春甫自读医书，深味医药诚为资生之具，不容以不究心详悉，而尽通变化裁之妙用也。及读
《救荒本草》，乃知周王殿下位富贵之尊，尚留心于医药而推及穷民，不幸而罹凶岁，则药草森
然，茂丛郊野，人莫之敢尝。其中可以充胃气而权救生之策者，则有某药可以为蔬，调而食之，
可以免毙。其济利之功，不亦大哉！人惟知药草之为药，殊不知药草正所以济急疗生救权之妙用
也。周王殿下其用权之仁人乎！其启迪医师之活法乎！昔睿宗献皇帝在藩邸，为生民念念拳拳于
医药，裒集《医方选要》，刊布行世。正是居庙堂之上，则思其民，安不忘危之意耳。况司其术，
何独不然乎！甫故采辑，例之本草，庶为资生之一助云。
嘉靖甲子孟春望日太医院臣徐春甫拜手谨序
刺蓟菜 本草名小蓟，俗名青刺蓟，北人呼为千针草。出冀州，生平泽中，今处处有
之。苗高尺余，叶似苦苣叶，茎叶俱有刺，而叶不皱，叶中心出花，头如红蓝而青紫色。性凉无
毒，一云味甘性温平。
【救饥】采嫩苗叶炸熟，水浸淘净。油盐调食，甚美。能除风热。【治病】具见本草。
大蓟 奋不着所出州土，云生山谷中。今郑州山野间亦有之。苗高三四尺，茎五棱，
叶似大花苦苣菜，茎叶俱多刺。其叶多皱，叶中心开淡紫花，味苦性平，无毒。根有毒。
【救饥】采嫩苗叶炸熟，水淘净，去苦味，油盐调食。【治病】具见本草。
牛膝 一名山苋菜，一名百倍，俗名接骨草，一名鼓槌草，一名对节菜。生河内川
谷及江椎、闽粤、吴越皆有之。苗高二尺，茎方青紫色，其茎有节如鹤膝，又如牛膝，又如鼓槌，
以此名之。叶似苋菜叶而长颇尖，FS 对节而生，开花作穗。根味苦酸，性平无毒。叶味甘微酸。
恶萤火、陆英、龟甲，畏白前。
【救饥】采苗叶炸熟，换水浸去酸味，淘净，以油盐调食。【治病】具见本草。
款冬花 一名橐石，一名颗冬，一名虎须，一名免奚。生常山山谷及上党水旁，关中、
蜀北、岩昌、秦州、雄州皆有。今钧州、密县山谷间亦有之。茎青微带紫色，叶似葵叶甚大而丛
生。又似石葫芦叶颇团，开黄花，根紫色。《图经》云∶叶似荷而斗直，大者容一升，小者容数
合。俗为蜂斗叶，又名水斗叶。此物不避冰雪，最先春前生，雷中出花，世谓钻冻。又云∶有叶
似萆 ，开黄花，青紫萼，去土一二寸，初出如菊花，萼通直而肥实，无子。陶隐居所谓出高丽、百
济者，近此类也。其叶味苦，花味辛甘，性温无毒。杏仁为之使，得紫菀良，恶皂荚、硝石、玄
参，畏贝母、辛荑、麻黄、黄芩、黄连、青葙子。
【救饥】采嫩叶炸熟，水浸淘净，去苦味，油盐调食。【治病】具见本草。
蓄 一名 竹，生东莱山谷。今在处有之，布地生道旁。自似石竹，叶微阔，嫩
绿如竹，赤茎如钗，股节间花出甚细，淡桃红色。结小细子，根如蒿根。苗叶味苦，性平。一云∶
味甘苦无毒。
【救饥】采苗叶炸熟，水浸淘净，以油盐调食。【治病】具见本草。
大蓝 生河内平泽，今处处有之。人家园圃中多种。苗高尺余，叶类白菜，叶微浓
而狭窄，尖FS 淡粉青色。茎叉梢间开黄花，结小荚，其子黑色。本草谓菘蓝，可以为靛染青，以
其叶似菘菜故名菘蓝，又名马蓝，《尔雅》谓之葳马蓝。味苦性寒平无毒。
【救饥】采叶炸熟，水浸去苦味，以油盐调食。【治病】具见本草。
瞿麦 又名石竹子，一名苣句麦，一名大菊，一名大兰，又名燕麦。生太山川谷，
今处处有之。苗高一尺以上。叶似独扫叶而尖小。又似小竹叶而细窄。茎亦有节，梢间开红白花
而结实，内有小黑子。味苦辛，性寒平无毒。蓑草、牡丹为之使，恶螵蛸。
【救饥】采嫩苗叶炸熟，水浸淘净，以油盐调食之。【治病】具见本草。
红花叶 本草名红蓝花，一名黄蓝。出梁汉及西域，沧魏亦种之，今处处有之。苗高
二尺许，茎叶有毛似刺蓟叶而润泽， 面。梢结 汇亦多刺，开红花，蕊出 上，圃人采之，采
已复出，至尽而罢。 中结实百颗如小豆大，其花曝干以染真红，又作胭脂。味辛性温无毒。叶味甘美。
【救饥】采嫩叶炸熟，油盐调食。子可榨作油任用。【治病】具见本草。
萱草花 俗名川草花，本草一名鹿葱。生山野，处处有之。花名宜男，《风土记》云∶
怀妊妇佩其花生男，故名宜男。人家园圃中多种，其叶就地丛生，两边分垂，叶似菖蒲叶而柔弱，
又似粉条儿菜叶而肥大，叶间撺葶，开金黄花，味甘无毒。根凉亦无毒。叶味甘。
【救饥】采嫩苗叶炸熟，水浸淘净。油盐调食。【治病】具见本草。
车前草 一名车轮菜，《诗经》名 ，一名虾蟆衣，《尔雅》之马舄，幽州人谓之
牛舌草。生滁州及真定平泽，今处处有之。春初生苗，叶布地如匙面，累年者长及尺余，又似玉
簪，叶稍小而薄，叶丛中心撺葶三四茎。作穗如鼠尾，花甚密，青色微赤，结实如葶苈子，赤黑
色，生道旁。味甘寒无毒。一云∶味甘性平，叶及根味甘性寒。常山为之使。
【救饥】采嫩苗叶炸熟，水浸去涎沫，淘净。油盐调食。【治病】具见本草。
黄 一名戴糁，一名戴椹，一名独椹，一名芰草，一名独脂，一名百本，一名王
孙。生蜀郡山谷及白水、汉中、河东、陕西。出绵上呼为绵黄舍。今处处有之。根长三尺，独茎
丛生枝干，其叶扶疏作羊齿状，似槐叶微尖小，又似蒺藜叶阔大而青白色，开黄紫花如槐花大，
结小尖角，长寸许。味甘性微温无毒。一云∶味苦微寒。恶龟甲、白藓皮。
【救饥】采嫩苗叶炸熟，换水浸淘洗去苦味。油盐调食。药中补益呼为羊肉。【治病】具见本草。
威灵仙 一名能消，出商州、上洛、华山并平泽，及陕西、河东、河北、河南、河湖、
石州、宁化等州郡。不闻水声者良。今密县梁家冲山野中亦有之。苗高一二尺，茎方如钗股，四
棱茎，多短茸白毛。叶似柳叶而阔，边有锯齿，又似旋复花叶，其叶作层生，每层六七叶相对排，
如车轮样。有六层至七层者，花浅紫色或碧白色，作穗似蒲台子，亦有似菊花头者，结实青色，
