雀麦 本草一名燕麦，一名 （音药）。止于荒野林下，今处处有之。苗似燕麦而
又细弱，结穗像麦穗而极细小，每穗又分作小叉穗十数个，子甚细小，味甘性平，无毒。
【救饥】采子舂去皮，捣作面，蒸食，作饼食妙。【治病】具见本草。
蒺藜子 本草一名旁通，一名即藜，一名茨。生冯翊平泽或道旁，今在处皆有之。布
地蔓生，细叶而开小黄花，结子有三角刺人是也。味苦辛，性温微寒，无毒。乌头为之使。又有
一种白蒺藜，出同州沙苑，开黄紫花作荚子，结子状如腰子样，小如黍粒，补贤药多用。味微甘有小毒。
【救饥】收子炒微黄，捣去刺，磨面作烧饼，或蒸食皆可。【治病】具见本草。
以上载本草。
稗（音拜）子 有二种。水稗生水田边，旱稗生田野中，今处处有之。苗叶似 子，
叶色深绿，脚叶颇带紫色，梢头出扁穗，结子如黍粒大，茶褐色。其味微苦，性微温。
【救饥】采子捣米煮粥食，蒸食尤佳，或磨作面食亦可。【治病】具见本草。
燕麦 田野处处有之，其苗似麦，撺（七宣切）葶，但细弱。叶小瘦细， （音布）
茎而生。结细长穗，其麦粒极细小。其味微甘性温无毒。
【救饥】采子舂去皮，蘑为面食之。【治病】具见本章。
地稍瓜 生田野中，苗长尺许，作地摊科生。叶似独扫叶而细窄光硬，又似沙蓬叶亦
硬。周遭攒茎而生，茎叶间开小白花，结角长大如莲子，两头尖FS ，又似鸿嘴形，名地稍瓜，其味甘。
【救饥】其角嫩时摘取炸食，角苦皮破，剥取角中嫩穣生食。【治病】具见本草。
山黧豆 一名山豌豆。生密县山野中，苗高尺许，其茎 面剑脊，叶似竹叶而齐短，
两两对生。开淡紫花，结小角儿，其豆扁如FS 豆，味甘。
【救饥】采取角儿煮食，或打取其豆食皆可。【治病】具见本草。
野黍 生荒野中，科苗皆类家黍，而茎叶细弱，穗甚瘦小，黍粒亦极细小。其味微
甜性微温。
【救饥】采子舂去粗皮糠，或捣或磨面，蒸糕食之甚甜。【治病】具见本草。
以上出《救荒》。
二本共八种，实可食。
苍耳草 本草名 耳。俗名道人头，一名羊负来，《诗》谓之卷耳。《尔雅》谓之苓
耳。生陆安州川谷及陆安田野，今处处有之。叶青白类粘胡菜叶，茎叶梢间结实，比桑椹短小而
多刺，其实味微苦甘，性温。叶味苦辛性微寒，有小毒，又云无毒。
【救饥】采嫩苗炸熟，换水浸去苦味，淘净。油盐调食。其子炒微黄，捣去皮磨为面作烧饼，
蒸食亦可，或用子熬油点灯。【治病】具见本草。
羊蹄苗 一名东方宿，俗呼猪耳朵。生陈留川泽，今所在有之。苗初就地生，后撺生
茎叉，高二尺余。其叶窄长，颇似莴苣而色深青，似大蓝叶微阔，茎节间紫赤色，其花青白成穗，
子三棱，根似牛蒡而坚实。味苦性寒，无毒。
【救饥】采苗叶炸熟，水浸淘净苦味，油盐调食。其子熟时打子捣为米，以滚水汤三五次，
淘净下锅，作水饭食之。【治病】具见本草。
土茜瓜 本草根名茜根，一名地血。生乔山川谷。徐州人谓之牛蔓，西土出者佳，今
北土处处有之。土茜根可以染红，叶似枣叶，形头尖，下阔，纹脉竖直，茎方。茎叶俱涩，四五
叶对生，节间茎蔓延附草木，开五瓣淡银褐花，结小如绿豆粒。生青熟红，根紫赤色。味咸，性
寒无毒。一云∶味甘。一云∶味酸。畏鼠
姑叶，味微酸。
【救饥】采叶炸熟，水浸作成黄色，淘冷，油盐调食。其子红熟摘食。【治病】具见本草。
王不留行 本草名剪金草，一名剪金花。生太山山谷，今祥符间亦有之。苗高一尺余，
其茎对节生叉，叶似石竹子叶而宽短， 茎对生，脚叶似槐叶而狭长。开粉红花。结蒴如松子大，
似罂粟壳样极小，有子如葶苈子大而黑色。其味苦甘，性平无毒。
【救饥】采叶炸熟，换水淘去苦味，油盐调食。子捣为面食之。【治病】具见本草。
以上载本草。
天茄儿 生田野中，苗高一尺许，茎有线楞。叶似姑娘草叶而大，又似和尚菜叶却小。
开五片小白花，结子似野葡萄大，紫黑色，味微甜。
【救饥】采嫩叶炸熟，水浸去邪味，淘净。油盐调食。其子熟时，亦可摘食。【治病】具见本草。
蓬子菜 生田野中，所在处处有之。其苗嫩时茎有红紫线楞，叶似 蓬菜微细。苗老
结子，叶则生出叉刺。其子如独扫子大。苗叶味甘。
【救饥】采嫩苗叶炸熟，水浸淘净，油盐调食，晒干炸食尤佳。及采其子捣米青色，或煮粥，
或磨面作饼食之皆可。【治病】具见本草。
苦扁豆 俗名羊尿胞。生延津县郊野中，在处亦有之。苗高二尺许，茎似黄耆，苗茎
上有细毛，叶似胡豆叶微小。又似蒺藜叶却大，枝叶间开红紫花，结壳如拇指头大，中间多虚。
俗呼为羊尿胞，内有子如 （音顷）子大，茶褐色，子叶味俱甚苦。
【救饥】采叶炸熟，换水浸浣苦味，淘净。油盐调食。及取子水侵，淘去苦味，晒干，或磨
或捣为面，作烧饼食之皆可。【治病】具见本草。
米布袋 生田野中，苗就地生。叶似泽漆叶而窄。其叶顺茎排生，梢头攒结三四角，
中有子如黍粒大微扁。味微甜。
【救饥】采角取子，水淘洗净，下锅煮食。其嫩苗叶炸熟，油盐调食亦可。【治病】具见本草。
以上出《救荒》。
二本共八种，叶实皆可食。
黄精苗 一名重楼，一名救穷，一名仙余粮。生山谷，南北皆有之，嵩山、茅山者佳。
根生肥地者大如拳，薄地犹如拇指。叶似竹叶，或两叶或三叶四叶五叶，俱皆对节而生。味甘性
平无毒。又云茎光泽者谓之太阳之草，名曰黄精，食之可以长生。其叶不对节，茎叶毛钩子者谓
之太阴之草，名曰钩吻，食之入口立死。又云茎不紫，花不黄为异性也。
【救饥】采嫩叶炸熟，换水浸去苦味，淘洗净。油盐调食。山中人采根九蒸九曝，食甚甘美。
其蒸曝用瓮去底，安釜上，设备黄精令满密，盖蒸之令气溜，即曝之。如此九蒸九曝，令极熟，
若不熟则刺人喉咽。久食长生，辟谷。其生者，若初服之，只可一寸半，渐渐增之，十日不食他
食，能长服之，止三尺。服三百日后尽见鬼神，饵必升天。又云花实极可食之，罕得见至难得，
根据法食之。【治病】具见本草。
地黄苗 俗名婆婆奶，一名 ，一名芑。生咸阳川泽，今处处有之。苗初就地生，叶
如山白菜叶而毛涩，叶面深青色，又似芥菜叶而不花叉，比芥菜叶颇浓，叶中撺出茎，上有细毛。
茎梢开筒子花红黄色。北人谓之牛奶子花。结实如小麦粒，根长四五寸，细如手指。皮赤色。味
甘苦，性寒无毒。恶贝母，畏芜荑，得麦门冬、清酒良，忌铁器。
【救饥】采叶煮羹食，或捣绞根汁，搜面作饼饪，汲水淘食之。或取根浸洗净，九蒸九曝任意
服食，或煎以为煎食。久服轻身不老，变白延年。【治病】具见本草。
牛蒡子 本草名恶实米，去萼名鼠粘子，俗名夜叉头。根谓之牛菜。生鲁山平泽，
今处处有之。苗高二三尺，叶如芋叶长大而涩。花淡紫色，实似葡萄而褐色，外壳如栗 而小多
