original: 三才圖會 (San Cai Tu Hui); a famous Ming Dynasty encyclopedia compiled by Wang Qi and Wang Siyi around 1607, covering subjects from astronomy to biology.

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Atractylodes

original: 术 (Zhu). Specifically refers to the rhizome of Atractylodes, a staple in Chinese herbalism known for its ability to "strengthen the spleen" and dry dampness.

Atractylodes grows in the mountain valleys of Mount Zheng in Hanzhong and Nanzheng Ancient administrative regions located in what is now southern Shaanxi province. While it is now found in many places, those harvested from Mount Song or Mount Mao Mount Song in Henan and Mount Mao in Jiangsu are historically renowned as the best sources for this herb are considered of the highest quality.

In spring, the plant produces green sprouts without side branches. It is also known as Mountain Thistle original: 山薊 (Shanji) because its leaves resemble those of a thistle. The stem is shaped like that of Wormwood original: 蒿 (Hao), greenish-red in color, and reaches a height of roughly two to three feet.

In summer, it produces purple-blue flowers that also resemble the prickly thistle; some varieties may produce yellow or white flowers. After the peak of summer heat original: 入伏 (rufu); the "Dog Days" or the three ten-day periods of the hottest season, the plant bears seeds, and by autumn, the sprouts wither. The root resembles ginger but has fine secondary roots growing along the sides; the skin is black while the inner flesh is yellowish-white and contains a purple resinous liquid.

The roots are harvested during the second, third, eighth, and ninth lunar months and then sun-dried. Both the fresh and dried forms are utilized, though it is most common to harvest them in the eighth month. This plant is also called Mountain Ginger original: 山薑 (Shanjiang) or Mountain Link original: 山連 (Shanlian).

Its flavor is bitter yet sweet, and its nature is warming. It is primarily used to treat all manner of "Wind" disorders In traditional medicine, "Wind" (Feng) refers to a category of illnesses ranging from the common cold to tremors or joint pain, exhaustion from overwork, "Cold Qi" Conditions believed to be caused by internal cold, often manifesting as pain or poor circulation, and abdominal bloating. It supplements the lower back and knees, clears phlegm, treats edema, and promotes urination. It is also effective for stopping chronic vomiting or acid reflux and treating weakness in the tendons and bones. Before use, it should be soaked in rice-water original: 米泔 (migan); the water used to wash rice, used here to temper the herb's potency for one night.