根稠密多须。味苦性渴无毒。恶茶及面汤，以甘草、栀子代饮可也。
【救饥】采叶煨熟，换水浸去苦味，再以水淘净，以油盐调食。【治病】具见本草。
马兜铃 根名云南根，又名土青木香。生关中及信州、滁州、河东、河北、江淮、夔、
浙州郡皆有。今高阜（音FS ）去处亦有之。春生苗如藤蔓，叶如山药叶而浓大，背白，开黄紫花，
颇类枸杞花，结实如铃，作四五瓣，叶脱时铃尚垂之，其状如马项铃，故得名。味苦性寒。又云∶平无毒。
【救饥】采叶炸熟，水浸去苦味，淘净。以油盐调食。【治病】具见本草。
旋复花 一名戴椹，一名金沸草，一名盛椹。上党田野人呼为金钱花。《尔雅》云复
盗唐。出随州。生平泽川谷，今处处有之。苗多近水旁，初生大如红花叶而无刺，苗长二三尺以
上，叶似柳叶稍宽大，茎细如蒿干，开花似菊花，如铜钱大，深黄色花。味咸甘，性温微冷，利
有小毒。叶苦味性平凉。
【救饥】采叶炸熟，水浸去苦味，淘净。以油盐调食。【治病】具见本草。
防风 一名铜芸，一名茴草，一名百枝，一名屏风，一名 根，一名百蜚。生同州
沙苑川泽，邯郸、琅邪、上蔡、陕西、山东处处皆有。今中牟田野中有之。根土黄色，与蜀葵根
相类稍细短，茎叶俱青绿色，茎深而叶淡，叶似青蒿叶阔大，又似米蒿叶而稀疏，茎似茴香。开
细花白色，结实似胡荽子而阔大。味甘性辛温无毒。杀附子毒，恶干姜、藜芦、白蔹、芫花。又
有石防风，亦疗头风眩痛。又有叉头者令人发狂，叉尾者发痼疾。
【救饥】采嫩苗叶作菜茹，炸熟可食，极爽口。【治病】具见本草。
郁臭苗 本草茺蔚子是也。一名益母，一名益明，一名大札，一名贞蔚，皆云 ，益
母也，亦谓 ，臭秽。生海滨池泽，今田野处处有之。
叶似荏子叶，又似艾叶而薄小，色青茎方，节节开小白花，结子黑，茶褐色，三棱细长。味辛甘
微温。一云微寒，亦无毒。
【救饥】采苗叶炸熟，水浸淘净，以油盐调食。【治病】具见本草。
泽漆 本草一名漆茎，大戟苗也。生太山川泽及冀州、鼎州、明州，今处处有之。
苗高二三尺，科叉生茎，紫赤色，叶似柳叶微细短。开黄紫花，状似杏花而瓣颇长。生时摘叶有
白汁出，亦能啮（音咬）人，故以为名。味苦辛性微寒无毒。一云有小毒，一云性冷微毒。小豆
为之使，恶薯蓣。令尝叶味带涩苦，食过回味甜。
【救饥】采叶及嫩茎炸熟，水浸淘净，以油盐调食。采嫩叶蒸过晒干作茶吃亦可。【治病】具见本草。
酸浆草 本草名酢（与醋字同）浆草。一名醋母草，一名鸠酸草，俗为小酸芽。旧不
着所出州土，今处处有之。生道旁砂湿地。叶如初生小水萍，每茎端皆丛生三叶，开黄花结黑子。
南人用苗揩 （哥偷）石器，令白如银色光艳。味酸性平，叶无毒。
【救饥】采嫩苗叶生食。【治病】具见本草。
蛇床子 一名蛇粟，一名蛇米，一名枣棘，一名墙蘼。《尔雅》一名盱。生临淄川谷
田野，今处处有之。苗高二三尺，青碎作丛似蒿枝叶，似小叶蘼芜，又似 本叶，每枝上有花头
百余，结同一窠，开白花加伞盖状，结子半黍大，黄褐色。味苦辛甘无毒，性平。一云有小毒。
恶牡丹皮、巴豆、贝母。
【救饥】采嫩苗叶炸熟，水浸淘冷，油盐调食。【治病】具见本草。
夏枯草 本草一名夕句，一名乃东，一名燕面。生蜀郡川谷及河淮、浙滁平泽，今祥
符西田野中亦有之。苗高二三尺，其叶对节，叶似旋复叶而极长大，边有细锯齿，背白，上多气
脉纹路，叶端开花作穗，长二三寸许。其花紫白，似丹参花。叶味苦微辛，性寒无毒。土瓜为之
使。俗又谓之郁臭苗，非是也。
【救饥】采嫩叶炸熟，换水浸淘，去苦味，油盐调食。【治病】具见本草。
桔梗 一名利如，一名房图，一名白乐，一名梗草，一名荠 。生嵩高山谷及冤句、
和州、解州，今钧州、密县山野亦有之。根如手指大，黄白色。春生苗，茎高尺余，叶似杏叶而
长椭，四叶相对而生，嫩时亦可煮食，开花紫碧色，颇似牵牛花，秋后结子，叶名隐忍，其根有
心。无心者，乃荠 也。根叶味辛苦，性微温有小毒。一云味苦性平无毒。节皮为之使，得牡蛎、
远志，疗恚怒，得硝石、石膏，疗伤寒。畏白芨、龙眼、龙胆草。
【救饥】采叶炸熟，换水，浸去苦味，淘洗净，以油盐调食。【治病】具见本草。
茴香 一多 香子，北人呼为土茴香。茴 音相近故云耳。今处处有之，人家园圃
中多种。苗高三四尺，茎粗如笔管，旁有淡黄 叶 茎而生， 叶上发生青色细叶，似蓬叶而长
极疏，细如系发状， 叶间分生叉枝，梢头开花，花结如伞盖，黄色。结子如莳萝子微大而长，
亦有线瓣。味微苦辛，性平无毒。
【救饥】采苗叶炸熟，换水淘净，油盐调食。子调和诸般食味香美。【治病】具见本草。
本 一名鬼卿，一名地新，一名微茎。生崇山山谷及西川、河东、兖杭州。今卫
辉、辉县、栲栳圈山谷间亦有之。俗名山园荽，茎高五七寸，叶似芎 叶细小，又似园荽叶而稀
疏，茎比园荽茎颇硬直。味辛微苦性平温微寒无毒。恶 茹，又畏青葙子，故也。
【救饥】采嫩苗叶炸熟，水浸洗淘冷。以油盐调食。【治病】具见本草。
川芎 一名芎 ，叶名蘼芜，一名茳蓠。生武功川谷、科谷、西岭、雍州川泽及冤
句。其关陕、蜀川、江东山川亦多有。以蜀川者为胜，今处处有之。人家园圃多种，苗叶似芹而
叶微细窄，却有花叉。又似白芷叶亦细，又如园荽叶微壮。又有一种叶似蛇床子叶而亦粗壮，开
白花。其芎人家种者，形块大重实多脂润，其里色白。味辛甘性温无毒。山中出者，瘦细，味苦
甘，节大茎细。状如马御，谓之马御芎。状如雀脑者，谓之雀脑芎，此最有力。白芷为之使，畏
黄连。其蘼芜味辛香，性平温无毒。
【救饥】采叶炸熟，换水浸去辛味，淘净。以油盐调食，亦可以煮饮，甚香。【治病】具见本草。
