Collected Illustrations of the Three Realms: Plants

original: 三才圖會 (San Cai Tu Hui); a renowned Ming Dynasty encyclopedia compiled by Wang Qi and Wang Siyi, published in 1609.

Motherwort Seed

original: 茺蔚子 (Chongweizi); the seeds of Leonurus japonicus.

Motherwort seeds grow by the seashores, in ponds, and in marshes, though today they are found everywhere. We carefully note that the Classic of Poetry original: 毛詩 (Mao Shi); specifically the Mao version of the Shijing mentions this plant in the line: "In the valley is the Tui."

Guo Pu 276–324 AD; a famous commentator and polymath stated that the Motherwort plant resembles the Perilla original: 荏 (Ren); Perilla frutescens, having a square stem and white flowers that bloom between the nodes. Lu Ji 261–303 AD; a prominent scholar and writer observed that both the Han Odes a version of the Classic of Poetry compiled by Han Ying and the Three Lexicons original: 三蒼 (San Cang); a collection of early Chinese dictionaries identify this Tui as Motherwort. It is said that the philosopher Zengzi a disciple of Confucius famed for his filial piety was moved to deep reflection upon seeing it. Liu Xin c. 50 BC – 23 AD; a Han Dynasty scholar also referred to it as "Foul Weed," which is simply another name for Motherwort. Today, it is seen very frequently in gardens and fields, and its appearance matches Guo Pu’s description.

Flowers grow at every node along the upper parts of the leaves. The seeds resemble Cockscomb seeds original: 雞冠子 (Jiguanzi); Celosia cristata and are black in color. The stem is shaped with four square edges. The plant is harvested in the fifth month; it is also said that the seeds should be gathered in the ninth month. In medical formulas, it is rare to see the seeds themselves being used.

The plant is also known as Motherwort original: 益母 (Yimu); literally "Benefitting Mothers", Benefitting Vision, Great Bundle, and True Wei. Its flavor is pungent and sweet; its nature is slightly warm and slightly cold, and it is non-toxic. It is primarily used to brighten the eyes, benefit the Essence original: 精 (Jing); the fundamental vital energy or reproductive power, remove "water vapor" referring to edema or fluid accumulation, and treat "blood reversal" blood stasis or abnormal circulation, extreme heat, headaches, and irritability.