all.

The root resembles young ginger and is yellow in color. One should harvest the roots in the second month of the year, steaming them and then drying them in the sun before use.

The preparation method of steaming and sun-drying (known as paozhi) was essential in traditional pharmacy to enhance the herb's tonic properties and remove its "raw" harshness.

This plant is known by many names:

• Drooping Stems original: 委蕤 (Weirui)
• Immortal's Surplus Grain original: 仙人餘糧 (Xianren Yuliang)
• Dog Lattice original: 苟格 (Gouge)
• Rabbit Bamboo original: 菟竹 (Tuzhu)
• Hanging Pearl original: 垂珠 (Chuizhu)
• Horse Arrow original: 馬箭 (Majian)
• White Bletilla original: 白及 (Baiji). Note that in modern herbalism, Baiji refers to a different plant, but it was historically used as a synonym here.
• Chicken Lattice original: 雞格 (Jige)
• Savior of the Poor original: 救窮 (Jiuqiong)
• Deer Bamboo original: 鹿竹 (Luzhu)
• Multi-storied Building original: 重樓 (Chonglou)

It is also colloquially known as Pen-tube Vegetable.

Flavor and Nature:
Its flavor is sweet, its nature is neutral, and it is non-toxic.

Primary Functions:
It primarily serves to tonify the middle and boost qi A technical term in Chinese medicine meaning to strengthen the digestive system and increase vital energy., dispel wind-dampness, and soothe the five viscera The Heart, Liver, Spleen, Lungs, and Kidneys.. Taking this herb over a long period of time will make the body feel light and extend one's lifespan.