柴胡 一名地熏，一名山菜、茹草叶，一名芸蒿。生弘农川谷及冤句、寿州、淄州、
关陕江湖间皆有，银州者为胜。今钧州、密县山谷间亦有。苗甚辛香，茎青紫坚硬，微有细线楞，
叶似竹叶而小。开小黄花，根淡赤色。味苦性平微寒无毒。半夏为之使，恶皂荚，畏女菀、藜芦。
又有苗似斜蒿，亦有似麦门冬苗而短者，开黄花。生丹州，结青子，与他处者不类。
【救饥】采苗叶炸熟，换水，浸淘去苦味，油盐调食。【治病】具见本草。
漏芦 一名野兰，俗名荚蒿根，名鹿骊根，俗呼为鬼油麻。生乔山山谷及秦州、海
Xu Chunfu, since reading medical books in his youth, has deeply appreciated that medicine and drugs are indeed tools for sustaining life. One cannot but devote oneself to studying them thoroughly, understanding their details, and mastering the subtle applications of their variations and adaptations. Upon reading the *Jiu Huang Ben Cao* (Herbal for Famine Relief), I learned that Prince Zhou, despite his noble position of wealth and honor, still paid attention to medicine and extended his care to the poor people. Unfortunately, when facing a year of famine, medicinal herbs grew luxuriantly in the suburbs and fields, yet people dared not taste them. Among these, some herbs could serve as vegetables; when prepared and eaten properly, they could replenish stomach qi and serve as a temporary strategy for survival, thereby preventing death. Is not this merit of benefiting others truly great? People only know that medicinal herbs are used for treating diseases, but they do not realize that these herbs possess the wonderful utility of relieving emergencies, nourishing life, and providing temporary relief. Was not Prince Zhou a benevolent person who utilized flexibility for good? Did he not inspire physicians with flexible methods of treatment? In the past, Emperor Xianzong (Rui Zong) while residing in his princely mansion, constantly thought of the people's health regarding medicine and compiled the *Yi Fang Xuan Yao* (Selected Essential Medical Prescriptions), which was printed and circulated. This reflects the sentiment that one who resides in the high halls of government should think of the common people, remaining vigilant even in times of peace. How much more so should those in charge of medical arts be so! Therefore, I have collected and edited these entries, following the format of Materia Medica, hoping it may serve as a minor assistance in sustaining life.
On the 15th day of the first month in the Jiazi year of the Jiajing era, Xu Chunfu, Minister of the Imperial Hospital, respectfully wrote this preface.
