252 CHINKHE MATERIA MKDICA. 



Chinese name referring to the resemblance of the roots, and the 

 ^ (Chien) to that of the stalk. The plant is commonly called 

 7K ft (Shui-ma), and grows almost everywhere in swamps. 

 In the seventh month, it produces a red flower with yellow 

 sepals. The root has a purplish skin and a white cortex, and 

 is the part used in medicine. Its taste is acrid, sweet, and 

 cooling, and it is slightly poisonous. It is applied to swellings 

 and ulcers, and administered internally in decoction and tinc- 

 ture to counteract the poisoned phlegm supposed to accompany 

 abscesses and ulcers. It is also used in the nervous affections 

 of children. 



LYSIMACHIA ELEUTHEROIDES.— ^ j^ % (Chen- 

 chu-ts'ai), also written flL J^ || (Chen-chu-ts'ai). This plant", 

 with its filamentous stalk and leaves, is found in moist ground 

 in Szechuan. As it is used as food, it is probably also culti- 

 vated. It is fragrant and succulent, and in the fresh state is 

 highly esteemed as a pot-herb or pickle. It is eaten with 

 honey, or with a piquant sauce called ^ (Hsi). Its use is 

 regarded as beneficial, but no medicinal properties are ascribed 

 to it. 



LYSIMACHIA SIKOKIANA.—^:f(P'ai-ts'ao). It is 

 also called ^^ i^ ^ (P'ai-ts'ao-hsiang) on account of its great 

 fragrance. It grows in the region of Lingnan, and the root is 

 used to correct fetor of the breath. The Customs lists give 

 ^ fr ]^ (Ling-hsiang-ts'ao) as Lysijnachia Joen.um grcECum^ 

 but this is not found in the Pentsao^ nor is any authority given 

 for the identification. 



