Collected Illustrations of the Three Realms, Volume 7: Plants and Trees, Part 9

original: 三才圖會 (Sāncái Túhuì); a renowned Chinese encyclopedia compiled during the Ming Dynasty by Wang Qi and Wang Siyi, covering a vast range of subjects from astronomy to biology.

Simpleleaf Chaste Tree

original: 蔓荆 (Màn jīng); while the header specifies the Simpleleaf Chaste Tree (Vitex trifolia), the following description in this entry pertains to its relative, the Chinese Chaste Tree.

Chinese Chaste Tree

original: 牡荊 (Mǔ jīng); identified as Vitex negundo. It is a hardy shrub valued in traditional medicine for its seeds and stems. The term "Chaste Tree" stems from its historical association in Europe with preserving chastity, though in China it was more commonly associated with discipline and medicine.

It grows in the mountain valleys of Hejian, Nanyang, and Yuanju These are historical regions located in modern-day Hebei and Henan provinces, or on the high banks of Pingshou Duxiang, as well as in open fields. It is commonly known as Yellow Bramble original: 黃荊 (Huáng jīng). Its branches and stems are firm and strong, growing as a standalone shrub rather than as a climbing vine; for this reason, it is called "Male" original: 牡 (mǔ), a term often used in classical Chinese botany to denote plants that are sturdy, non-vining, or considered "potent" in a masculine or vigorous sense.

The leaves resemble those of the Castor Bean original: 蓖麻 (bìmá) but are thinner and more sparse. The flowers are red and grow in spikes. The seeds are small and yellow, roughly the size of hemp seeds. Some say this is the same as the "Small Bramble."

The seeds should be harvested in the eighth and ninth lunar months This corresponds to late autumn and dried in the shade.

Properties and Usage:
The taste is bitter, its nature is warm, and it is non-toxic. It is primarily used to eliminate "cold and dampness" This refers to the TCM concept of "Wind-Cold-Dampness" which causes joint pain and respiratory issues.