*Cirsium japonicum* (Ci Ji Cai): Known in Materia Medica as Xiaoji, commonly called Qingci Ji, and referred to as Qianzhencao by northerners. It grows in Jizhou, typically in wetlands, and is now found everywhere. The seedling is over a chi tall; leaves resemble those of *Sonchus oleraceus*; stems and leaves are thorny, but the leaves are not wrinkled. Flowers emerge from the center of the leaf, resembling *Carthamus tinctorius* but with a bluish-purple hue. Its nature is cool and non-toxic; some say it is sweet in taste and warm/neutral in nature.
[Famine Relief]: Pick tender shoots and leaves, blanch them, soak in water, and rinse clean. Season with oil and salt for eating; it is very delicious. It can dispel wind-heat. [Treating Diseases]: See detailed records in the Materia Medica.
*Cirsium setosum* (Da Ji): The author does not specify its origin province, stating it grows in mountains and valleys. It is now also found in the wilds of Zhengzhou. Seedlings are three to four chi tall; stems have five edges; leaves resemble large-flowered *Sonchus*; stems and leaves are thorny. Leaves are often wrinkled; pale purple flowers bloom from the leaf center. Taste is bitter, nature is neutral, non-toxic. Roots are toxic.
[Famine Relief]: Pick tender shoots and leaves, blanch, rinse in water to remove bitterness, and season with oil and salt. [Treating Diseases]: See detailed records in the Materia Medica.
*Achyranthes bidentata* (Niu Xi): Also known as Shanxiancai, Baibei, Jiegucuo (common name), Guchui Cao, and Dujie Cai. It grows in river valleys of Henei, Jiangzhui, Min-Yue, and Wu-Yue regions. Seedlings are two chi tall; stems are square, greenish-purple, with nodes resembling crane knees, ox knees, or drumsticks, hence the names. Leaves resemble *Amaranthus* leaves but are longer and pointed, growing opposite each other at nodes; flowers form spikes. Roots taste bitter and sour, nature is neutral and non-toxic. Leaves taste sweet and slightly sour.
Contraindicated with *Pyrethrum flavidum* (Yinghuo), *Euphorbia lathyris* (Luying), and *Testudinis Carapax et Plastrum* (Guijia); adverse to *Cyanopsis lanceolata* (Baiqian).
[Famine Relief]: Pick shoots and leaves, blanch, change water to soak out acidity, rinse clean, and season with oil and salt. [Treating Diseases]: See detailed records in the Materia Medica.
