Bencao yuanshi (Origins of Materia Medica) by Li Zhongli is a herbal in 12 volumes, containing 379 illustrations. It was first published in 1612. This illustration of Caulis Dendrobium (shihu) is taken from the revised edition of Ge Ding, engraved in 1638 (11th year of the Chongwen reign period of the Ming dynasty, Wu Yi year).
Li Zhongli writes: Caulis Dendrobium has rounded stems. It grows in clumps in stony places. It is segmented in form, and looks like a small kind of bamboo. When broken, the stems appear fleshy. The roots are threadlike and matted. The stems are used in medicine. They are sweet in sapor, neutral in thermostatic character, and non-poisonous,They have the medicinal properties of replenishing Qi and nourishing Yin, clearing heat and generating saliva/bodily fluids (jin). It is used to treat conditions such as physical insufficiency and debility; hotness (fever) and spontaneous sweating; weakness and flaccidity in the small of the back and the knees; and heat illnesses (fevers) impairing bodily fluids.
