342 CHINESE MATERIA MEDICA. 



■what prickly, and its leaves resemble those of the apricot. 

 It grows plentifully in waste places. The root is the part 

 used in medicine. It is recommended in menstrual difficulties, 

 as an antifebrile and diuretic remedy, in post-partum troubles, 

 and to scatter swellings and ecchymoses. It is also used as a 

 prophylactic in epidemics, 



POLYGONUM FILIFORME.— ^ 1^ ^ (Chin-ssu-ts'ao), 

 '^ W: ^ (Chin-hsien-ts'ao). This is confounded with Cusatta 

 and Hypersiciun. It grows in niountain valleys, and the whole 

 plant is used m hemorrhages and fluxes. 



POLYGONUM FLACCIDUM.— 7jC % (Shui-liao). This 

 is also known as |^ ^ (Yii-liao) and -.^ ^ (Tse-liao), "marsh, 

 or water, smartweed." It is probably the S2i\n& q.s Polygonum 

 hydropiper. It grows on the margin of ponds and in other 

 damp places, and has a red stem. One variety is cultivated, 

 and is called ^ ^ (Chia-liao). It is used in the preparation 

 of one sort of leaven (lllll). Medicinally, it is used in snake 

 bites, bruised and applied locally ; and also in blistered and 

 swollen feet. 



POLYGONU:\I JAPONICUM.— ^ H ]g (Ts'an-chien- 

 ts'ao). This is Faber's identihcation ; but the species is not 

 mentioned in any other works consulted. It grows in wet 

 erouud, and has a red stem and white flower. It is bruised 

 and applied to caterpillar stings and to ulcers. 



POLYGONUM LAPATHIFOLIUM.— ^ % (Mao-liao). 

 This is a hairy-leaved Polygomiin growing in mountain valleys. 

 The plant is applied to tumors and foul sores, and is considered 

 to be antiseptic and healing. A decoction is also used to 

 wash sore feet. 



POLYGONUM INIULTIFLORUM.— inj "t % (Ho-shou- 

 wu), 376. The Pentsao describes this plant as being dioecious. 

 It grows principally in the Lingnan region. The root, wiien 

 old, is said to have mysterious properties. At fifty years it is 

 as large as a fist, and is designated " mountain slave " (|Ij ^), 