*Adenophora stricta* (Kuandonghua): Also known as Tuoshi, Kedong, Huxu, and Muxi. It grows in mountain valleys of Changshan and near waters of Shangdang, as well as in Guanzhong, Northern Shu, Yanchang, Qinzhou, and Xiongzhou. It is now also found in valleys of Junzhou and Mixian. Stems are green with a slight purple tint; leaves resemble *Malva* leaves, large and clustered. They also resemble *Benincasa hispida* leaves, being rounder, with yellow flowers and purple roots. *Tujing* states: Leaves resemble lotus leaves but stand upright; large ones hold one sheng, small ones hold several ge. Commonly called Fengdouye (Honeycomb Leaf) or Shuidouye. This plant withstands ice and snow, sprouting earliest before spring, flowering during thunderstorms, known as "Drilling Through Ice." Another variety has leaves resembling *Dioscorea hypoglauca* (Bixie), with yellow flowers and purple calyxes, emerging 1-2 cun from soil, looking like chrysanthemums initially, with straight, fleshy calyxes and no seeds. Those described by Tao Hongjing from Goryeo and Baekje are similar. Leaves taste bitter; flowers taste pungent and sweet; nature is warm and non-toxic. *Prunus armeniaca* (Xingren) acts as an assistant; combined with *Astera tataricus* (Ziwan) yields good results. Adverse to *Gleditsiae Sinensis Fructus* (Zaojiao), *Natrii Sulfas* (Xiaoshi), and *Scrophulariae Radix* (Xuanshen); adverse to *Fritillariae Thunbergii Bulbus* (Beimu), *Magnoliae Flos* (Xinyi), *Ephedrae Herba* (Mahuang), *Scutellariae Radix* (Huangqin), *Coptidis Rhizoma* (Huanglian), and *Celosiae Semen* (Qingxiangzi).
[Famine Relief]: Pick tender leaves, blanch, soak in water, rinse clean, remove bitterness, and season with oil and salt. [Treating Diseases]: See detailed records in the Materia Medica.
*Polygonum aviculare* (Ju Ju): Also known as Zhu (suspected variant name). Grows in valleys of Donglai. Now found everywhere, creeping on the ground beside roads. Resembles *Silene armeria*, with slightly broader leaves, tender green like bamboo, red stems like hairpins. Flowers emerge from nodes, very fine, pale peach-red. Produces small seeds; roots resemble mugwort roots. Shoots and leaves taste bitter, nature is neutral. Some say sweet-bitter and non-toxic.
[Famine Relief]: Pick shoots and leaves, blanch, soak in water, rinse clean, and season with oil and salt. [Treating Diseases]: See detailed records in the Materia Medica.
*Isatis indigotica* (Da Lan): Grows in flat marshes of Henei; now found everywhere. Often planted in household gardens. Seedlings are over a chi tall; leaves resemble Chinese cabbage (*Brassica pekinensis*), slightly thicker, narrow, with pale pink-green tips. Yellow flowers bloom at stem forks; pods contain black seeds. Materia Medica calls it Songlan (Isatis), used for indigo dye because leaves resemble *Brassica rapa* (Songcai); also called Malan; *Erya* calls it Weimalan. Taste is bitter, nature is cold-neutral, non-toxic.
[Famine Relief]: Pick leaves, blanch, soak in water to remove bitterness, and season with oil and salt. [Treating Diseases]: See detailed records in the Materia Medica.
*Dianthus superbus* (Qumai): Also known as Shizhuzi, Quju Mai, Daju, Dalan, and Yanmai. Grows in valleys of Tai Mountain; now found everywhere. Seedlings exceed one chi in height. Leaves resemble *Artemisia capillaris* leaves but are sharper and smaller; also resemble small bamboo leaves but narrower. Stems have nodes; white-red flowers bloom at tips and produce fruit containing small black seeds. Taste is bitter-pungent, nature is cold-neutral, non-toxic. *Phlomis umbrosa* (Suocao) and *Paeonia suffruticosa* (Mudan) act as assistants; adverse to *Macrocephalae Rhizoma* (Piaoxiao).
[Famine Relief]: Pick tender shoots and leaves, blanch, soak in water, rinse clean, and season with oil and salt. [Treating Diseases]: See detailed records in the Materia Medica.
*Safflower Leaf* (Honghua Ye): Materia Medica name is Honglanhua, also known as Huanglan. Originates from Lianghan and Western Regions; cultivated in Cangwei; now found everywhere. Seedlings are about two chi tall; stems and leaves are hairy, resembling *Cirsium japonicum* leaves but glossy. Tips bear many thorns, open red flowers, stamens protrude above. Gardeners harvest them; new growth appears after harvesting until exhaustion. Pods contain hundreds of seeds the size of small beans. Dried flowers are used for true red dye and rouge production. Taste is pungent, nature is warm, non-toxic. Leaves taste sweet and pleasant.
[Famine Relief]: Pick tender leaves, blanch, and season with oil and salt. Seeds can be pressed for oil for various uses. [Treating Diseases]: See detailed records in the Materia Medica.
*Hemerocallis citrina* (Xuancao Hua): Commonly known as Chuancao Hua; Materia Medica name Luchong. Grows in mountains and fields, found everywhere. Flower name Yinan (Suitable for Men); *Fengtu Ji* states pregnant women wearing its flower bear boys, hence the name. Widely planted in gardens. Leaves grow clustered on the ground, drooping to both sides; resemble *Acorus calamus* leaves but softer, or *Orostachys fimbriatus* leaves but larger. Flower stalks emerge between leaves, opening golden-yellow flowers. Taste is sweet, non-toxic. Roots are cool and non-toxic. Leaves taste sweet.
[Famine Relief]: Pick tender shoots and leaves, blanch, soak in water, rinse clean. Season with oil and salt. [Treating Diseases]: See detailed records in the Materia Medica.
