Ming herbal (painting): Tricosanthes

Unknown artist

Lettering: Tricosanthes root (jieducao, lit. Poison-Dispelling Herb) is also called tianhuafen (lit. Heavenly Pollen). It is a panacea for external use. The mode of use varies in different herbals(?). To treat syphilis that has attacked the nose, causing inflammation and collapse, it should be applied frequently; it is able to dispel the poisons and reduce the redness and swelling. It can be applied to all kinds of lesions, and is marvellously efficacious in all cases.