大靑 대청 (대청)

Original, read line by line 東醫寶鑑 · Tangaek — Decoctions vol. 3

1. 性大寒, 味苦, 無毒.

   Its nature is very cold, its taste bitter, and it has no toxicity. It is a strongly heat-clearing herb.

2. 治天行熱疾, 大熱口瘡, 熱毒風, 心煩悶渴,

   It treats epidemic febrile diseases, mouth sores from intense heat, wind disorders caused by heat-toxins, and chest oppression with thirst. In modern terms, it was widely used for high fever and infectious conditions.

3. 及金石藥毒, 兼塗腫毒.

   It also resolves the toxicity of mineral-based medicines and can be applied externally to swellings and abscesses. It served both internal and topical uses.

4. 春生, 靑紫莖似石竹苗葉,

   It sprouts in spring, with green-purple stems and leaves resembling the young shoots of pink (Dianthus). The hue and form of the new growth are the first clue to identifying it.

5. 花紅紫色似馬蓼, 根黃.

   Its flowers are reddish-purple, similar to those of knotweed (Persicaria), and its root is yellow. One should observe both the flower and root to avoid confusion with similar plants.

6. 三月四月採莖葉, 陰乾. 《本草》

   In the third and fourth lunar months, gather the stems and leaves and dry them in the shade. Shade-drying is essential to prevent sunlight from damaging the active compounds. Recorded in the Bencao.