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《卷五十三 Volume 53》[View] [Edit] [History]
An aligned English translation of this text is available and can be displayed alongside the source text (instructions). Please note that AI has been used in creating these translations. Translation setting: [None] [English]1  | 卷五十三·荒政周憲王《救荒本草》 Volume 53 · Policies for Disaster Relief Zhou Xianwang's "Herbal Medicine for Famine Relief" |
《草部根葉可食 Grasses and Herbs Roots and leaves are edible》 | |
| 1 | 草三柰，生密縣梁家⒊山谷中。苗高一尺許。葉似蓑草而狹長。開小淡紅花。根似雞爪形而粗，亦香。其味甘，微辛。救饑：根，換水煮食；近根嫩白新葉，亦可煠食。 Sanlai, a kind of grass, grows in the Liangjia valleys of Mixian Xian. The sprouts grow to about one chi in height. Its leaves resemble those of suocao but are narrower and longer. It bears small pale red flowers. Its roots resemble chicken claws in shape but are coarser, and they also have a fragrance. Its taste is sweet, slightly pungent. For famine relief: The roots can be boiled and eaten after changing the water; the tender white new leaves near the base can also be blanched and eaten. |
| 2 | 黃精苗，俗名筆管菜，一名重樓，一名菟竹，一名雞格，一名救窮，一名鹿竹，一名萎蕤，一名仙人餘糧，一名垂珠，一名馬箭，一名白及。生山谷，南北皆有之。嵩山茅山者佳。根生肥地者大如拳，薄地者猶如拇指。葉似竹葉，或二葉，或三葉，或四五葉，俱皆對節而生。味甘、性平、無毒。又云莖光滑者，謂之太陽之草，名曰黃精，食之可以長生。其葉不對節，莖葉毛鉤子者，謂之太陰之草，名曰鉤吻，食之入口立死。又云莖不紫、花不黃，為異。 Huangjing sprout, commonly known as Bituancài, also called Chonglou, Tuzhu, Jige, Jiuqiong, Luzhu, Weirui, Xianrenyuliang, Chuizhu, Majian, and Baiji. It grows in valleys; it is found both in the north and south. Those from Songshan and Maoshan are of the best quality. The roots growing in fertile soil can be as large as a fist, while those in poor soil resemble thumbs. Its leaves resemble bamboo leaves; there may be two, three, or four to five leaves, all growing opposite each other at the nodes. It has a sweet taste, neutral nature, and is non-toxic. Another account says that the smooth-stemmed variety is called Taiyangcao, also known as Huangjing; eating it can lead to longevity. Those with leaves not opposite at the nodes and stems and leaves bearing hooked bristles are called Taiyincassia, also known as Gouwen; eating it causes immediate death upon entering the mouth. Another account says that if the stem is not purple and the flowers are not yellow, it is considered abnormal. |
| 3 | 救飢：嫩葉煠熟，換水浸去苦味，淘淨，油鹽調食。山中人根九蒸九暴，食甚甘美。其蒸暴：用甕去底，安釜上，裝滿黃精，密蓋蒸之，令氣溜，即暴之。如此九蒸九暴，令極熟，不熟則刺人喉咽。久食長生辟穀，其生者，若初服只可一寸半，漸漸增之，十日不食他食。能長服之，食止三尺；服三百日後，盡見鬼神，餌必升天。又云花實可食，罕見難得。 For famine relief: The tender leaves can be blanched until cooked, then soaked in changed water to remove the bitter taste. After washing thoroughly, they may be eaten with oil and salt as seasoning. People in the mountains steam and dry its roots nine times each; when eaten, it is very sweet and delicious. The method of steaming and drying: Remove the bottom from a jar, place it over a cauldron, fill it with Huangjing, cover it tightly, and steam until vapor escapes. Then dry it in the sun. Repeat this process of steaming and drying nine times each, until it is extremely tender; if not fully cooked, it will irritate the throat. Long-term consumption can promote longevity and enable one to abstain from grain. When consuming the fresh variety, initially take only half an inch in length, gradually increasing the amount until after ten days, no other food is needed. If one can continue taking it regularly, consumption will eventually be limited to three chi in length; after 300 days of intake, one will clearly see ghosts and spirits, and consuming this herb will surely lead to ascending to heaven. Another account says its flowers and fruits are edible but rarely seen and difficult to obtain. |
| 4 | 玄扈先生曰：嘗過。根本勝藥；苗亦恒蔬。 Master Xuanhu said: I have tasted it. Its roots are superior medicinal herbs; its sprouts are also a regular vegetable. |
