124 CHINESE MATERIA MEDICA. 



SeliniLm. Li Shih-chen says that the drug was called H ^ "^ 

 H" (Ma-hsien-lisiung-ch'iung), from the resemblance of the 

 root with its joints to a horse's bit. It was also called ^ iPf t? 

 (Chiao-nao-hsiung), when coming from Kuanchung, on account 

 of the compact masses resembling the brain of a bird. This 

 latter is also called % ^ (Ching-hsiung) and W ^ (Hsi- 

 hsiung). The Chekiang variety is called -^ "^ (T'ai-hsiung), 

 and that from Kiangnan is called ^ f^ (Fu-hsiung). The 

 drug is cultivated in some parts of China, and the cultivated 

 varieties are regarded more highly than the wild ones ; these 

 latter often being small in size, and having a bitter pungent 

 taste. The parts used in medicine are the root and leaves. 

 The former is recommended for a large variety of difficulties : 

 such as colds, headache, anaemia, menorrhagia, retained 

 placenta, sterility, pains and aches of all kinds including 

 toothache, hemoptysis, phthisis, strumous difficulties, rheu- 

 matism, and fluxes. The leaves are said to .be anthelmintic, 

 and are also used in the treatment of diarrhoea and dysentery. 

 The flowers of the plant are used in the preparation of facial 

 cosmetics. 



CONOCEPHALUS CONICA.— Jl| ^ if (Ti-ch'ien-ts'ao). 

 This is Faber's identification. But this name is given in 

 the Phitsao under the article on ^ Q: ^ (Chi-hsiieh-ts'ao), 

 which is Nepeta glechovia^ under which title this will find 

 reference. 



CONOPHALLUS KONJAK.— ^ ^ (Chu-jo). This is 

 an Aroid plant, so identified by the Japanese. Other names 

 given in the Pentsao are ^ 5^ (Jo-t'ou), % ^ (Kuei-yii), and 

 J^ 0^ (Kuei-t'ou). It is said to grow in moist and shady 

 places, principally in the mountainous regions' of Szechuan 

 and Fukien. The root is the part used, and it is considered 

 to be very poisonous, being said to produce hematemesis when 

 ingested in sufficient dose. Its medical uses are not clearly 

 stated. Being a virulent poison, it is recommended in such 

 difficulties as cancer, rodent ulcer, lupiis, and the like. The 

 only medical property mentioned is that of relieving thirst, 

 possibly due to a sialagogue effect. 