刺。鼠过之则缀惹不可脱，故名。壳中有子，如半麦粒而扁小。根长尺余，粗如拇指，其色灰黪。
味辛性平。一云其味甘无毒。
【救饥】采苗叶炸熟，水浸去邪味，淘净。汪盐调食及掘出取根，水浸洗净，煮熟食之。久
服甚益人，轻身耐老。【治病】具见本草。
以上载本草。
水豆儿 一名葳菜，生水泽中。其茎叶比菹草又细，状类细绵，连绵不绝。根如钗股
而色白，根下有豆如退皮绿豆瓣。味微甘。
【救饥】采花及根豆，择洗洁净，煮食。生以盐腌食亦可。【治病】具见本草。
水葱 生水边及浅水中，科苗仿佛类家葱而极细长，梢头结 ，仿佛类葱 而
小。开黪白花。其根类葱根，皮色紫黑。根苗味俱甘，微带咸。
【救饥】采嫩苗连根拣择洗净炸熟，水浸淘洗净，以油盐调食之。【治病】具见本草。
菹草 即水藻也。生坡塘及水泊中，茎如粗线，长三四尺。叶形似柳叶面狭长，故
名柳叶菹。又有叶似蓬子叶者，根粗如钗股而色白，味微咸，性微寒。
【救饥】捞取茎叶，连嫩根拣择洗淘洁净，锉碎炸熟。油盐调食或加小米煮粥食尤佳，无毒。
【治病】具见本草。
以上载《救荒》。
二本共六种，根叶可食。
蒲笋 本草名其苗为香蒲，即甘蒲也。一名睢，一名醮，俚俗名此蒲为香蒲，谓菖
蒲为臭蒲。其香蒲水边处处有之。根比菖蒲根极肥大而少节。其叶初未出水时，叶茎红白色，采
以为笋。后撺梗于丛叶中，花抱梗端如武士棒杵，故俚俗谓蒲棒。蒲黄，即花中蕊屑也，细若金
粉，当欲开时，有便取之。市廛间亦采之，以蜜搜作果食货卖，甚益小儿。其味甘，性平无毒。
【救饥】采近根白笋，拣剥洗净炸熟，油盐调食，蒸食亦可。或采根刮去粗皱，晒干磨
面打饼蒸食之亦可也。【治病】具见本草。
芦笋 其苗名苇子草，本草有芦根，《尔雅》谓之葭 。生下湿陂泽中。其状都似
竹但差小而叶抱茎生，无枝叉。花白作穗，如茅花。根如竹根亦差小而节疏。露出浮水者不堪用。
味甘辛，其性寒无毒。
【救饥】采嫩笋炸熟，以油盐调食，其根甘甜，亦可生咂食之。【治病】具见本草。
茭笋 本草有菰根，又名菰蒋草。江南人呼为茭草，俗又呼为茭白。生江东池泽水
中及岸际，今在处水泽边皆有之。苗高二三尺，叶似蔗荻，又似茅叶而长大阔浓，叶间撺葶，开
花如苇，结实青子，根肥，剥取嫩白笋可啖。久根盘浓生菌，细嫩亦可啖，名菰菜。三年以上心
中生葶如藕，白软中有黑脉，甚堪啖，名菰首。味甘性大寒，无毒。
【救饥】采茭菰笋炸熟，油盐调食。或采子舂为米合粟煮粥食之，甚济饥。【治病】具见本草。
茅芽根 一名白茅菅，其芽一名茅针。生楚地山谷，今田野处处有之。春初苗布地如
针。夏生白花茸茸然，至秋而枯。其根至洁白亦甚甘美。根性寒，茅针性平，其花性温，俱味甘，无毒。
【救饥】采嫩芽剥取嫩茸食，甚益小儿。及取根咂食甜味，久服利人，食此茅针可断谷。【治
病】具见本草。
以上四种载本草，根笋皆可食。
葛根 一名黄金，生汝山川谷及海州、成州、浙江并澧鼎之间，今处处有之。苗引
藤蔓长二三丈，茎淡紫色。叶似楸叶而小，色青。开花似豌豆花，粉紫色。结实如皂荚而小，根
形状如手。皆味甘性平无毒，一云性冷。杀野葛、巴豆并百药诸毒。
【救饥】取根入土深者，水浸洗净，蒸食之，或以水中揉出澄滤成块，蒸煮皆可食。及采花
晒干炸食之亦可。【治病】具见本草。
何首乌 一名野苗，一名交藤，一名夜合，一名地精，一名陈知白，又名桃柳藤，亦
名九真藤。出真州、河南县，其岭外江南诸州及虔州皆有，以西洛、嵩山、归德、柘城县者为胜。
今钧州密县山谷中亦有之。蔓延而生，茎蔓紫色。叶似山药叶而不光嫩，叶间开黄白花，似葛勒
花。结子有棱，似荞麦而极细小如粟粒大。根大如拳，各有五棱瓣，状似甜瓜样，中有花纹，形
如鸟兽山岳之状者，极珍。有赤白二种，赤者雄，白者雌。又云雄者苗叶黄白，雌者赤黄色。一
云雄苗赤。生必相对，远不过三四尺，夜则苗蔓相交，或隐化不见。凡修合药须雌雄相合服有验，
宜偶日服，二四六八日是也。其药本无名，因何首乌见藤叶夜交，采服有功，因以采人为名耳。
又云其为仙草，五十年者如拳大，号山奴，服之一年髭发乌黑。一百年者如碗大，号山哥，服之
一年，颜色红悦。一百五十年者如盆大，号山伯，服之一年，齿落重生。二百年者如斗栲栳大，
号山翁，服之一年，颜如童子，行及奔马。三百年者如三斗栲栳大，号山精，服之一年，延龄，
纯阳之体，久服成地仙。又云其头九数者，服之乃仙。味苦涩，性微温无毒。一云味甘。茯苓为
之使，酒下最良。忌铁器、猪羊血及猪肉、无鳞鱼。与萝卜相恶，若并食，令人髭鬓早白，肠风多热故。
【救饥】掘根洗去泥土，以苦竹刀切作片，米泔水浸经宿换水，煮去苦味，再以水淘洗净，
或蒸或煮食之，花亦可炸食。【治病】具见本草。
以上二种本草，根及花皆可食。
栝蒌 俗名天花粉，本卓有栝蒌实，一名地蒌。生弘农川谷及山阴地，今处处有之。
入土深者良，生卤地者有毒。《诗》所谓果 之实是也。根亦名白药，大者细如手臂，皮黄肉白。
苗引藤蔓，叶似甜瓜叶而作花叉，有细毛。开花似胡芦花，淡黄色，实在花下大如拳，生青熟黄。
根味苦，性寒无毒。枸杞为使，恶干姜，畏牛膝、干漆，反乌头。
【救饥】采根剥皮至白处寸切之，水浸，一日一次换水，浸经四五日，取出烂捣，以绢袋盛
之，澄滤令极细如粉，或将根晒干捣为面。水浸澄滤二十余遍，使极腻如粉，或为烧饼或作煎饼，
雀麦：本草中称为燕麦，又称（音药）。生长在荒野林下，如今到处都有。幼苗像燕麦但更细弱，结的穗像麦穗但极其细小，每穗又分成十多个小叉穗，种子非常细小，味道甘甜，性质平和，无毒。
【救荒】采集种子舂去外皮，捣碎做成面粉，蒸着吃或做饼吃都很好。【治病】功效详见本草。
蒺藜子：本草中称为旁通，又称即藜，又称茨。生长在冯翊的平泽或路边，如今到处都有。贴地蔓生，叶子细小开小黄花，结的种子有三角刺，就是这种植物。味道苦辛，性质温而微寒，无毒。乌头是它的引经药。还有一种白蒺藜，出产于同州沙苑，开黄紫花结荚果，种子形状像腰子，小如黍粒，补贤药多用此。味道微甘，有小毒。
【救荒】收集种子炒至微黄，捣去刺，磨成面做烧饼，或蒸着吃都可以。【治病】功效详见本草。
以上记载于本草。
稗（音拜）子：有两种。水稗生长在水田边，旱稗生长在田野中，如今到处都有。苗叶像粟米，叶色深绿，底部的叶子颇带紫色，梢头长出扁穗，结的种子像黍粒大，茶褐色。味道微苦，性质微温。
【救荒】采集种子捣米煮粥吃，蒸着吃尤其好，或磨成面食也可以。【治病】功效详见本草。
燕麦：田野到处都有，它的苗像麦子，挺立（七宣切），只是细弱。叶子小且瘦细，（音布）茎而生。结细长的穗，麦粒极细小。味道微甘，性质温，无毒。