| 5 | 地黃苗，俗名婆婆奶；一名地髓，一名芐，一名芑。生咸陽川澤，今處處有之。苗初塌地生。葉如山白菜葉而毛澀，葉麵深青色；又似芥菜葉而不花叉，比芥菜葉頗厚。葉中攛莖，上有細毛。莖梢開筒子花，紅黃色，北人謂之牛奶子花。結實如小麥粒。根長四五寸，細如手指，皮赤黃色，味甘苦，性寒無毒。惡貝母，畏無荑，得麥門冬、清酒良。忌鐵器。 Dihuang sprout, commonly called Popo Nai; also known as Dishui, Hu, and Qi. It grows in the marshes of Xianyang, but now it can be found everywhere. The sprouts initially grow close to the ground. Its leaves resemble those of mountain cabbage but are hairy and rough, with a deep green color on the surface; they also look like mustard greens but without forking veins. Compared to mustard greens, its leaves are somewhat thicker. A slender stem rises from among the leaves and is covered with fine hairs. The tips of the stems bear tube-shaped flowers in red-yellow color, which northerners call Niunai Zi Hua (milk fruit flower). It produces fruits resembling wheat grains. The roots are four to five cun long, thin like fingers, with reddish-yellow skin; they have a sweet and bitter taste, cold in nature, and are non-toxic. It is incompatible with Bei Mu (Fritillaria), should avoid Wu Yi (an herb), and works well when combined with Mai Men Dong (Ophiopogon) and clear wine. Avoid using iron tools. |
| 6 | 救飢：葉煮羹食。或搗絞根汁，搜⒏作饣不飥及冷淘食之。或取根浸洗淨，九蒸九暴，任意服食。或煎以為煎食。久服輕身，不老，變白，延年。 For famine relief: The leaves can be cooked into a soup and eaten. Alternatively, the root juice may be extracted by mashing and squeezing, then mixed to make steamed buns or cold noodles for consumption. Or take the roots, soak and wash them clean, steam and dry them nine times each, then consume freely at will. It can also be decocted into a concentrated extract for consumption. Long-term consumption makes the body light, prevents aging, restores youthfulness, and prolongs life. |
| 7 | 牛旁子，本草名惡實，未去萼名鼠粘子，俗名夜叉頭，根謂之牛菜。生魯山平澤，今處處有之。苗高二三尺，葉如芋葉，長大而澀，花淡紫色。實似蘿蔔而褐色，外殼如栗梂而小，多刺；鼠過之，則綴惹不可脫，故名。殼中有子，如半粒麥而匾小。根長尺餘，粗如拇指，其色灰黲，味辛，性平。一雲，味甘無毒。 Niupangzi, known in the Bencao as E Shi; when not decaled, it is called Shu Zhian Zi. Commonly known as Yecha Tou, its root is referred to as Niucai. It grows in the flat wetlands of Lushan, but now can be found everywhere. The sprouts grow two to three chi tall; the leaves resemble taro leaves, large in size and rough to the touch, with pale purple flowers. The fruits resemble radishes but are brown in color, with an outer shell like a small chestnut burr covered in spines; when mice pass by, they become entangled and cannot escape, hence the name. Inside the husk are seeds resembling half a grain of wheat but flat and small. The roots grow more than one chi long, as thick as a thumb, with a grayish-brown color; they have a pungent taste and neutral nature. Another account says it has a sweet flavor and is non-toxic. |
| 8 | 救饑：采葉炸熟，水浸去邪氣，淘洗淨，油鹽調食；及取根，洗淨，煮熟食之。久食甚益人，身輕耐老。 For famine relief: Harvest the leaves, blanch them until cooked, soak in water to remove impurities, rinse thoroughly, and eat with oil and salt seasoning; alternatively, take the roots, wash them clean, cook until tender, then eat. Long-term consumption is very beneficial to people, making the body light and resistant to aging. |
| 9 | 遠誌，一名棘菀，一名葽繞，一名細草。生太山及冤句川谷，河陝商齊泗州亦有，俗傳夷門遠誌最佳；今密縣梁家⒊山谷間多有之。苗名小草，葉似石竹子葉，又極細。開小紫花，亦有開小紅白花者。根黃色，形如蒿根，長及一尺許；亦有根黑色者。根葉俱味苦，性溫，無毒。得茯苓、冬葵子、龍骨良。殺天雄、附子毒。畏珍珠、藜蘆、蜚蠊、齊蛤、蠐螬。 Yuanzhi, also known as Jiwan, Yourao, and Xicao. It grows in Taishan and Yuanju's river valleys, as well as in He, Shanxi, Shang, Qi, and Si Zhou; it is commonly said that Yuanzhi from Yimen is the best. Now there are many of them in the Liangjia valley areas of Mixian Xian. The sprout, known as Xiaocao, has leaves resembling those of stonecress but extremely narrow and fine. It bears small purple flowers; some also produce small red or white flowers. The roots are yellow in color, shaped like wormwood roots, and can grow up to about one chi long; some have black roots. Both the root and leaves have a bitter taste, warm nature, and are non-toxic. The root and leaves both have a bitter flavor, are of warm property, and are non-poisonous. It works well when combined with Fu Ling (Poria), Dongkui Zi (Malva seeds), and Longgu (dragon bone). It neutralizes the toxicity of Tianxiong and Fuzi. It should avoid Pearl, Lilu (Veratrum), Feilai (cockroach), Qi Ge (a type of shellfish), and Jicao (larva of a beetle). |
| 10 | 救飢：嫩苗葉煠熟，換水浸去苦味，淘淨，油鹽調食。及掘取根，換水煮浸，淘去苦味，去心，再換水煮極熟，食之。不去心，令人心悶。 For famine relief: The tender sprouts and leaves can be blanched, then soaked in changed water to eliminate the bitter taste. Wash thoroughly and eat with oil and salt as seasoning. ✅ When harvesting the roots, change the water to cook and soak them, rinse repeatedly to remove bitterness, remove the core, then cook again in changed water until very tender before eating. If the core is not removed, it can cause chest discomfort or a feeling of suffocation. |