*Plantago asiatica* (Cheqiancao): Also known as Chelun Cai; named *Xi* in *Shijing*; also known as Xiamayi; Maxie in *Erya*; Niushetcao in Youzhou. Grows in flat wetlands of Chuzhou and Zhending; now found everywhere. Sprouts in early spring; leaves spread on the ground like spoon faces; multi-year plants grow over a chi long, resembling *Hosta ventricosa*. Leaves are slightly smaller and thinner; 3-4 stalks emerge from the leaf cluster center. Inflorescence resembles a rat's tail, dense flowers, greenish with a hint of red. Fruit resembles *Descurainia sophia* seeds, reddish-black, growing by roadsides. Taste is sweet-cold, non-toxic. Some say sweet-neutral; leaves and roots sweet-cold. *Stellaria dichotoma* (Changshan) acts as an assistant.
[Famine Relief]: Pick tender shoots and leaves, blanch, soak in water to remove slime, rinse clean. Season with oil and salt. [Treating Diseases]: See detailed records in the Materia Medica.
*Astragalus membranaceus* (Huangqi): Also known as Daishen, Daishen, Dushen, Jicao, Duzhi, Baiben, and Wangsun. Grows in mountain valleys of Shujun, Baishui, Hanzhong, Hedong, and Shaanxi. From Mianshang, it is called Mianhuangshe. Now found everywhere. Roots are three chi long, single stem with clustered branches. Leaves are sparse, fern-like, resembling acacia leaves but sharper/smaller, or *Tribulus terrestris* leaves but broader and blue-white. Flowers are yellow-purple, size of acacia flowers; fruits are small pointed horns, about one cun long. Taste is sweet, nature is slightly warm, non-toxic. Some say bitter-slightly cold. Adverse to *Testudinis Carapax et Plastrum* (Guijia) and *Phellodendri Cortex* (Baixianpi).
[Famine Relief]: Pick tender shoots and leaves, blanch, change water to soak and rinse out bitterness. Season with oil and salt. In tonifying medicine, it is compared to mutton. [Treating Diseases]: See detailed records in the Materia Medica.
*Sageretia thea* (Weilingxian): Also known as Nengxiao. Originates from Shangzhou, Shangluo, Huashan and flat wetlands, as well as Shaanxi, Hedong, Hebei, Henan, Helu, Shizhou, Ninghua, etc. Best harvested where water sounds are not heard. Now found in wilds of Liangjiachong, Mixian. Seedlings are one to two chi tall; stems are square like hairpin shafts, four-edged, covered with short white hairs. Leaves resemble broad willow leaves with serrated edges, or *Inula japonica* leaves, layered growth, 6-7 leaves per layer arranged oppositely like a wheel. Up to 6-7 layers. Flowers are light purple or jade-white, spike-like resembling cattail tassels, or chrysanthemum-head shaped. Fruit is green. Roots are dense with many fibers. Taste is bitter, nature is dry (text says 'ke', likely error for cold/dry), non-toxic. Adverse to tea and noodle soup; can substitute drinking with Licorice (*Gancao*) and Gardenia (*Zhizi*).
[Famine Relief]: Roast leaves, change water to soak out bitterness, rinse clean, and season with oil and salt. [Treating Diseases]: See detailed records in the Materia Medica.
*Podostemon chinense* (Madouling): Root named Yunnan Gen, also known as Tu Qingmuxiang. Grows in Guanzhong, Xinzhou, Chuzhou, Hedong, Hebei, Jianghuai, Kui, and Zhejiang prefectures. Now found in elevated areas. Spring vines grow like creepers; leaves resemble *Dioscorea polystachya* but thicker/larger, white underneath. Yellow-purple flowers resemble *Lycium chinense* flowers. Fruit bell-shaped, 4-5 lobes, hanging even after leaves fall, resembling horse bells, hence the name. Taste is bitter, nature is cold. Some say neutral and non-toxic.
[Famine Relief]: Pick leaves, blanch, soak in water to remove bitterness, rinse clean. Season with oil and salt. [Treating Diseases]: See detailed records in the Materia Medica.
*Inula japonica* (Xuanfuhua): Also known as Daishen, Jinfeicao, Shengshen. Called Jinqianhua by people in fields of Shangdang. *Erya* mentions "Fu Daotang" (likely textual error). Originates from Suizhou. Grows in flat wetlands and valleys; now found everywhere. Seedlings often near water; initial growth size of safflower leaves without thorns; grows 2-3 chi tall. Leaves resemble broad willow leaves; stems thin like wormwood. Flowers resemble chrysanthemums, coin-sized, deep yellow. Taste is salty-sweet, nature is warm-slightly cold; diuretic effect slightly toxic. Leaves bitter, nature neutral-cool.
[Famine Relief]: Pick leaves, blanch, soak in water to remove bitterness, rinse clean. Season with oil and salt. [Treating Diseases]: See detailed records in the Materia Medica.
*Saposhnikovia divaricata* (Fangfeng): Also known as Tongyun, Huicao, Baizhi, Pingfeng, (missing character), Baifei. Grows in sandy wetlands of Tongzhou, Handan, Langya, Shangcai, Shaanxi, Shandong. Now found in fields of Zhongmu. Roots are earthy yellow, similar to *Malva verticillata* roots but thinner/shorter. Stems and leaves are green; stems dark, leaves light. Leaves resemble broad *Artemisia annua* leaves or sparse rice wormwood leaves; stems resemble fennel. Small white flowers; fruit resembles broad coriander seeds. Taste is sweet-pungent, nature is warm, non-toxic. Neutralizes Aconite toxicity. Adverse to Dried Ginger (*Ganjiang*), *Veratrum nigrum* (Lilu), *Ampelopsis japonica* (Bailian), and *Genkwa Flos* (Yuanhua). Stone Fangfeng treats head wind and dizziness. Varieties with forked heads cause madness; forked tails cause chronic diseases.
