即常食之米也。感天地冲和之气,得造化生育之功,为谷中之长,人相赖以为命者
也。《经》曰∶安谷则昌,绝谷则亡。仲景曰∶人受气于水谷,以养神水,谷尽而神
去。自上古圣人树艺至今,不可一日无此也。禀土德之正,其味甘、淡,性平,无
毒。虽专主脾胃,而五脏生气血脉精髓因之以充溢,周身筋骨肌肉皮肤固之而强健。
《本经》∶益气止烦,止泄,特其余事耳。入白虎汤,治作劳人伤寒发热,虚羸少气,气
逆上冲欲吐。入桃花汤,治少阴病下痢脓血,或腹满下如鱼脑者。粳米一升,赤石脂
一斤(一半全一半末),干姜一两以水七升,煮米令熟,去滓,温服七合,纳赤石脂末方
寸,七日三服,若一服愈,余勿服。《圣济方》∶小儿出生无皮,色赤,但有红筋,乃
受胎未足也。用早白米粉,扑之肌肤,自生。《千金方》∶嗜食生米成瘕,用白米五
合,鸡屎白一升,同炒焦为末,水一升。顿服,少时吐出瘕如米汁或白沫淡水乃愈也。
米,即稻芽也。味甘,气温,无毒。具生化之性,故为消食健脾开胃和中之要药。
粳米,益气填满中焦,止泻平和五脏。合芡实煮粥,明目强志,益精入心肺二经,
拯病煎汤尚白,充飧为饭须熟,药中每用取甘以补正气,益不足。陈年米,尤易消化,
善调脾胃,止泻痢,渴烦,开胃进食健脾。更却胃热。谷芽,消食,与麦芽同等。温中乃谷 偏长。
主治(痘疹合参) 粳米,气微寒。主益气,止烦渴泄泻,平和五脏,补益胃气。
陈黄米,气温,益真气,而和胃气,除烦渴而止泄泻,开胃进食。凡痘泻渴者,宜炒熟
煮汤饮之最宜。
This refers to the rice commonly consumed daily. It inherits the harmonious Qi of Heaven and Earth, acquires the creative power of nature's generation, serves as the leader among grains, and is what humans rely upon for life. The *Classic* (Huangdi Neijing) states: "When one can digest grain, prosperity ensues; when grain is cut off, demise follows." Zhang Zhongjing said: "Humans receive Qi from water and grain to nourish Shen (Spirit) and body fluids; when grain is exhausted, Shen departs." Since the ancient sages began cultivating crops until now, this food has been indispensable for a single day. It embodies the upright virtue of Earth, possesses a sweet and bland taste, has a neutral nature, and is non-toxic. Although it primarily targets the Spleen and Stomach, the vital Qi, blood vessels, essence, and marrow of the Five Zang organs are filled through it, and the tendons, bones, muscles, skin, and flesh of the entire body are strengthened and solidified by it. The *Shennong Bencao Jing* records: "It tonifies Qi, relieves irritability, and stops diarrhea," but these are merely secondary functions. When added to Baihu Tang (White Tiger Decoction), it treats fever caused by cold damage in individuals who have overexerted themselves, along with symptoms of emaciation, shortness of breath, and rebellious Qi rushing upward causing nausea. When added to Taohua Tang (Peach Blossom Decoction), it treats Shaoyin disease presenting with dysentery containing pus and blood, or abdominal fullness with stools resembling fish brains. The prescription is: Jingmi (Rice) 1 sheng, Chishizhi (Halloysitum Rubrum) 1 jin (half whole pieces, half powdered), Ganjiang (Dried Ginger) 1 liang. Boil with 7 sheng of water until the rice is cooked, strain the dregs, take 7 he warm, and administer a fangcunbi (square-inch measure) of Chishizhi powder simultaneously. Take three times a day over seven days. If cured after one dose, do not take the remainder. The *Shengji Zonglu* records: Infants born without skin, appearing red with only visible red meridians, suffer from insufficient fetal endowment. Sprinkling early white rice flour on the skin allows it to grow naturally. The *Qianjin Fang* records: Habitual consumption of raw rice leading to the formation of Jia masses (abdominal lumps) can be treated by stir-frying 5 ge of white rice and 1 sheng of Jisibai (Chicken Droppings White) until scorched, grinding into powder, mixing with 1 sheng of water, and taking in one dose. Shortly thereafter, the Jia mass will be vomited out, appearing like rice juice or white foamy freshwater, indicating recovery. Here, "Mi" refers to Daoya (Rice Sprout). It has a sweet taste and warm nature, is non-toxic, possesses the nature of transformation and generation, and is therefore an essential herb for promoting digestion, strengthening the Spleen, opening the appetite, and harmonizing the Middle Jiao. Jingmi tonifies Qi, fills the Middle Jiao, stops diarrhea, and harmonizes the Five Zang organs. Cooked as porridge with Qianshi (Euryale Seed), it brightens the eyes, strengthens willpower, and benefits essence, entering the Heart and Lung meridians; for treating illness via decoction, white rice is preferred; for sustenance as rice, it must be thoroughly cooked; in herbal prescriptions, its sweetness is utilized to tonify righteous Qi and benefit deficiencies. Aged rice is particularly easy to digest, excels at regulating the Spleen and Stomomach, stops dysentery, relieves thirst and irritability, opens the appetite, strengthens the Spleen, and clears Stomach heat. Guya (Grain Sprout) promotes digestion and is equivalent to Maiya (Barley Sprout). Its ability to warm the Middle is its specific strength.
Indications (Comprehensive Reference for Smallpox/Varicella): Jingmi has a slightly cold nature. It primarily tonifies Qi, relieves irritability, thirst, and diarrhea, harmonizes the Five Zang organs, and tonifies Stomach Qi. Chenhuangmi (Aged Yellow Rice) has a warm nature, benefits True Qi, harmonizes Stomach Qi, relieves irritability and thirst, stops diarrhea, and opens the appetite. For patients with smallpox/varicella accompanied by diarrhea and thirst, it is most suitable to stir-fry the aged yellow rice until cooked and drink the decoction.