| 11 | 杏葉沙參，一名白⒏根，生密縣山野中。苗高一二尺，莖色青白。葉似杏葉而小，邊有叉牙；又似山小菜，葉微尖而背白。梢間開五瓣白碗子花。根形如野胡蘿蔔，頗肥，皮色灰黲，中間白色，味甜，性微寒。本草有沙參，苗葉根莖，其說與此形狀皆不同，未敢亻並入條下，乃另開於此。其杏葉沙參，又有開碧色花者 Xingye Shashen, also known as Bai Gen, grows in the mountainous wilds of Mixian Xian. The sprouts grow one to two chi tall with stems that are bluish-white in color. Its leaves resemble apricot leaves but are smaller, with serrated edges; they also look similar to mountain greens, slightly pointed and whitish on the back. White five-petaled bowl-shaped flowers bloom at the tips of the branches. The roots resemble wild radishes, somewhat thick and fleshy, with grayish-brown skin and white interiors; they have a sweet taste and slightly cold nature. The Bencao mentions Shashen, describing its sprouts, leaves, roots, and stems; however, the descriptions differ from this plant's characteristics. I dare not include it under that entry, so I have listed it separately here. Among these Xingye Shashen plants, there are also those bearing blue-green flowers. |
| 12 | 救饑：苗葉煠熟，水浸淘淨，油鹽調食。掘根換水煮食，亦佳。 For famine relief: The sprouts and leaves can be blanched to cook, then soaked and rinsed clean before being eaten with oil and salt seasoning. Dig up the roots, boil them in changed water for consumption; this is also excellent. |
| 13 | 藤長苗，又名旋菜。生密縣山坡中，拖蔓而生。苗長三四尺餘。莖有細毛。葉似滴滴金葉而窄小，頭頗齊。開五瓣粉紅大花。根似打碗花根。根葉皆味甜。 It has long vine-like sprouts and is also known as Xuancai. It grows on the slopes of Mixian Xian, spreading along the ground with vines. The sprouts grow three to four chi long or more. Its stems are covered with fine hairs. The leaves resemble those of Didi Jin but are narrower and smaller, with fairly even tips. It bears large pink five-petaled flowers. Its roots resemble those of Dawan Hua (Calystegia). Both the roots and leaves have a sweet taste. |
| 14 | 救饑：嫩苗葉煠熟，水浸淘淨，油鹽調食。掘根，換水煮熟，亦可食。 For famine relief: The tender sprouts and leaves may be blanched, soaked in water to remove bitterness, rinsed clean, then eaten with oil and salt. Dig up the roots, cook them after changing the water, and they are also edible. |
| 15 | 牛皮消，生密縣野中，拖蔓而生。藤蔓長四五尺。葉似馬兜鈴葉寬大，而薄，又似何首烏葉，亦寬大。開白花，結小角兒。根類葛根而細小，皮黑，肉白，味苦。 Niupixiao grows in the wilds of Mixian Xian and spreads along the ground with vines. Its vines grow four to five chi long. The leaves are broad and large, resembling those of Madouling but thinner; they also resemble the leaves of Heshouwu, which are similarly broad and large. It bears white flowers and produces small pods. Its roots resemble those of Ge Gen (Kudzu) but are smaller, with black skin and white flesh; they have a bitter taste. |
| 16 | 救饑：葉煠熟，水浸去苦味，油鹽調食。及取根去黑皮，切作片，換水煮去苦味，淘洗淨，再以水煮極熟，食之。 Alternatively, take the roots, remove the black outer skin, cut them into slices, boil in changed water to eliminate bitterness, rinse thoroughly, then cook again until very tender for consumption. |
| 17 | 菹草上音鮓，即水藻也。生陂塘及水泊中。莖如粗線，長三四尺。葉形似柳葉，而狹長，故名柳葉菹。又有葉似蓬子葉者。根粗如釵股而色白，味微⒉，性微寒。 Zucao pronounced Zha is the same as Shuizao (water algae). It grows in ponds, reservoirs, and water basins. Its stems are thick like a thread, growing three to four chi long. The leaves resemble willow leaves but are narrow and elongated; hence it is called Liuye Zu (willow-leafed water algae). There are also varieties with leaves resembling those of Pengzi. The roots are thick like hairpin shafts, white in color; they have a slightly bitter taste and a mildly cold nature. |
| 18 | 救饑：撈取葉連嫩根揀擇，洗淘潔淨，剉碎煠熟，油鹽調食。或加少米煮粥食，尤佳。 For famine relief: Harvest the leaves along with tender roots, carefully select and wash them clean; cut into pieces, blanch until cooked, then season with oil and salt for consumption. Alternatively, add a small amount of rice to cook porridge; this is especially good. |
| 19 | 水豆兒，一名葳菜。生陂塘水澤中。其莖葉比菹草又細，狀類細線，連綿不絕。根如釵股而色白，根下有豆，如退皮菉豆瓣，味甘。救饑：秧及根豆，擇洗潔淨煮食。生奄食亦可。 Shuidouer, also known as Weicai. It grows in pond and marshy waters. Its stems and leaves are even finer than those of Zucao, resembling thin threads that stretch continuously without end. The roots resemble hairpin shafts and are white in color; beneath the roots there are beans resembling peeled mung bean pods, with a sweet taste. For famine relief: Select and wash the sprouts as well as the roots and beans clean before boiling for consumption. It can also be eaten raw. |