[Famine Relief]: Pick tender shoots and leaves as vegetables, blanch and eat; very refreshing. [Treating Diseases]: See detailed records in the Materia Medica.
*Leonurus japonicus* (Yuchou Miao): Is the herb Chongweizi in Materia Medica. Also known as Yimu, Yiming, Dazha, Zhenwei. All refer to Yimucao (Motherwort), also called smelly/humid. Grows in coastal marshes; now found everywhere in fields.
Leaves resemble *Perilla frutescens* leaves or thin/small mugwort leaves; color green, square stems. Small white flowers bloom at nodes; seeds are black-tea brown, triangular and slender. Taste is pungent-sweet, nature is slightly warm. Some say slightly cold, non-toxic.
[Famine Relief]: Pick shoots and leaves, blanch, soak in water, rinse clean. Season with oil and salt. [Treating Diseases]: See detailed records in the Materia Medica.
*Euphorbia helioscopia* (Zeqi): Materia Medica name Qijing, seedling of *Euphorbia lathyris*. Grows in valleys of Tai Mountain and wetlands of Jizhou, Dingzhou, Mingzhou; now found everywhere. Seedlings 2-3 chi tall; branched stems, purple-red. Leaves resemble narrow short willow leaves. Yellow-purple flowers resemble apricot flowers but longer petals. White juice exudes when leaves are picked; can bite humans, hence the name. Taste is bitter-pungent, nature is slightly cold, non-toxic. Some say slightly toxic; some say cold-slightly toxic. *Vigna angularis* (Xiaodou) acts as an assistant; adverse to *Dioscorea opposita* (Shuyu). Tasting leaves reveals astringent-bitter flavor, followed by sweetness.
[Famine Relief]: Pick leaves and tender stems, blanch, soak in water, rinse clean. Season with oil and salt. Tender leaves steamed and dried can be made into tea. [Treating Diseases]: See detailed records in the Materia Medica.
*Oxalis corniculata* (Suanjiang Cao): Materia Medica name Cujiang Cao. Also known as Cu Mucao, Jiu Suancao, commonly Xiao Suan Ya. Origin unspecified, now found everywhere. Grows in sandy wet soils by roadsides. Leaves resemble young duckweed; three leaves cluster at each stem tip. Yellow flowers, black seeds. Southerners use shoots to polish stone vessels to a silver shine. Taste is sour, nature is neutral; leaves non-toxic.
[Famine Relief]: Pick tender shoots and leaves raw. [Treating Diseases]: See detailed records in the Materia Medica.
*Cnidium monnieri* (Shechuang Zi): Also known as She Su, She Mi, Zaoji, Qiangmi. *Erya* names it Xu. Grows in valleys and fields of Linzi; now found everywhere. Seedlings 2-3 chi tall; green clusters resembling wormwood foliage, small *Peucedanum praeruptorum* leaves, or *Angelica dahurica* leaves. Each branch has over 100 flower heads, clustered. Umbel-shaped white flowers. Seeds half-size of millet, yellow-brown. Taste is bitter-pungent-sweet, nature is neutral. Some say slightly toxic.
Adverse to *Moutan Cortex* (Mudanpi), *Crotonis Fructus* (Badou), and *Fritillariae Thunbergii Bulbus* (Beimu).
[Famine Relief]: Pick tender shoots and leaves, blanch, soak in cold water. Season with oil and salt. [Treating Diseases]: See detailed records in the Materia Medica.
*Prunella vulgaris* (Xiakucao): Materia Medica names Xiju, Naidong, Yanmian. Grows in valleys of Shujun and flat wetlands of Hehuai, Zhechu; now found in western fields of Xiangfu. Seedlings 2-3 chi tall; leaves opposite. Leaves resemble *Inula japonica* but extremely large, serrated edges, white underside with visible veins. Flowers spike at leaf tips, 2-3 cun long. Flowers purple-white, resembling *Salvia miltiorrhiza* flowers. Leaves taste bitter-slightly pungent, nature cold, non-toxic. *Trichosanthes kirilowii* root (Tugua) acts as an assistant. Commonly mistaken for Yuchou Miao, which is incorrect.
[Famine Relief]: Pick tender leaves, blanch, change water to soak and rinse, remove bitterness. Season with oil and salt. [Treating Diseases]: See detailed records in the Materia Medica.
