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Blackberry Lily

original: Shègān (射干). Known scientifically as Iris domestica or Belamcanda chinensis, also called the Leopard Lily due to its spotted petals.

The Blackberry Lily grows in the mountain valleys and fields of Nanyang A region in modern-day Henan Province famous for its long history of herbal medicine; today it can be found growing in almost any location. In the spring, the plant produces sprouts that reach a height of two to three feet. Its leaves resemble those of Wild Ginger original: Manjiang (蠻薑), likely referring to a species of Alpinia but are narrower and longer, spreading out horizontally like the feathers of a wing. From the center of the leaves, a stalk emerges that looks like a Daylily original: Xuancao (萱草) but is much stiffer and tougher.

In the sixth lunar month, the plant blooms with yellow-red flowers. The petals are marked with fine, delicate patterns. In autumn, it bears fruit within seed pods; the seeds inside are black. The roots have many fibrous whiskers; the outer skin is yellowish-black, while the inner flesh is a yellowish-red color. The roots should be harvested on the third day of the third lunar month and dried in the shade for medicinal use.

It is also known by the names Black Fan original: Wushan (烏扇), Black Rush original: Wupu (烏蒲), Black Scepter original: Wusha (烏翣), Black Whistle original: Wuchui (烏吹), and Grass Ginger original: Caojiang (草薑).

The flavor of the root is bitter, and it is considered to have a small amount of toxicity. It is highly effective in treating throat obstruction original: houbi (喉痹); a condition involving severe swelling or blockage of the throat where the patient cannot even swallow liquids. It also has the power to clear menstrual blockages in women, treat lingering pathogenic energy original: zhuqi (疰氣); a traditional term for chronic infectious ailments or exhaustion syndromes, and dissipate blood stasis original: yuxue (瘀血), referring to localized poor circulation or bruising.