| 20 | 水蔥，生水邊及淺水中。科苗彷佛類家蔥，而極細長。梢頭結蓇葖。彷佛類蔥蓇葖而小。開黲白花。其根，類蔥根，皮色紫黑。根苗俱味甘，微⒉。 Shuicong grows along the water's edge and in shallow waters. Its stalks resemble domestic leeks but are extremely slender and long. The tips of the shoots bear follicles. They resemble leek follicles but are smaller. It bears dark white flowers. Its roots resemble leek roots, with a purple-black skin color. Both the roots and sprouts have a sweet taste, slightly bitter. |
| 21 | 救饑：嫩苗連根揀擇洗淨，煠熟，水浸淘淨，油鹽調食。 For famine relief: Carefully select and wash the tender sprouts along with their roots clean, blanch them until cooked, soak in water to rinse thoroughly, then season with oil and salt before eating. |
| 22 | 蒲筍，本草名其苗為香蒲，即甘蒲也；一名睢，一名醮。俚俗名此蒲為香蒲，謂菖蒲為臭蒲。其香蒲，水邊處處有之。根比菖蒲根極肥大而少節。其葉初未出水時，葉莖紅白色，以為筍。後攛梗於叢葉中，花抱梗端，如武士棒杵，故俚俗謂蒲棒。蒲黃，即花中蕊屑也，細若金粉，當欲開時，有便取之。市廛間亦，以蜜搜作果食貨賣，甚益小兒。味甘，性平，無毒。 Pusun; the herbal text names its sprout as Xiangpu, which is also known as Ganpu; it is alternatively called Sui or Jiao. The common people call this kind of sedge Xiangpu, referring to Changpu as Choupu (stinking sedge). Xiangpu is found everywhere along the water's edge. Its roots are much fatter and have fewer joints compared to Changpu roots. When its leaves first emerge from the water, their stems are red or white in color, resembling bamboo shoots. Later, it grows a thick stalk among the cluster of leaves; the flowers enclose the tip of the stalk like a warrior's club or pestle, hence the common name "Puba" (sedge club). Puhuang is the pollen from within the flower, fine like golden powder; it should be collected just before the flowers are about to open. In the marketplace, it is also mixed with honey and made into candied fruits for sale; this is particularly beneficial for children. It has a sweet taste, neutral nature, and is non-toxic. |
| 23 | 救飢：近根白筍，揀剝洗淨，煠熟，油鹽調食，蒸食亦可。根刮去粗皴，曬乾，磨⒏，打餅蒸食皆可。 For famine relief: Select the white shoots near the roots, peel and wash them clean, blanch until cooked; they can be seasoned with oil and salt for eating or steamed as well. Scrape off the rough outer layer of the roots, dry them in the sun, grind into powder; they can be made into cakes and steamed for consumption. |
| 24 | 蘆筍，其苗名葦子草。本草有蘆根，《爾雅》謂之葭菙。生下隰陂澤中。其狀都似竹，但差小，而葉抱莖生，無枝叉。花白，作穗如茅花。根如竹根，亦差小而節疏。露出浮水者，不堪用。味甘，一雲辛，性寒。 lineno Lusun; its sprout is called Weizicao. The herbal text mentions Luzhong (reeds); Er Ya refers to it as Jiafu. It grows in low-lying marshy areas and ponds. Its appearance resembles bamboo, but it is somewhat smaller; its leaves grow around the stem without branches or forks. The flowers are white and form spikes resembling those of millet grass. Its roots resemble bamboo roots, also somewhat smaller with sparse joints. Those that emerge and float on the water are not suitable for use. It has a sweet taste; some say it is pungent, with a cold nature. |
| 25 | 救饑：嫩筍煠熟，油鹽調食。其根甘甜，亦可生咂食之。 For famine relief: Blanch the tender shoots until cooked and season with oil and salt to eat. Its roots are sweet and can also be eaten raw by sucking on them. |
| 26 | 玄扈先生曰：嘗過。根本勝藥，北方亦作果食。其筍，則北方者可食，南產不可食。 Master Xuanhu said: I have tasted it. Its roots are superior to medicine; in the north, they are also used as a fruit for consumption. As for its shoots, those from the north are edible, but those produced in the south are not fit to eat. |
| 27 | 茅芽根，本草名茅根，一名蘭根，一名茹根，一名地管，一名地筋，一名兼杜，又名白茅菅。其芽一名茅針。生楚地山谷，今田野處處有之。春初生苗，布地如針。夏生白花，茸茸然。至秋而枯。其根至潔白，亦甚甘美。根性寒，茅針性平，花性溫，俱味甘、無毒。 Maoyagen; the herbal text names it Mao Gen, also called Lan Gen, Ru Gen, Di Guan, Di Jin, Jian Du, and Bai Mao Jian. Its sprout is alternatively known as Maozhen. It grows in the mountain valleys of Chu territory; nowadays, it can be found everywhere in fields and countryside. In early spring, its sprouts emerge on the ground like needles. In summer it produces white flowers that appear soft and downy. It withers by autumn. Its roots are very clean and white, also sweet and delicious. The root is cold in nature; Maozhen (the sprout) has a neutral nature; the flower is warm in nature. All have a sweet taste and are non-toxic. |
| 28 | 救饑：嫩芽，剝取嫩穰食，甚益小兒。及取根咂食甜味。久服利人，服食此可斷穀。玄扈先生曰：嘗過。 For famine relief: Peel and take the tender core of young sprouts to eat; this is especially beneficial for children. Also, suck on the roots to enjoy their sweet taste. Long-term consumption is beneficial for people; consuming this can allow one to stop eating grains. Master Xuanhu said: I have tasted it. |
