original: 三才圖會 (San Cai Tu Hui); a renowned encyclopedia from the Ming Dynasty (1609) that categorizes knowledge across the "Three Realms" of Heaven, Earth, and Humanity.

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Dodder Seed

original: 菟絲子 (Tusizi); the seeds of Cuscuta chinensis. It is a parasitic plant famous in traditional medicine for "tonifying" the kidneys and improving eyesight.

Dodder Seed grows in the river valleys and fields of Korea. Between those from Korea and those from Wangu Ju Wangu refers to a historical region in modern-day Henan province; the gloss "Ju" likely completes the historical place name, which is superior?

In summer, it produces sprouts that look like silk threads. These creep and spread over other grasses and trees. Some say it has no roots and grows by drawing in the vital energy original: 氣 (qi) of the air. In the sixth or seventh months, it bears seeds that are extremely fine, resembling silkworm eggs and colored like yellow clay. In the ninth month, these are harvested and dried in the sun. They are most effective when prepared with wine.

There are two varieties: the yellow and fine type is called Red Cord original: 赤綱 (Chigang), while the lighter-colored and larger type is called Rabbit’s Coil original: 菟纍 (Tulei). Their medicinal effects are identical.

Regarding the names Tangmeng, Nüluo, and Tusizi: the Explanations Likely referring to the Er Ya or another early lexicon state that Tang, Meng, Nüluo, and Tusizi are four names for the same thing. However, the Classic of Materia Medica original: 本經 (Benjing), referring to the Shennong Ben Cao Jing, the foundation of Chinese pharmacology combines Tangmeng into a single name. Furthermore, the Mao Commentary on the Classic of Poetry The Shijing, the oldest existing collection of Chinese poetry claims that Nüluo is the same as Dodder Seed.

Yet, in the Classic of Materia Medica, Dodder Seed is not listed under the name Nüluo. Instead, there is a separate entry for Songluo (Pine Lichen), which also uses the name Nüluo. This latter plant belongs to the woody category and grows parasitically on pine trees. Could it be that two different things share the same name?

Other names include Rabbit’s Vine (Tuluo), Rabbit’s Thread (Tulu), Tangmeng, Jade Maiden (Yünü), and Red Cord (Chigang).

Also named Tulei. Its flavor is pungent and sweet; its nature is neutral and non-toxic. It is primarily used to knit together severed injuries and to supplement deficiencies.
It treats coldness within the genitals, involuntary ejaculation, and residual dripping after urination. It also addresses bitterness in the mouth, parched thirst, and accumulations of blood caused by cold.