【救荒】采集种子舂去皮，磨成面食吃。【治病】功效详见本章。
地稍瓜：生长在田野中，苗长一尺左右，呈匍匐状生长。叶子像独扫叶但细窄光硬，又像沙蓬叶也很硬。围绕茎丛生，茎叶间开小白花，结的角长大如莲子，两头尖（FS），又像鸿嘴形，名叫地稍瓜，味道甘甜。
【救荒】角嫩时采摘炸着吃，角老皮破后，剥取角中嫩的瓤生吃。【治病】功效详见本草。
山黧豆：一名山豌豆。生长在密县的山野中，苗高一尺左右，茎表面有剑脊状棱，叶子像竹叶但较短齐，两两对生。开淡紫色花，结小角儿，里面的豆子扁平像（FS）豆，味道甘甜。
【救荒】采取角儿煮着吃，或取出豆子吃都可以。【治病】功效详见本草。
野黍：生长在荒野中，丛生的苗都像家黍，但茎叶细弱，穗很瘦小，黍粒也极细小。味道微甜，性质微温。
【救荒】采集种子舂去粗皮糠，或捣碎或磨面，蒸糕吃很甜。【治病】功效详见本草。
以上出自《救荒》。
这两本书共收录八种，果实均可食用。
苍耳草：本草名（耳）。俗名道人头，一名羊负来，《诗经》称之为卷耳。《尔雅》称之为苓耳。生长在陆安州的川谷及田野，如今到处都有。叶子青白色类似粘胡菜叶，茎叶梢间结实，比桑椹短小且多刺，果实味道微苦甘，性质温。叶子味道苦辛，性质微寒，有小毒，又说无毒。
【救荒】采集嫩苗炸熟，换水浸泡去掉苦味，淘洗干净。用油盐调味食用。其种子炒至微黄，捣去皮磨成面做烧饼，蒸着吃也可以，或用种子熬油点灯。【治病】功效详见本草。
羊蹄苗：一名东方宿，俗呼猪耳朵。生长在陈留的川泽，如今各地都有。苗起初贴地生长，后来挺立生出茎叉，高二尺多。叶子窄长，颇似莴苣但颜色深青，像大蓝叶微宽，茎节间呈紫红色，花青白成穗，种子三棱，根像牛蒡但坚实。味道苦，性质寒，无毒。
【救荒】采集苗叶炸熟，用水浸泡淘净苦味，用油盐调味食用。种子成熟时打下来捣成米，用滚水烫三五次，淘净下锅，做水饭吃。【治病】功效详见本草。
土茜瓜：本草中根名茜根，一名地血。生长在乔山的川谷。徐州人叫它牛蔓，西土出产的最好，如今北方各地都有。土茜根可以染红，叶子像枣叶，形状头尖下阔，纹理脉竖直，茎方形。茎叶都涩，四五片叶子对生，节间茎蔓延附着草木，开五瓣淡银褐色花，结小如绿豆粒。生时青色熟时红色，根紫赤色。味道咸，性质寒无毒。一说：味道甘。一说：味道酸。畏鼠姑叶，味道微酸。
【救荒】采集叶子炸熟，用水浸泡变成黄色，淘凉，用油盐调味食用。其种子红熟时摘食。【治病】功效详见本草。
王不留行：本草名剪金草，一名剪金花。生长在太山山谷，如今祥符间也有。苗高一尺多，茎对节生叉，叶子像石竹子叶但宽短，（FS）茎对生，脚叶像槐叶但狭长。开粉红色花。结蒴果如松子大，像罂粟壳样极小，里面有种子如葶苈子大且黑色。味道苦甘，性质平无毒。
【救荒】采集叶子炸熟，换水淘去苦味，用油盐调味食用。种子捣成面食吃。【治病】功效详见本草。
以上记载于本草。
天茄儿：生长在田野中，苗高一尺左右，茎有线楞。叶子像姑娘草叶但大，又像和尚菜叶却小。开五片小白花，结子像野葡萄大，紫黑色，味道微甜。
【救荒】采集嫩叶炸熟，用水浸泡去掉邪味，淘洗干净。用油盐调味食用。其种子成熟时，也可以摘食。【治病】功效详见本草。
蓬子菜：生长在田野中，到处都有。苗嫩时茎有红紫线楞，叶子像（FS）蓬菜微细。苗老了结子，叶子则生出叉刺。其种子像独扫子大。苗叶味道甘。
【救荒】采集嫩苗叶炸熟，用水浸泡淘净，用油盐调味食用，晒干炸着吃尤其好。以及采集种子捣米青色，或煮粥，或磨面做饼吃都可以。【治病】功效详见本草。
苦扁豆：俗名羊尿胞。生长在延津县的郊野中，到处也有。苗高二尺左右，茎像黄耆，苗茎上有细毛，叶子像胡豆叶微小。又像蒺藜叶却大，枝叶间开红紫花，结壳如拇指头大，中间多虚。俗呼为羊尿胞，里面有种子如（音顷）子大，茶褐色，子叶味道都很苦。
【救荒】采集叶子炸熟，换水浸泡洗去苦味，淘洗干净。用油盐调味食用。以及取种子用水浸泡，淘去苦味，晒干，或磨或捣成面，做烧饼吃都可以。【治病】功效详见本草。
米布袋：生长在田野中，苗贴地生长。叶子像泽漆叶但窄。叶子顺茎排生，梢头攒结三四角，里面有种子如黍粒大微扁。味道微甜。
【救荒】采集角取种子，用水淘洗净，下锅煮吃。嫩苗叶炸熟，用油盐调味食用也可以。【治病】功效详见本草。
以上出自《救荒》。
这两本书共收录八种，叶实皆可食用。
黄精苗：一名重楼，一名救穷，一名仙余粮。生长在山谷，南北都有，嵩山、茅山的最好。根生在肥地里的大如拳头，薄地里犹如拇指。叶子像竹叶，或两叶或三叶四叶五叶，都对节而生。味道甘，性质平无毒。又说茎光泽的叫太阳之草，名叫黄精，吃了可以长生。叶子不对节，茎叶有毛钩子的叫太阴之草，名叫钩吻，吃了入口立刻致死。又说茎不紫，花不黄的是异性。
【救饥】采集嫩叶炸熟，换水浸泡去掉苦味，淘洗干净。用油盐调味食用。山里人采集根九蒸九晒，吃起来很甘美。其蒸晒用去掉底的瓮，放在釜上，备置黄精令满密封，盖住蒸让气流通，就晒它。这样九蒸九晒，令极熟，如果不熟则刺人喉咽。久吃长生，辟谷。生的，如果刚开始服用，只可一寸半，渐渐增加，十日不吃其他食物，能长期服用，止三尺。服用三百日后尽见鬼神，饵必升天。又说花果极可食用，难得见到，根据方法吃。【治病】功效详见本草。
地黄苗：俗名婆婆奶，一名（FS），一名芑。生长在咸阳川泽，如今到处都有。苗起初贴地生长，叶子像山白菜叶但毛涩，叶面深青色，又像芥菜叶但不分叉，比芥菜叶颇浓，叶中挺出茎，上有细毛。茎梢开筒子花红黄色。北人叫它牛奶子花。结实如小麦粒，根长四五寸，细如手指。皮赤色。味道甘苦，性质寒无毒。恶贝母，畏芜荑，得麦门冬、清酒良，忌铁器。
【救饥】采集叶子煮羹吃，或捣绞根汁，和面做饼烹饪，汲水淘食。或取根浸洗净，九蒸九晒任意服食，或煎成煎剂吃。久服轻身不老，变白延年。【治病】功效详见本草。
牛蒡子：本草名恶实米，去萼名鼠粘子，俗名夜叉头。根叫牛菜。生长在鲁山平泽，如今到处都有。苗高二三尺，叶如芋叶长大而涩。花淡紫色，实像葡萄而褐色，外壳像栗（FS）而小多刺。老鼠经过则粘惹不可脱，故名。壳中有子，如半麦粒而扁小。根长尺余，粗如拇指，其色灰黪。味道辛，性质平。一说其味甘无毒。
【救饥】采集苗叶炸熟，水浸去掉邪味，淘净。汪盐调味食用及掘出取根，水浸洗净，煮熟吃。久服甚益人，轻身耐老。【治病】功效详见本草。
以上记载于本草。
水豆儿：一名葳菜，生长在水泽中。其茎叶比菹草又细，状类细绵，连绵不绝。根如钗股而色白，根下有豆如退皮绿豆瓣。味道微甘。