*Platycodon grandiflorus* (Jiegeng): Also known as Liru, Fangtu, Baire, Gengcao, Qiji. Grows in valleys of Songshan and Yuanju, Hezhou, Xiezhou; now found in wilds of Junzhou and Mixian. Roots finger-thick, yellow-white. Spring shoots grow one chi tall. Leaves resemble almond leaves, elongated-oval, four leaves opposite. Edible when tender. Purple-blue flowers resemble *Ipomoea nil*. Seeds produced in autumn. Leaves named Yinren. Roots have a core. Core-less roots are actually *Claytonia perfoliata* (Qiji). Roots and leaves taste bitter-pungent, nature slightly warm, slightly toxic. Some say bitter-neutral, non-toxic. Bark at nodes acts as an assistant; combined with *Ostrea Concha* (Muli) and *Polygala tenuifolia* (Yuanzhi) treats anger; combined with *Natrii Sulfas* (Xiaoshi) and *Gypsum Fibrosum* (Shigao) treats Cold Damage. Adverse to *Bletillae Rhizoma* (Baiji), *Dimocarpus longan* (Longyan), and *Gentiana scabra* (Longdancao).
[Famine Relief]: Pick leaves, blanch, change water, soak to remove bitterness, rinse clean. Season with oil and salt. [Treating Diseases]: See detailed records in the Materia Medica.
*Foeniculum vulgare* (Huixiang): Also known as Huixiangzi; northerners call it Tu Huixiang. Pronunciation similarity noted. Found everywhere; widely planted in gardens. Seedlings 3-4 chi tall; stems thick like pen tubes. Pale yellow leaves grow alongside stems; fine green leaves arise from these, resembling fennel foliage but very sparse, thread-like. Branches split from leaf axils; flowers at tips, umbrella-shaped, yellow. Seeds slightly larger/longer than *Anethum graveolens* seeds, with winged edges. Taste slightly bitter-pungent, nature neutral, non-toxic.
[Famine Relief]: Pick shoots and leaves, blanch, change water, rinse clean. Season with oil and salt. Seeds enhance flavor of various foods. [Treating Diseases]: See detailed records in the Materia Medica.
*Ligusticum chuanxiong* (Gaoben): Also known as Guiqing, Dixing, Weijing. Grows in valleys of Chongshan, West Sichuan, Hedong, Yanzhou. Now found in valleys of Weihui, Huixian, Kaolaokuan. Commonly called Shanyuansui. Stems 5-7 cun tall. Leaves resemble *Ligusticum wallichii* (Xiongqiong) leaves, small; or *Coriandrum sativum* (Yuansui) leaves but sparse. Stems harder/straighter than coriander. Taste pungent-slightly bitter, nature neutral-warm-slightly cold, non-toxic. Adverse to certain vegetables, and adverse to Celosia seeds (*Qingxiangzi*).
[Famine Relief]: Pick tender shoots and leaves, blanch, soak/wash/rinse in cold water. Season with oil and salt. [Treating Diseases]: See detailed records in the Materia Medica.
*Ligusticum wallichii* (Chuanxiong): Also known as Xiongqiong; leaves named Miwu; also Jiangli. Grows in valleys of Wugong, Keguu, Xiling, Yongzhou wetlands, and Yuanju. Also abundant in Guan-Shaan, Shu-Chuan, Jiangdong mountains. Shu origin is superior; now found everywhere. Planted in gardens. Seedlings resemble celery but finer/narrower, with flower branches. Resembles *Angelica dahurica* leaves (fine) or coriander leaves (robust). Another variety has leaves resembling *Cnidium monnieri* but robust, with white flowers. Cultivated Chuanxiong: large, heavy, oily, white interior. Taste pungent-sweet, nature warm, non-toxic. Wild Chuanxiong: thin, bitter-sweet, large nodes, thin stems. Resembles horse harness parts, called Mayu Chuanxiong. Resembles sparrow brain, called Que nao Chuanxiong (most potent). *Angelica dahurica* (Baizhi) acts as an assistant; adverse to *Coptidis Rhizoma* (Huanglian). Miwu leaves taste pungent-aromatic, nature neutral-warm, non-toxic.
[Famine Relief]: Pick leaves, blanch, change water to soak out pungency, rinse clean. Season with oil and salt; can be boiled for drink, very fragrant. [Treating Diseases]: See detailed records in the Materia Medica.
*Bupleurum chinense* (Chaihu): Also known as Dixun, Shancai, Rucao Ye, Yunhao. Grows in valleys of Hongnong, Yuanju, Shouzhou, Zizhou, Guan-Shaan rivers/lakes. Yinzhou origin is superior. Now found in valleys of Junzhou and Mixian. Seedlings very aromatic; stems green-purple, hard, with fine ridges. Leaves resemble small bamboo leaves. Small yellow flowers; roots pale red. Taste bitter, nature neutral-slightly cold, non-toxic. *Pinellia ternata* (Banxia) acts as an assistant; adverse to *Gleditsiae Sinensis Fructus* (Zaojiao); adverse to *Saussurea involucrata* (Nuwan) and *Veratrum nigrum* (Lilu). Another variety resembles *Artemisia scoparia* or short *Ophiopogon japonicus* seedlings, with yellow flowers. Grows in Danzhou, produces green seeds, distinct from others.
[Famine Relief]: Pick shoots and leaves, blanch, change water to soak/rinse out bitterness. Season with oil and salt. [Treating Diseases]: See detailed records in the Materia Medica.
*Rhaponticum uniflorum* (Loulu): Also known as Yelan, commonly Jia Hao Gen, Luli Gen, ghost sesame oil. Grows in valleys of Qiao Mountain and Qinzhou, Hai...