| 29 | 葛根，一名雞齊根，一名鹿藿，一名黃斤。生汶山川谷，及成州海州浙江，并澧鼎之間，今處處有之。苗引藤蔓，長二三丈。莖淡紫色。葉頗似楸葉而小，色青。開花似豌豆花，粉紫色。結實如皂莢而小。根形如手臂，味甘，性平，無毒。一雲性冷，殺野葛、巴豆、百藥毒。 Gegen; also known as Jiqigen, Luhuo, and Huangjin. It grows in the river valleys of Wenshan, as well as Chengzhou, Haizhou, Zhejiang, and between Li and Ding; nowadays it can be found everywhere. Its sprouts produce vines that grow two to three zhang long. The stems are pale purple in color. Its leaves resemble those of the qiu tree but are smaller, with a greenish hue. It produces flowers resembling those of broad beans, in a pink-purple color. Its fruit resembles the pods of the kudzu vine but is smaller. The root has a shape resembling an arm, with a sweet taste, neutral nature and no toxicity. Some say it is cold in nature, capable of neutralizing the poison from Yage (wild kudzu), Badou (croton seed), and toxins from a hundred other medicines. |
| 30 | 救飢：掘取根入土深者，水浸洗淨，蒸食之。或以水中揉出粉，澄濾成塊，蒸煮皆可食。及花曬乾煠食，亦可。玄扈先生曰：嘗過。 For famine relief: Dig up the roots that are deeply buried in the soil, soak them to wash clean, and steam for consumption. Alternatively, rub the root in water to extract starch, clarify and filter it into blocks; these can be steamed or boiled for consumption. The flowers may also be dried and blanched for eating. Master Xuanhu said: I have tasted it. |
| 31 | 何首烏，一名野苗，一名交藤，一名夜合，一名地精，一名陳知白；又名桃柳藤，亦名九真藤。出順州南河縣；其嶺外江南諸州，及虔州，皆有；以西洛嵩山歸德柘城縣者為勝；今鈞州密縣山谷中亦有之。蔓延而生。莖蔓紫色，葉似山藥葉而不光。嫩葉間開黃白花，葛勒花。結子有棱，似蕎麥而極細小，如粟粒大。根大者如拳，各有五楞瓣，狀似甜瓜樣，中有花紋，形如鳥獸、山嶽之狀者，極珍。有赤白二種：赤者雄，白者雌。又云，雄者苗葉黃白，雌者赤黃色。一雲雄苗赤，生必相對，遠不過三四尺，夜則苗蔓相交，或隱化不見。凡修合藥，須雌雄相合，服有驗。宜偶日服：二四六八日是也。其藥本無名，因何首烏見藤夜交，服有功，因以人為名耳。又云仙草。其為五十年者，如拳大，號山奴，服之一年，髭髮烏黑。百年如碗大，號山哥，服之一年，顏色紅悅。百五十年，如盆大，號山伯，服之一年，齒落重生。二百年如斗栲栳大，號山翁，服之一年，顏如童子，行及奔馬。三百年如三斗栲栳大，號山精，服之一年，延齡。純陽之體，久服成地仙。又云：其頭九數者，服之乃仙。味苦澀，性微溫，無毒，一雲味甘，茯苓為之使，酒下最良。忌鐵器、豬羊血，及豬肉、無鱗魚。與蘿蔔相惡，若並食，令人髭鬢早白，腸風多熱。 Heshouwu; also known as Yemiao, Jiaoteng, Yehé, Dijing, Chen Zhibai; it is also called Taoliu Teng and Jiuzhen Teng. It is produced in Nanhe Xian of Shun Zhou; the various states south of Lingwu and Jiangnan, as well as Qian Zhou, also have it. The best quality comes from Xiluo, Songshan, Guide, and Zhasheng Xian. Nowadays, it can also be found in the mountain valleys of Jun Zhou and Mi Xian. It grows by spreading its vines. Its vine stems are purple in color, and the leaves resemble those of yam but lack a glossy surface. Yellow-white flowers bloom among the tender leaves; they are called Gela Hua (wisteria-like flowers). The fruit has ridges, resembling buckwheat but extremely small in size, about the size of millet grains. The larger roots are the size of a fist, each with five ridges and lobes. Their shape resembles that of a melon, with patterns inside like flowers; those shaped like birds, beasts, or mountains are especially precious. There are two varieties: red and white; the red ones are male, and the white ones are female. It is also said that the male plants have yellowish-white sprouts and leaves, while the female plants have reddish-yellow coloration. Some say that male sprouts are red and always grow in pairs, no more than three or four chi apart; at night the vines intertwine, sometimes disappearing from view. When preparing medicine, it is necessary to combine both male and female parts for effective results when consumed. It should be taken on even-numbered days: the 2nd, 4th, 6th, and 8th of each month. The herb originally had no name; it was named after He Shouwu, who observed the vines intertwining at night and found that consuming it produced effects, thus naming it after himself. It is also called "xiancao" (immortal herb). Those that have grown for fifty years are the size of a clenched fist and called "Shan Nu." Consuming it for one year will turn beards and hair black. Those that have grown a hundred years are as large as a bowl, called "Shan Ge." Consuming it for one year brings a rosy and pleasant complexion. Those that have grown 150 years are as large as a basin, called "Shan Bo." Consuming it for one year causes lost teeth to regrow. Those that have grown two hundred years are as large as an earthenware basin or bamboo basket, called "Shan Weng." Consuming it for one year results in a complexion like that of a child and the ability to run as fast as a galloping horse. Those that have grown three hundred years are as large as three earthenware basins or bamboo baskets, called "Shanjing." Consuming it for one year prolongs life. Those with a purely yang constitution who consume it over the long term can become earth-bound immortals (earth xian). It is also said: Those whose heads have nine nodes will achieve immortality by consuming it. It has a bitter and astringent taste, with a slightly warm nature and no toxicity; some say it is sweet in flavor. Puhuang ling (Poria) serves as its synergist, and taking it with wine yields the best results. It should be avoided when using iron utensils or consuming pig and sheep blood, as well as pork and scaleless fish. It is incompatible with radishes; if consumed together, it causes beards and eyebrows to turn white prematurely and increases internal heat in the intestines. |