【救饥】采集花及根豆，择洗洁净，煮吃。生以盐腌吃也可以。【治病】功效详见本草。
水葱：生长在水边及浅水中，丛生的苗仿佛像家葱但极细长，梢头结（FS），仿佛像葱（FS）但小。开黪白花。其根像葱根，皮色紫黑。根苗味道都甘，微带咸。
【救饥】采集嫩苗连根拣择洗净炸熟，水浸淘洗净，用油盐调味食用。【治病】功效详见本草。
菹草：即水藻也。生长在坡塘及水泊中，茎如粗线，长三四尺。叶形像柳叶面狭长，故名柳叶菹。又有叶像蓬子叶的，根粗如钗股而色白，味道微咸，性质微寒。
【救饥】捞取茎叶，连嫩根拣择洗淘洁净，锉碎炸熟。油盐调味或加小米煮粥吃尤其好，无毒。
【治病】功效详见本草。
以上记载《救荒》。
这两本书共六种，根叶可食用。
蒲笋：本草名其苗为香蒲，即甘蒲也。一名睢，一名醮，俚俗名此蒲为香蒲，谓菖蒲为臭蒲。其香蒲水边处处有之。根比菖蒲根极肥大而少节。其叶初未出水时，叶茎红白色，采以为笋。后撺梗于丛叶中，花抱梗端如武士棒杵，故俚俗谓蒲棒。蒲黄，即花中蕊屑也，细若金粉，当欲开时，有便取之。市廛间亦采之，以蜜搜作果食货卖，甚益小儿。其味甘，性平无毒。
【救饥】采近根白笋，拣剥洗净炸熟，油盐调味，蒸吃也可以。或采根刮去粗皱，晒干磨面打饼蒸吃也可以。【治病】功效详见本草。
芦笋：其苗名苇子草，本草有芦根，《尔雅》谓之葭（FS）。生下湿陂泽中。其状都像竹但差小而叶抱茎生，无枝叉。花白成穗，像茅花。根像竹根亦差小而节疏。露出浮水者不堪用。味甘辛，其性寒无毒。
【救饥】采嫩笋炸熟，用油盐调味，其根甘甜，也可以生吸吃。【治病】功效详见本草。
茭笋：本草有菰根，又名菰蒋草。江南人呼为茭草，俗又呼为茭白。生长江东池泽水中及岸际，如今到处水泽边都有。苗高二三尺，叶像蔗荻，又像茅叶而长大阔浓，叶间挺出葶，开花像苇，结实青子，根肥，剥取嫩白笋可吃。久根盘浓生菌，细嫩也可吃，名菰菜。三年以上心中生葶如藕，白软中有黑脉，甚堪吃，名菰首。味甘性大寒，无毒。
【救饥】采茭菰笋炸熟，油盐调味。或采子舂为米合粟煮粥吃，甚济饥。【治病】功效详见本草。
茅芽根：一名白茅菅，其芽一名茅针。生长在楚地山谷，如今田野到处都有。春初苗布地如针。夏生白花茸茸然，至秋而枯。其根至洁白亦甚甘美。根性寒，茅针性平，其花性温，俱味甘，无毒。
【救饥】采嫩芽剥取嫩茸吃，甚益小儿。及取根吸吃甜味，久服利人，食此茅针可断谷。【治病】功效详见本草。
以上四种记载于本草，根笋皆可食用。
葛根：一名黄金，生长在汝山川谷及海州、成州、浙江并澧鼎之间，如今到处都有。苗引藤蔓长二三丈，茎淡紫色。叶子像楸叶但小，色青。开花像豌豆花，粉紫色。结实像皂荚而小，根形状像手。皆味甘性平无毒，一说性冷。杀野葛、巴豆并百药诸毒。
【救饥】取根入土深的，水浸洗净，蒸吃，或以水中揉出澄滤成块，蒸煮都可吃。及采花晒干炸吃也可以。【治病】功效详见本草。
何首乌：一名野苗，一名交藤，一名夜合，一名地精，一名陈知白，又名桃柳藤，亦名九真藤。出真州、河南县，其岭外江南诸州及虔州皆有，以西洛、嵩山、归德、柘城县者为胜。如今钧州密县山谷中也有。蔓延而生，茎蔓紫色。叶子像山药叶但不光嫩，叶间开黄白花，像葛勒花。结子有棱，像荞麦而极细小如粟粒大。根大如拳，各有五棱瓣，状似甜瓜样，中有花纹，形如鸟兽山岳之状者，极珍贵。有赤白二种，赤者雄，白者雌。又说雄者苗叶黄白，雌者赤黄色。一说雄苗赤。生必相对，远不过三四尺，夜则苗蔓相交，或隐化不见。凡修合药须雌雄相合服有验，宜偶日服，二四六八日是也。其药本无名，因何首乌见藤叶夜交，采服有功，因以采人为名耳。又说其为仙草，五十年者如拳大，号山奴，服之一年髭发乌黑。一百年者如碗大，号山哥，服之一年，颜色红悦。一百五十年者如盆大，号山伯，服之一年，齿落重生。二百年者如斗栲栳大，号山翁，服之一年，颜如童子，行及奔马。三百年者如三斗栲栳大，号山精，服之一年，延龄，纯阳之体，久服成地仙。又说其头九数者，服之乃仙。味苦涩，性质微温无毒。一说味甘。茯苓为之使，酒下最良。忌铁器、猪羊血及猪肉、无鳞鱼。与萝卜相恶，若并食，令人髭鬓早白，肠风多热故。
【救饥】掘根洗去泥土，以苦竹刀切作片，米泔水浸过夜换水，煮去苦味，再以水淘洗净，或蒸或煮吃，花也可以炸吃。【治病】功效详见本草。
以上两种本草，根及花皆可食用。
栝蒌：俗名天花粉，本卓有栝蒌实，一名地蒌。生长在弘农川谷及山阴地，如今到处都有。入土深的良，生卤地的有毒。《诗经》所谓果（FS）之实是也。根亦名白药，大的细如手臂，皮黄肉白。苗引藤蔓，叶子像甜瓜叶而作花叉，有细毛。开花像胡芦花，淡黄色，实在花下大如拳，生青熟黄。根味苦，性质寒无毒。枸杞为使，恶干姜，畏牛膝、干漆，反乌头。
【救饥】采根剥皮至白处寸切之，水浸，一日一次换水，浸经四五日，取出烂捣，以绢袋盛之，澄滤令极细如粉，或将根晒干捣为面。水浸澄滤二十余遍，使极腻如粉，或为烧饼或作煎饼，
**Baimai (Setaria italica var. viridis)**: In the *Bencao* (Materia Medica), it is called Yanmai (Oat), also known as [Yao] (phonetic). It grows in wild forests and underwoods, and is now found everywhere. The seedlings resemble oats but are finer and weaker; the ears resemble wheat ears but are extremely small, with each ear branching into ten or more smaller spikelets. The seeds are very small, sweet in taste, neutral in nature, and non-toxic.
[Relief from Famine]: Harvest the seeds, pound off the husks, grind into flour, steam to eat, or make into cakes—this is excellent. [Treatment of Diseases]: Efficacy is detailed in the Materia Medica.
