37^ CHINESE MATERIA MEDICA. 



in Szechuan, and is also said to be non-poisonous. It is con- 

 sidered to be tonic and eliminant. These two are probably 

 not Rhododendrons. 



RHODODENDRON METTERNICHIL— :5 ^ (Shili- 

 nan). This is a Japanese identification, in which Faber con- 

 curs. It is probable, judging from the conflicting descriptions 

 given in the Pentsao^ that several plants are known by this 

 name in China. In Kueiyang it is called j|[ ^ (Feng-yao), and 

 taking the place of tea or steeped in wine, it is used as a cure 

 for headaches. This tea is called ^ :^ (Luan-ch'a) by the 

 people of the southern provinces. Fortune described a Rho- 

 dodendron found growing in the province of Chekiang, which 

 on that account is called Rhodencndron fortiinei. This is also 

 found in the Yangtse provinces, and is called |^ \^ jE. (Yeh- 

 p'i-p'a). This may be the same as the Shih-nan^ as the latter 

 is described as having P'z-/'rt-like leaves. These leaves, 

 which are used in medicine, are acrid, bitter, and slightly 

 poisonous. They are said to strengthen the kidneys, cure 

 internal injury and weakness in the yin principle, and to 

 benefit the bones, sinews, skin, and hair. Females should not 

 continue to use the drug, as it has excessive aphrodisiac prop- 

 erties. It is also prescribed in fevers, colds, and intestinal 

 worms. 



RHUS SEMIALATA.— ^ ^ ^ (Yen-fu-tzu). The tree 

 is called ^ /f; (Fu-mu), and it is confounded with Broiissonetia 

 papyrifera by the Chinese. Another name for the tree is ^ )^ 

 (Fu-yang); but this is not found in the Pentsao. This is the 

 tree upon which is borne the Chinese nut-galls, 5& f§ "? (Wu- 

 pei-tzu). Several names are given in the Pentsao for the drug, 

 referring to the sour and saline taste of the leaves, seeds, and 

 bark, all of which are used in medicine. The Pintsao has a 

 very fair description of the tree, and mentions the fact that its 

 reniform seeds are sometimes eaten by children. There is also 

 mentioned a || 2]^ ;^ (Hsien-p'ing-shu), said to be used by the 

 people of Cambodia a& an acid condiment ; |^ H (Suan-chio), 

 which is said to resemble Gleditschia, and to be used in Ling- 

 nan as a substitute for vinegar ; and H '^ (Hsien-ts'ao), which 