| 32 | 救饑：掘根，洗去泥土，以苦竹刀切作片，米泔浸經宿，換水煮去苦味，再以水淘洗淨，或蒸或煮食之。花亦可煠食。玄扈先生曰：嘗過。根本勝藥，不必救荒。 For famine relief: Dig up the roots, wash off the soil, and slice them into pieces with a bamboo knife. Soak in rice-washing water overnight; change the water and boil to remove bitterness. Then rinse thoroughly with water again, or steam or cook for consumption. The flowers can also be blanched and eaten. Master Xuanhu said: I have tasted it. Its roots are superior medicine and need not be used for famine relief. |
| 33 | 瓜樓根，俗名天花粉。本草名括樓。實，一名地樓，一名果臝，一名天瓜，一名澤姑，一名黃瓜。生弘農川谷及山陰地，今處處有之。入土深者良，生鹵地者有毒。《詩》所謂「果蓏之實」是也。根亦名白藥，大者細如手臂，皮黃，肉白。苗引藤蔓。葉似甜瓜葉而作花叉，有細毛。開花似葫蘆花，淡黃色。實在花下，大如拳，生青熟黃。根味苦，性寒，無毒。枸杞為之使，惡乾姜，畏牛膝、乾漆，及烏頭。 Gualou Gen, commonly known as Tahuafen. It is named Ku lou in the herbal text. Its fruit, also known as Dilou, Guoluo, Tiangua, Zegu, and Huanggu. It grows in the river valleys and mountainous areas of Hongnong; nowadays it can be found all over. Those with deep root penetration are superior, while those growing in saline soil are toxic. This is what the "Shi Jing" refers to as "the fruits and vegetables' produce." Its root is also called Baiyao. The large ones are thin like an arm, with yellow skin and white flesh. The plant sprouts tendrils and vines. Its leaves resemble those of a melon, with forked patterns and fine hairs. The flowers resemble gourd blossoms, pale yellow in color. The fruit grows beneath the flower, as large as a fist, green when unripe and yellow when ripe. The root has a bitter taste, cold in nature, and is non-toxic. Lycium barbarum acts as its synergist; it counteracts dried ginger, fears achyranthes root and urushi, as well as aconite. |
| 34 | 救飢：根，削皮至白處，寸切之；水浸，一日一次換水。浸經四五日，取出爛搗研，以絹袋盛之，澄濾令極細如粉。或將根曬乾，搗為⒏，水浸澄濾二十餘遍，使極膩如粉。或為燒餅，或作煎餅，切細⒏，皆可食。括樓穰煮粥食，極甘。取子炒乾搗爛，用水熬油，亦可。 For famine relief: Peel the root until it is white, cut into one-inch pieces; soak in water and change the water once a day. After soaking for four or five days, take it out and mash it thoroughly, then grind it. Place it in a silk bag, filter until extremely fine like powder. Alternatively, dry the roots in the sun, pound them into a paste, soak and filter through water more than twenty times until it becomes extremely smooth like powder. It can be made into steamed buns or pan cakes, cut into fine strips; all are edible. The pulp of Ku lou cooked as porridge is extremely sweet. Take the seeds, dry-fry them until dry and pounded into a paste; boil with water to extract oil, which can also be used. |
| 35 | 玄扈先生曰：嘗過。根本良藥。 Master Xuanhu said: I have tasted it. Its root is an excellent medicine. |
| 36 | 磚子苗，一名關子苗。生水邊。苗似水蔥而粗大，內實，又似蒲葶。梢開碎白花。結穗似水莎草穗，紫赤色。其子如黍粒大，根似蒲根而堅實，味甜。子味亦甜。 Zhuanzi Miao, also known as Guanzi Miao. It grows by the water's edge. The plant resembles water chives but is coarser and larger, solid inside; it also looks like a type of rush. Its tips bear small white flowers. It produces a panicle resembling that of Cyperus alternifolius, with purplish-red coloration. Its seeds are as large as millet grains; the roots resemble those of Cyperus but are more solid and have a sweet taste. The seeds also have a sweet flavor. |
| 37 | 救饑：子磨⒏食；及根擇洗淨，換水煮食；或曬乾磨為⒏食，亦可。 For famine relief: Grind the seeds into paste for consumption; or select and wash the roots clean, boil them in changed water to eat; alternatively, dry them in the sun and grind into powder for food, which is also acceptable. |