**Jili Zi (Tribuli Fructus)**: In the *Bencao*, it is called Pangtong, also known as Jili, and Ci. It grows in the flat marshes of Fengyi or by roadsides, and is now found everywhere. It creeps along the ground, has fine leaves, opens small yellow flowers, and bears fruits with triangular spines—that is this plant. It tastes bitter and acrid, is warm in nature with a slight cold property, and is non-toxic. Wutou (Aconiti Lateralis Radix Preparata) acts as its guiding herb. There is another variety, Baijili (White Tribulus), produced in Shanyuan, Tongzhou. It opens yellow-purple flowers and bears pods; the seeds are kidney-shaped, small as millet grains, and widely used in tonifying medicines. It tastes slightly sweet and has slight toxicity.
[Relief from Famine]: Collect the seeds, stir-fry until slightly yellow, pound off the spines, grind into flour to make baked cakes, or steam to eat—both are acceptable. [Treatment of Diseases]: Efficacy is detailed in the Materia Medica.
The above are recorded in the Materia Medica.
**Baizi (Echinochloa crus-galli)**: There are two types. Shuiba (Water Barnyard Grass) grows by rice paddies; Hanba (Dryland Barnyard Grass) grows in fields. Both are now found everywhere. The seedlings and leaves resemble millet; the leaf color is deep green, with lower leaves showing a purplish tint. Flat spikes emerge at the tips, bearing seeds the size of millet grains, tea-brown in color. The taste is slightly bitter, and the nature is slightly warm.
[Relief from Famine]: Harvest the seeds, pound the rice, and cook porridge; steaming is especially good. Grinding into flour for food is also acceptable. [Treatment of Diseases]: Efficacy is detailed in the Materia Medica.
**Yanmai (Avena sativa)**: Found everywhere in fields. Its seedlings resemble wheat, standing erect (pronounced Qi Xuan), but are finer and weaker. The leaves are small and slender, growing on stems (pronounced Bu). It bears long, thin ears with extremely small grain kernels. The taste is slightly sweet, the nature is warm, and it is non-toxic.
[Relief from Famine]: Harvest the seeds, pound off the husks, and grind into flour for food. [Treatment of Diseases]: Efficacy is detailed in this chapter.
**Disao Gua (Cucumis melo var. flexuosus?)**: Grows in fields. The vines grow about one chi long, spreading along the ground. The leaves resemble those of Dusao but are narrower, smoother, and harder, similar to Shapeng leaves which are also hard. Leaves cluster around the stem. Small white flowers open between the stem and leaves. The fruit is a large pod, like a lotus seed, pointed at both ends (FS), resembling a goose's beak. It is named Disao Gua and tastes sweet.
