Source
The rhizome of Anemarrhena asphodeloides Bunge (Fam. Liliaceae).

Distribution
Mainly in Chinese provinces such as Hebei, Shanxi and Shaanxi, and in Inner Mongolia.

Harvest & Processing
Collect rhizomes in spring and autumn; remove base remnants and fibrous roots; dry rhizomes under the sun to produce ' Mao zhimu'(Hairy Common Anemarrhena Rhizome). Alternatively, peel off cork while fresh; dry rhizomes under the sun to produce 'Guang zhimu'(Glabrous Common Anemarrhena Rhizome).

Description
Mao zhimu: Rod-like, slightly curved and flat, occasionally with branches. Top end with light yellow leaf scars and stem scars; upper surface with a dented groove, and annular (ring-like) nodes arranged closely; dense yellowish-brown remnants of leaf base on nodes; underside bulgy and slightly shrivelled, marked with dented or protuberant punctiform (dot-like) root scars. Hard, breaks easily; when broken, surface yellowish-white. Taste: slightly sweet, slightly bitter; sticky when chewed. Commonly used in Hong Kong in the form of length-wise cut slices.
Guang zhimu: Outer surface white; with twisted grooves; sometimes with leaf scars and root scars.

Indications
1. Hyperpyrexia, hectic fever
2. Polydipsia
3. Cough with thick yellow sputum and difficult expectoration
4. Constipation

Chemical Composition
Mainly contains timosaponins A-I, A-II, A-III, A-IV, B-I, B-II and anemaran A, B, C, D.

Note
According to C.P., also used for medicinal purposes is the rhizome of A. chinensis (DC.) Koidz.

Photos