| 38 | 菊花，一名節華，一名日精，一名女節，一名女華，一名女莖，一名更生，一名周盈，一名傅延年，一名陰成。生雍州川澤，及鄧衡齊州田野，今處處有之。味苦甘，性平，無毒。朮、枸杞、桑根白皮為之使。 Chrysanthemum, also known as Jiehua, Rijing, Nujie, Nuhua, Nujing, Gengsheng, Zhouying, Fuyannian, and Yincheng. It grows in the riverside marshes of Yongzhou, as well as in the fields of Deng, Heng, and Qi Prefectures; nowadays it can be found everywhere. It has a bitter-sweet taste, neutral nature, and is non-toxic. The root of the plant is also known as Baiyao (白藥). The large ones are fine like an arm, with yellow bark and white flesh. It sprouts tendrils and vines, its leaves resemble those of sweet melons but have forked patterns with fine hairs. Its flowers look similar to gourd blossoms in pale yellow coloration. The fruit grows beneath the flower as big as a fist, green when immature and yellow upon ripening. Atractylodes macrocephala, Lycium barbarum, and the white bark of mulberry root act as its synergists. |
| 39 | 救饑：取莖紫氣香而味甘者，葉煠食，或作羹皆可。青莖而大，氣味作蒿苦者，不堪食，名苦薏。其花亦可煠食，或炒茶食。玄扈先生曰：嘗過。 For famine relief: Take the stems with purple vapor and a fragrant, sweet taste; blanch the leaves for consumption or make them into soup, both are acceptable. Those with green stems and a large size, emitting an odor and taste resembling wormwood bitterness, are inedible; they are called Kuyi. Its flowers can also be blanched for consumption or stir-fried as tea to eat. Master Xuanhu said: I have tasted it. |
| 40 | 金銀花，本草名忍冬；一名鷺鷥藤，一名左纏藤，一名金釵股；又名老翁，亦名忍冬藤。舊不載所出州土，今輝縣山野中亦有之。其藤淩冬不凋，故名忍冬草，附樹延蔓而生，莖微紫色，對節生葉。葉似薜荔葉而青，又似水茶臼葉，頭微團而軟，背頗澀。又似黑豆葉而大。開花五出，微香，蒂帶紅色。花初開白色，經一二日則色黃，故名金銀花。本草中不言善治癰疽發背；近代名人，用之奇效。味甘，性溫，無毒。 Jinyinhua, known in the herbal texts as Ren Dong; also called Luli Teng, Zuochan Teng, Jinchai Gu; it is also named Laoweng and Rendong Teng. It was not previously recorded as originating from any specific region, but nowadays can be found in the mountainous wilds of Huixian County. Its vines remain undecayed through winter, hence the name "Ren Dong Cao." It grows by attaching to trees and spreading its tendrils; the stems are slightly purplish in color, with leaves growing opposite at each node. The leaves resemble those of Ficus pumila but are green, and also somewhat like the leaves of Cyperus rotundus. The tips are slightly rounded and soft, with a rather rough texture on the back. They also resemble black bean leaves but are larger. The flowers have five petals, emit a faint fragrance, and their calyxes carry a reddish hue. When the flower first opens it is white; after one or two days its color turns yellow, hence the name Jinyinhua (Silver and Gold Flower). The herbal texts do not mention that it is particularly effective in treating boils or abscesses on the back; however, modern notable figures have used it with remarkable results. It has a sweet taste, warm nature, and is non-toxic. The root of this plant is an excellent medicine for treating boils and abscesses. |
| 41 | 救饑：花煠熟，油鹽調食；及嫩葉，換水煮熟，浸去邪味，淘淨，油鹽調食。玄扈先生曰：嘗過。花本勝藥。 For famine relief: Blanch the flowers until tender, then season with oil and salt for consumption; or take young leaves, boil them in changed water until cooked, soak to remove any bitter taste, rinse thoroughly, and eat seasoned with oil and salt. Master Xuanhu said: I have tasted it. The flower is an excellent medicinal herb. |
| 42 | 望江南，其花名茶花兒。人家園圃中多種。苗高二尺許，莖微淡赤色。葉似槐葉而肥大微尖，又似胡蒼耳葉頗大，又似皂角葉亦大。開五瓣金黃花。結角長三寸許。葉味微苦。 Wang Jiangnan, its flowers are called Chahuaer. It is commonly cultivated in household gardens and fields. The plant grows to about two chi tall, with stems of a faint reddish color. The leaves resemble those of the sophora tree but are fatter, larger, and slightly pointed; they also look somewhat like large Xanthium sibiricum leaves, as well as large Gleditsia sinensis leaves. It produces five-petaled golden yellow flowers. It bears pods about three cun long. The leaves have a slightly bitter taste. |
| 43 | 救饑：嫩苗葉煠熟，水浸淘去苦味，油鹽調食。花可炒食，亦可煠食。玄扈先生曰：嘗過。或名槐豆，或直稱決明。 For famine relief: Blanch the tender sprouts and leaves until cooked, then soak and rinse to remove bitterness, and season with oil and salt before eating. The flowers can be stir-fried or blanched for consumption. Master Xuanhu said: I have tasted it. It is sometimes called Huadou, or simply Jueming. |
| 44 | 大蓼，生密縣梁家⒊山谷中。拖藤而生。莖有線楞而頗硬，對節分生莖叉。葉亦對生，葉似山蓼葉微短，拳曲。節間開白花。其葉味苦微辣。 Daliao grows in the mountain valleys of Liangjia, Mixian County. It grows by trailing vines. The stems have linear ridges and are rather stiff, with branches growing opposite at each node. The leaves also grow oppositely; they resemble those of Shaniao but are slightly shorter and curled up. White flowers bloom between the nodes. Its leaves have a bitter and slightly spicy taste. |