[Relief from Famine]: When the pods are tender, pick and fry them to eat. If the pods are old and the skin breaks, peel them and eat the tender pulp raw. [Treatment of Diseases]: Efficacy is detailed in the Materia Medica.
**Shanli Dou (Lathyrus japonicus?)**: Also known as Shanwandou. Grows in the mountains and wilds of Mixian County. The seedlings are about one chi high. The stems have sword-like ridges. The leaves resemble bamboo leaves but are shorter and even, growing in opposite pairs. It opens pale purple flowers and bears small pods. The beans inside are flat like (FS) beans and taste sweet.
[Relief from Famine]: Pick the pods and boil to eat, or extract the beans to eat—both are acceptable. [Treatment of Diseases]: Efficacy is detailed in the Materia Medica.
**Yeshu (Panicum miliaceum var. spontaneum)**: Grows in wild areas. The clumps and seedlings resemble domestic millet, but the stems and leaves are finer and weaker, and the ears are very slender and small. The millet grains are also extremely small. The taste is slightly sweet, and the nature is slightly warm.
[Relief from Famine]: Harvest the seeds, pound off the coarse husks, either crush or grind into flour, and steam into cakes—it is very sweet. [Treatment of Diseases]: Efficacy is detailed in the Materia Medica.
The above are from *Jiu Huang* (Relief from Famine).
These two books record eight kinds in total, all of whose fruits are edible.
**Can'er Cao (Xanthii Caulis et Folium)**: In the *Bencao*, it is named [Er]. Commonly known as Daoren Tou, also known as Yangfulai. The *Book of Songs* calls it Juan'er. *Erya* calls it Ling'er. It grows in the valleys and fields of Lu'an Prefecture and is now found everywhere. The leaves are blue-white, resembling Zhanhucail leaves. Fruits form at the tips of the stems and leaves, shorter than mulberries and covered with many spines. The fruit tastes slightly bitter and sweet, and is warm in nature. The leaves taste bitter and acrid, are slightly cold in nature, and have slight toxicity, though some say they are non-toxic.
[Relief from Famine]: Harvest tender shoots, fry until cooked, soak in changing water to remove bitterness, and rinse clean. Season with salt and oil. Stir-fry the seeds until slightly yellow, pound off the husks, grind into flour to make baked cakes, or steam to eat. Seeds can also be pressed for lamp oil. [Treatment of Diseases]: Efficacy is detailed in the Materia Medica.
**Yangti Miao (Rhei Radix et Rhizoma young leaves)**: Also known as Dongfangsu, commonly called Zhu'ersuo. Grows in the marshes of Chenliu and is now found everywhere. Young shoots initially grow flat on the ground, then stand up with branching stems over two chi high. The leaves are narrow and long, resembling lettuce but darker green, wider than Dalan leaves, with purple-red nodes. Flowers are pale green and white in spikes. Seeds are three-angled. Roots resemble Arctii Radix but are solid. Taste is bitter, nature is cold, and it is non-toxic.
[Relief from Famine]: Harvest shoots and leaves, fry until cooked, soak in water to rinse out bitterness, and season with salt and oil. When seeds are ripe, thresh and grind into rice-like particles. Blanch three to five times with boiling water, rinse clean, and cook as watery rice. [Treatment of Diseases]: Efficacy is detailed in the Materia Medica.
**Tuqian Gua (Rubia cordifolia?)**: In the *Bencao*, the root is named Qiangen, also known as Dixue. Grows in the valleys of Qiao Mountain. People in Xuzhou call it Niman. Those from the western regions are best; now found everywhere in the north. Tuqian root can dye red. Leaves resemble jujube leaves, pointed at the tip and broad at the base, with vertical veins. Stems are square. Stems and leaves are astringent. Four to five leaves grow oppositely. Stems creep along branches and trees. Opens five-petaled pale silver-brown flowers. Bears fruits small as mung beans, green when raw and red when ripe. Roots are purple-red. Taste is salty, nature is cold, and it is non-toxic. One source says: taste is sweet. Another says: taste is sour. It fears Shugu Ye, and tastes slightly sour.
[Relief from Famine]: Harvest leaves, fry until cooked, soak in water until yellow, rinse cool, and season with salt and oil. Eat ripe red seeds. [Treatment of Diseases]: Efficacy is detailed in the Materia Medica.
**Wangbuliuxing (Vaccariae Semen)**: In the *Bencao*, it is named Jianjincao, also known as Jianjinhua. Grows in the valleys of Tai Mountain; now also found in Xiangfu. Seedlings are over one chi high. Stems branch at opposite nodes. Leaves resemble Dianthus leaves but are broader and shorter, growing oppositely on the stem. Lower leaves resemble Sophora leaves but are narrower and longer. Opens pink flowers. Pods are pine-nut sized, like tiny poppy capsules, containing seeds the size of Tinglizi but black. Taste is bitter and sweet, nature is neutral, and it is non-toxic.
[Relief from Famine]: Harvest leaves, fry until cooked, change water to rinse out bitterness, and season with salt and oil. Grind seeds into flour for food. [Treatment of Diseases]: Efficacy is detailed in the Materia Medica.
The above are recorded in the Materia Medica.
**Tianqie'er (Solanum nigrum?)**: Grows in fields. Seedlings are about one chi high, with ribbed stems. Leaves resemble Niangcaoleaves but larger, or like Heshangcai leaves but smaller. Opens five small white flowers. Fruits resemble wild grapes, large, purple-black, and slightly sweet.
[Relief from Famine]: Harvest tender leaves, fry until cooked, soak in water to remove strange odors, rinse clean. Season with salt and oil. Ripe seeds can also be picked and eaten. [Treatment of Diseases]: Efficacy is detailed in the Materia Medica.
**Pengzicai (Galinsoga parviflora?)**: Grows in fields, found everywhere. Tender shoots have reddish-purple ribs. Leaves resemble Pengcai but finer. When shoots mature and bear seeds, leaves develop forked thorns. Seeds are the size of Dusao seeds. Shoots and leaves taste sweet.
[Relief from Famine]: Harvest tender shoots and leaves, fry until cooked, soak in water to rinse clean, and season with salt and oil. Dried and fried is especially good. Harvest seeds, pound into greenish rice, or cook porridge, or grind into flour for cakes—all are acceptable. [Treatment of Diseases]: Efficacy is detailed in the Materia Medica.
**Kubian Dou (Dolichos lablab var. amarus?)**: Commonly known as Yangniaopao. Grows in the suburbs of Yanjin County, found everywhere. Seedlings are about two chi high. Stems resemble Astragali Radix, with fine hairs on the stems. Leaves resemble Vicia faba leaves but smaller. Larger than Tribulus leaves. Opens red-purple flowers between branches and leaves. Pods are thumb-sized, mostly hollow inside. Commonly called Yangniaopao. Inside are seeds the size of [Qing] seeds, tea-brown. Both seed and cotyledon taste very bitter.
