Collected Illustrations of the Three Realms: Herbs (1607) - Page 3

for the Illustrated Collection of the Three Realms, Volume Four of Plants and Trees Original: 才圖會 (Cai Tuhui), an abbreviation of Sancai Tuhui. This volume focuses specifically on the classification and medicinal uses of herbaceous plants.


Clematis Root Original: Wei Ling Xian. Literally "Powerful and Numinous Immortal," this root is used in traditional medicine to treat joint pain and stiffness.	Morning Glory Seed Original: Qian Niu. Literally "Leading the Ox," a name derived from a legend where a farmer traded his ox for this potent purgative medicine.	Castor Bean Original: Bi Ma Zi. The source of castor oil, historically used for topical applications and as a lubricant.	Arisaema Original: Tian Nan Xing. Literally "Heavenly Southern Star," this toxic tuber is carefully processed for use in treating respiratory conditions.
Dock Root Original: Yang Ti. Literally "Sheep's Hoof," so named because the shape of its leaves resembles the footprint of a sheep.	Madder Root Original: Ru Gen. A versatile plant whose roots provide both a vibrant red dye and medicinal compounds for circulation.	Hemlock Parsley Leaf Original: Mi Wu. The fragrant foliage of the Chuanxiong plant, often used in ancient times as a perfume or to repel insects.	Stellera Root Original: Lang Du. Literally "Wolf's Poison," a highly toxic root used with great caution for skin ailments and as a traditional insecticide.
Siegesbeckia Original: Xi Xian. Known as "Pig's Pungent Herb," it is a common remedy for numbness and aches in the limbs.	Vervain Original: Ma Bian Cao. Literally "Horsewhip Herb," named for the long, slender shape of its flowering spikes.	Cogongrass Root Original: Mao Gen. A sweet-tasting rhizome frequently used in cooling teas to reduce internal heat.	Chinese Anemone Original: Bai Tou Weng. Literally "White-headed Old Man," referring to the distinctive white, feathery appearance of its seed heads.
Common Reed Original: Lu. Reeds were essential in daily Ming Dynasty life, used for everything from medicinal roots to woven mats and thatched roofs.	Podophyllum Original: Gui Jiu. Literally "Ghost's Mortar," a poisonous woodland plant used in traditional oncology and for clearing toxins.	Birthwort Original: Ma Dou Ling. Literally "Horse-hanging Bell," describing the fruit which resembles decorative bells hanging from a horse’s harness.	Curculigo Original: Xian Mao. Literally "Immortal’s Grass," a warming tonic herb used to strengthen the bones and "vital fire."