| 45 | 救饑：葉煠熟，換水浸去辣味，作成黃色，淘洗淨，油鹽調食。花亦可煠食。○草部莖可食 For famine relief: Blanch the leaves until cooked, change the water to soak and remove the spicy taste; when they turn yellow, rinse them thoroughly and season with oil and salt for eating. The flowers can also be blanched to eat. ○ Grass Section Stems are edible |
| 46 | 黑三棱，舊云：河陝江淮荊襄間皆有之；今鄭州賈峪山澗水邊亦有。苗高三四尺，葉似菖蒲葉而厚大，背皆三棱劍脊。葉中攛葶，葶上結實，攢為刺球，狀如楮桃樣而三，顆瓣甚多。其顆瓣，形似草決明子而大，生則青，熟則紅黃色。根狀如烏梅而頗大，有蔓延相連，比京三棱體微輕，治療亻並同。其葶味甜，根味苦，性平，無毒。 Heisangle, it was previously said to be found between He, Shan, the Yangtze and Huai rivers, as well as Jingxiang; nowadays, it can also be found by streams in Jiayu Mountain of Zhengzhou. The plant grows three to four chi tall; its leaves resemble those of Acorus calamus but are thicker and larger, with a triangular sword-like ridge on the back. From among the leaves rises a spike, and at the top of the spike, fruits are clustered into spiky spheres. Their shape resembles that of Broussonetia papyrifera fruit but with three lobes; they have many small segments. Each segment resembles the seeds of Cassia obtusifolia but is larger, green when unripe, and red or yellow when ripe. The roots resemble wax gourds but are somewhat larger, spreading and connected; compared to Jing Sanleng, they have a slightly lighter body and similar medicinal uses. The spike has a sweet taste, the root is bitter in flavor; it is neutral in nature and non-toxic. |
| 47 | 救饑：嫩葶剝去粗皮，煠熟，油鹽調食。 For famine relief: Peel off the coarse skin of tender spikes, blanch them until cooked, then season with oil and salt to eat. |
| 48 | 荇絲菜，又名金蓮兒，一名藕蔬菜。水中拖蔓而生。葉似初生小荷葉，近莖有椏劐。葉浮水上，葉中攛莖，上開金黃花。莖味甜。救饑：嫩苗煠熟，油鹽調食。 Xingsi Cai, also known as Jinlianer, and one name is Oushucai. It grows by trailing vines in water. The leaves resemble young lotus leaves, with leaf stalks near the stem. The leaves float on water; from among them rises a stem bearing golden yellow flowers above. The stems have a sweet taste. For famine relief: Blanch tender sprouts until cooked, and season with oil and salt to consume. |
| 49 | 水慈菰，俗名為剪刀草，又名剪搭草。生水中。其莖麵窳背方，背有線楞。其葉三角，似剪刀形。葉中攛生莖叉，梢間開三瓣白花，黃心，結青蓇葖，如青楮桃狀，頗小。根類蔥根而粗大，其味甜。 Shuicigu, commonly known as Jiandaocao, also called Jiandacao. It grows in water. Its stems are flat on the front and square on the back, with linear ridges on the dorsal side. Its leaves are triangular in shape, resembling a pair of scissors. From among the leaves arise branching stems; at their tips bloom three-petaled white flowers with yellow centers, producing green follicles resembling small green Broussonetia papyri-fera fruits. The roots resemble leek roots but are coarser and larger; they have a sweet taste. |
| 50 | 救饑：近根嫩筍莖，煠熟，油鹽調食。○草部筍及實皆可食 For famine relief: Take the tender shoots near the base, blanch them until cooked and season with oil and salt for food. ○ Grass Section Shoots and fruits are both edible |
| 51 | 茭筍，本草有菰根，又名菰蔣草，江南人呼為茭草，俗又呼為茭白。生江東池澤水中及岸際，今在處水澤邊皆有之。苗高二三尺。葉似蔗荻，又似茅葉而長、闊、厚。葉間攛葶，開花如葦。結實青子。根肥，剝取嫩白筍可啖。久根盤厚，生菌音窘細嫩，葉可啖，名菰菜。三年已上，心中生葶如藕白軟，中有黑脈，甚堪啖，名菰首。味甘，性大寒無毒。 Jiaosun, the herbal texts mention Gu Gen; it is also known as Gupangcao. People in Jiangnan call it Jiao Cao, and it is commonly called Jiaobai. It grows in the ponds, marshes, and waters of Jiangdong as well as along their shores; nowadays it can be found at water margins everywhere. The plant grows two to three chi tall. Its leaves resemble those of Arundo donax, and also resemble bamboo leaves but are longer, broader, and thicker. From among the leaves arises a spike; it produces flowers resembling reeds. It bears green fruits. The roots are thick; the tender white shoots can be peeled and eaten. Older roots grow thickly, producing small and tender mushrooms pronounced "jiu"; the leaves can be eaten and are called Gucai. After three years or more, a white and tender spike grows in the center like lotus root; it contains black veins and is very suitable for eating. It is called Gushou. It has a sweet taste, an extremely cold nature, and is non-toxic. |
| 52 | 救饑：茭菰筍煠熟，油鹽調食。或子舂為米，合粟煮粥食之，甚濟饑。 For famine relief: Boil Jiao Gu Sun until cooked, then season with oil and salt to eat. Alternatively, the seeds can be pounded into rice, mixed with millet, and boiled as porridge; it is very effective for relieving hunger. |
| 53 | 玄扈先生曰：嘗過。 Master Xuanhu said: I have tasted it. |
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