[Relief from Famine]: Harvest leaves, fry until cooked, soak in changing water to wash out bitterness, rinse clean. Season with salt and oil. Soak seeds in water, rinse out bitterness, dry, then grind or pound into flour to make baked cakes—all are acceptable. [Treatment of Diseases]: Efficacy is detailed in the Materia Medica.
**Midoubu (Commelina communis?)**: Grows in fields, shoots grow flat on the ground. Leaves resemble Phytolaccae Folium but narrower. Leaves grow alternately along the stem. Tips cluster into three or four angles, containing seeds the size of millet grains, slightly flattened. Taste is slightly sweet.
[Relief from Famine]: Harvest pods, take seeds, rinse clean with water, and cook in a pot. Fry tender shoots and leaves until cooked, season with salt and oil—also acceptable. [Treatment of Diseases]: Efficacy is detailed in the Materia Medica.
The above are from *Jiu Huang*.
These two books record eight kinds, all of whose leaves and fruits are edible.
**Huangjing Miao (Polygonati Rhizoma young leaves)**: Also known as Chonglou, Jiugong, and Xianyuliang. Grows in valleys, found in both north and south; those from Songshan and Maoshan are best. Roots growing in fertile soil are fist-sized; in poor soil, thumb-sized. Leaves resemble bamboo leaves, growing in pairs, triples, quads, or quints at nodes. Taste is sweet, nature is neutral, and it is non-toxic. Some say stems that are glossy are called "Sun Grass," named Huangjing; eating it promotes longevity. Leaves that do not grow at nodes, with hairy hooks on stems and leaves, are called "Yin Grass," named Gouwen (Gelsemium); eating it causes immediate death upon entry into the mouth. Others say stems that are not purple and flowers that are not yellow are different species.
[Relief from Famine]: Harvest tender leaves, fry until cooked, soak in changing water to remove bitterness, rinse clean. Season with salt and oil. Mountain people harvest roots, steam nine times and sun-dry nine times; they taste very sweet. The steaming process uses a jar with the bottom removed, placed on a cauldron, filled tightly with Huangjing, covered to steam until vapor flows, then dried. Repeat nine times until fully cooked; if not cooked, it irritates the throat. Long-term consumption promotes longevity and fasting (Bigu). Fresh roots, if taken initially, should be limited to 1.5 cun, gradually increasing. Ten days without other food allows long-term use up to 3 chi. After 300 days, one may see spirits; ingestion leads to ascension. Flower and fruit are also highly edible but rare. Follow methods for consumption. [Treatment of Diseases]: Efficacy is detailed in the Materia Medica.
**Dihuang Miao (Rehmanniae Radix young leaves)**: Commonly known as Poponai, also known as [FS], and Qi. Grows in the marshes of Xianyang, now found everywhere. Young shoots initially grow flat on the ground. Leaves resemble Shanbaicai leaves but are hairy and rough. Leaf surface is dark green, resembling mustard leaves but undivided, thicker than mustard leaves. Stems emerge from leaves, covered with fine hairs. Stem tips open tubular red-yellow flowers. Northerners call them Milk Mother Flowers. Fruits resemble wheat grains. Roots are 4-5 cun long, finger-thin. Skin is red. Taste is sweet and bitter, nature is cold, and it is non-toxic. It is incompatible with Fubei (Fritillariae Bulbus), fears Wuyi (Myrobalani Fructus), works well with Maidong (Ophiopogonis Radix) and clear wine, and avoids ironware.
[Relief from Famine]: Harvest leaves, cook as soup, or crush and squeeze root juice, mix with flour to make cakes, rinse with water and eat. Or soak cleaned roots, steam nine times and sun-dry nine times, consume as desired, or decoct. Long-term use lightens the body, prevents aging, whitens hair, and extends life. [Treatment of Diseases]: Efficacy is detailed in the Materia Medica.
**Niubang Zi (Arctii Fructus)**: In the *Bencao*, named Eshimi. Removing the calyx makes it Shunanzhu. Commonly known as Yechatou. Root is called Niucai. Grows in the plains of Lushan, now found everywhere. Seedlings are 2-3 chi high. Leaves resemble taro leaves, large and astringent. Flowers are pale purple. Fruits resemble grapes but brown. Outer shell resembles chestnut (FS) but smaller and spiny. Mice get stuck in them, hence the name. Inside the shell are seeds half the size of wheat grains, flat and small. Roots are over one chi long, thumb-thick, gray-black. Taste is acrid, nature is neutral. One source says taste is sweet and non-toxic.
[Relief from Famine]: Harvest shoots and leaves, fry until cooked, soak in water to remove strange odors, rinse clean. Season with Wangyan (salt) and eat. Dig up roots, soak in water, rinse clean, cook, and eat. Long-term use benefits humans, lightens the body, and resists aging. [Treatment of Diseases]: Efficacy is detailed in the Materia Medica.
The above are recorded in the Materia Medica.
**Shuidouer (Oenanthe javanica?)**: Also known as Weicai. Grows in marshes. Stems and leaves are finer than Zuc grass, resembling fine cotton, continuous. Roots resemble hairpins and are white. Under the root are beans like peeled green soybeans. Taste is slightly sweet.
[Relief from Famine]: Harvest flowers and root beans, select and wash clean, cook. Salting raw is also acceptable. [Treatment of Diseases]: Efficacy is detailed in the Materia Medica.
**Shucong (Scirpus fluviatilis?)**: Grows by water and in shallow water. Clumps resemble domestic scallions but are extremely slender. Tips bear (FS), resembling scallion (FS) but smaller. Opens gray-white flowers. Roots resemble scallion roots, skin purple-black. Roots and shoots taste sweet, slightly salty.
[Relief from Famine]: Harvest tender shoots with roots, select and wash clean, fry until cooked, soak in water, rinse clean, and season with salt and oil. [Treatment of Diseases]: Efficacy is detailed in the Materia Medica.
**Zucao (Potamogeton crispus?)**: Is aquatic algae. Grows in slopes, ponds, and lakes. Stems are thick like cords, 3-4 chi long. Leaves resemble willow leaves but narrow and long, hence named Liuye Zu. Some have leaves resembling Pengzi leaves. Roots are thick as hairpins and white. Taste is slightly salty, nature is slightly cold.
[Relief from Famine]: Scoop stems and leaves, select tender roots, wash and rinse clean, chop and fry until cooked. Season with salt and oil, or add millet to cook porridge—especially good. Non-toxic.
[Treatment of Diseases]: Efficacy is detailed in the Materia Medica.
The above are from *Jiu Huang*.
These two books record six kinds, all of whose roots and leaves are edible.
**Pushun (Typhae Pollen / Young Stems)**: In the *Bencao*, the shoot is named Xiangpu, i.e., Ganpu. Also known as Sui and Zhao. Vulgarly, this pu is called Xiangpu (Fragrant Cattail), while Changpu (Acorus) is called Choupu (Stinky Acorus). Xiangpu grows everywhere by water. Roots are much fatter and less jointed than Acorus roots. When leaves first emerge from water, stems are red-white; harvested as shoots. Later, stalks rise among dense leaves. Flowers enclose the stalk tip like a warrior's club, hence vulgarly called Pubang. Puhuang is the pollen dust from the flower, fine as gold powder. Harvest when about to bloom. Market vendors also collect it, mix with honey to make fruit snacks, very beneficial for children. Taste is sweet, nature is neutral, and it is non-toxic.
