Page Seven

Collected Illustrations of the Three Realms original: "Sancai Tuhui" (三才圖會). An encyclopedic work from the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644) that aimed to categorize all knowledge across the "Three Realms" of Heaven, Earth, and Humanity., Volume on Plants and Trees, Section 6

Dragon’s Tooth Grass

Dragon’s Tooth Grass grows in Shizhou A historical region corresponding to modern-day Enshi in Hubei Province, China.. The stalk of the plant grows to a height of approximately two feet. It sprouts foliage during the spring and summer, which then withers and dies back in the autumn and winter.

The root of this plant possesses a flavor that is pungent and astringentoriginal: "se" (濇). In traditional pharmacology, astringent substances are used to "bind" or stop the loss of bodily fluids.. Its medicinal nature is warm and non-toxic. To prepare it, harvest the roots during the spring or summer, wash them thoroughly, and select only the high-quality pieces. One must remove the reed headoriginal: "lutou" (蘆頭). This refers to the rhizome crown or the woody part where the stem meets the root; it is traditionally discarded to prevent nausea.. Afterward, parch the roots dryoriginal: "beigan" (焙乾). A method of slow-drying over a low fire to preserve medicinal potency while removing moisture. and grind them into a fine powder. This remedy is used to treat red and white dysenteryoriginal: "chibaili" (赤白痢). A clinical term for severe diarrhea or dysentery involving both blood (red) and mucus (white)..