Mountain Monkshood Bulb
This product is the dried pseudobulb of Cremastra appendiculata Rolfe or Pseudorchis yunnanensis Rolfe (family Orchidaceae). The former is commonly known as "Hairy Monkshood Bulb," the latter as "Ice Ball." Harvested in summer and autumn, after removing the above-ground parts and soil, separate sizes, steam-boil until thoroughly cooked, then dry.
【Characteristics】Hairy Monkshood Bulb appears irregularly flattened spherical or conical, with a gradually protruding apex and root scars at the base. Length: 1.8–3 cm; enlarged part diameter: 1–2 cm. Surface: yellowish-brown or brownish, with longitudinal wrinkles or grooves; middle section has 2–3 slightly raised nodes, each bearing fibrous remnants from dried and decayed scale leaves. Texture: hard, difficult to break; cross-section: gray-white or yellow-white, slightly corneous. Odor: faint; taste: bland, slightly sticky.
Ice Ball appears conical, bottle-necked, or irregularly clumped, diameter 1–2 cm, height 1.5–2.5 cm. Apex gradually tapers to a point, with a disc-like end; base enlarged and flat, centrally concave, with 1–2 nodes, often biased to one side. Skin-removed specimens appear yellow-white; skin-intact ones are light brown, smooth, with irregular wrinkles. Cross-section: pale yellow, semi-transparent corneous.
【Taste and Meridian Entry】Sweet, slightly pungent, cool. Enters the liver and spleen meridians.
【Function and Indications】Clears heat and detoxifies, transforms phlegm, disperses nodules. Used for carbuncles, boils, lymph node tuberculosis, snake or insect bites.
【Usage and Dosage】3–9 grams; apply externally as needed.
【Storage】Keep in a dry place.
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