[Relief from Famine]: Harvest white shoots near roots, select, peel, wash clean, fry until cooked, season with salt and oil, or steam. Or harvest roots, scrape off rough wrinkles, dry, grind into flour, make cakes, and steam. [Treatment of Diseases]: Efficacy is detailed in the Materia Medica.
**Lusun (Phragmitis Rhizoma young shoots)**: Its shoot is named Weizicao. *Bencao* mentions Lugeng. *Erya* calls it Jia (FS). Grows in wet depressions. Resembles bamboo but smaller, with leaves embracing the stem, no branches. Flowers are white spikes, like miscanthus flowers. Roots resemble bamboo roots but smaller and sparse-jointed. Those floating on water are unusable. Taste is sweet and acrid, nature is cold, and it is non-toxic.
[Relief from Famine]: Harvest tender shoots, fry until cooked, season with salt and oil. Roots are sweet and can be sucked raw. [Treatment of Diseases]: Efficacy is detailed in the Materia Medica.
**Jiaosun (Zizania latifolia)**: *Bencao* mentions Gugeng, also known as Gujiangcao. Jiangnan people call it Jiaocao, commonly Jiaobai. Grows in pools, marshes, and banks in Jiangdong, now found everywhere by water. Seedlings are 2-3 chi high. Leaves resemble sugarcane reeds or miscanthus, large, wide, and thick. Stems emerge from leaves. Flowers resemble cattails. Bears green seeds. Roots are fat; peel tender white shoots to eat. Old roots form dense mats of fungi, tender parts edible, named Gucái. After three years, a stem forms in the heart like lotus root, white and soft with black veins, very edible, named Gusou. Taste is sweet, nature is greatly cold, and it is non-toxic.
[Relief from Famine]: Harvest Jiaogu shoots, fry until cooked, season with salt and oil. Or harvest seeds, pound into rice, mix with millet to cook porridge—very helpful for famine. [Treatment of Diseases]: Efficacy is detailed in the Materia Medica.
**Maoyagen (Imperatae Rhizoma young buds)**: Also known as Baimaojian. The bud is named Maozhen. Grows in valleys of Chu region, now found everywhere in fields. Early spring, shoots spread on ground like needles. Summer produces white fluffy flowers, withering in autumn. Roots are very white and sweet. Roots are cold in nature, Maozhen is neutral, flowers are warm. All taste sweet and are non-toxic.
[Relief from Famine]: Harvest tender buds, peel off fluffy parts to eat, very beneficial for children. Suck roots for sweetness. Long-term use benefits humans; eating Maozhen can aid fasting. [Treatment of Diseases]: Efficacy is detailed in the Materia Medica.
The above four kinds are recorded in the Materia Medica; roots and shoots are all edible.
**Gegen (Puerariae Lobatae Radix)**: Also known as Huangjin. Grows in valleys of Ru River, Haizhou, Chengzhou, Zhejiang, and Li/Ding regions, now found everywhere. Vines grow 2-3 zhang long, stems pale purple. Leaves resemble Catalpa leaves but smaller, green. Flowers resemble pea flowers, pink-purple. Fruits resemble locust pods but smaller. Roots resemble hands. All taste sweet, nature is neutral, and non-toxic; one source says cold. Kills toxins of Yege, Crotonis Semen, and hundred medicines.
[Relief from Famine]: Take deep-rooted parts, soak in water, wash clean, steam. Or rub in water, filter into blocks, steam or cook—all edible. Dry flowers and fry to eat. [Treatment of Diseases]: Efficacy is detailed in the Materia Medica.
**Heshouwу (Polygoni Multiflori Radix)**: Also known as Yemiao, Jiaoteng, Yehe, Dijing, Chenzhibai, Taoliuteng, and Jiuzhenteng. Produced in Zhenzhou, Henan County. Found in southern provinces beyond the ridge, Qianzhou, etc. Best from Xiluo, Songshan, Guide, and Zhecheng. Now also found in valleys of Mixian, Junzhou. Grows creeping, stems purple. Leaves resemble Dioscoreae Rhizoma leaves but not smooth/tender. Opens yellow-white flowers between leaves, like Kudingcha flowers. Fruits are angular, resembling buckwheat but extremely small as millet grains. Roots are fist-sized, with five ridges, resembling melons, with patterns like birds, beasts, mountains. Extremely precious. Red and white varieties exist; red is male, white is female. Some say male has yellow-white leaves, female has red-yellow. One source says male stems are red. They must grow opposite each other, within 3-4 chi. At night, vines intertwine or disappear. For medicinal preparation, male and female must be combined for efficacy. Best taken on even days (2, 4, 6, 8). The herb was originally nameless; named after He Shouwу who saw the vines intertwining at night and benefited from taking it. Some say it is an immortal herb: 50-year-old roots fist-sized, called Shannu; one year of use turns beard/hair black. 100-year-old roots bowl-sized, called Shange; one year of use brings rosy complexion. 150-year-old roots basin-sized, called Shanbo; one year of use regrows teeth. 200-year-old roots bushel-sized, called Shanweng; one year of use face like a child, speed like running horses. 300-year-old roots three-bushel-sized, called Shanjing; one year of use extends life, pure yang body, long-term use becomes earth immortal. Heads with nine numbers lead to immortality. Taste is bitter and astringent, nature is slightly warm, non-toxic. One source says sweet. Polygonati Rhizoma acts as guide; best taken with wine. Avoid ironware, pig/sheep blood, pork, scaleless fish. Incompatible with radish; concurrent consumption causes premature graying of beard/temples due to intestinal wind and heat.
[Relief from Famine]: Dig roots, wash dirt, slice with bitter bamboo knife, soak in rice water overnight, change water, boil to remove bitterness, rinse clean. Steam or cook to eat. Flowers can also be fried. [Treatment of Diseases]: Efficacy is detailed in the Materia Medica.
The above two kinds from Materia Medica: roots and flowers are all edible.
**Gualou (Trichosanthis Radix)**: Commonly known as Tianhuafen. *Bencao* has Gualou Shi, also known as Dilou. Grows in valleys of Hongnong and shady hills, now found everywhere. Deep-growing roots are good; saline-soil roots are toxic. The fruit mentioned in the *Book of Songs*. Root also named Baiyao. Large ones arm-thick, yellow skin, white flesh. Vines climb, leaves resemble melon leaves with lobes, fine hairs. Flowers resemble gourd flowers, pale yellow. Fruit hangs below flower, fist-sized, green raw, yellow ripe. Root tastes bitter, nature is cold, non-toxic. Gouqi acts as guide. Incompatible with Ganjiang, fears Niuxi and Ganqi, opposes Wutou.
[Relief from Famine]: Harvest root, peel to white part, cut into inches, soak in water, change water daily. Soak 4-5 days, take out, mash thoroughly, put in silk bag, filter until fine as powder. Or dry root, grind into flour. Soak and filter powder 20+ times until smooth as paste. Make baked cakes or pancakes.