【救饥】采叶炸熟，换水浸淘去苦味。以油盐调食。勿空腹服饵，令人溺不禁。【治病】具见本草。
前胡 生陕西、汉梁、江淮、荆襄、江宁、咸州诸郡，相、孟、越、衢、婺睦等州
皆有。今密县梁家冲山野中亦有之。苗高二三尺，青白色似斜蒿，味甚香美，叶似野菊花叶而瘦
细，颇似山萝葡叶亦细，又似芸蒿，开黪白花，类蛇床子花，秋间结实，根细青紫色。一云外黑
里白。味甘辛微苦，性微寒无毒。半夏为之使，
恶皂荚，畏藜芦。
【救饥】采叶炸熟，换水浸，淘净。以油盐调食。【治病】具见本草。
地榆 生桐柏山及冤句山谷，今处处有之。密县山野中亦有此，多宿根。其苗初生
布地，后撺葶直高三四尺，对分生叶，叶似榆叶而狭细颇长，作锯齿状，青色，开花如椹子，紫
黑色，又类豉，故名玉豉。其根外黑里红似柳根。亦入酿酒，叶烧作灰，能烂石。味苦甘酸，性
微寒。一云沉寒无毒，得发良。恶麦门冬。
【救饥】采嫩叶炸熟，用水浸去苦味，换水淘净。以油盐调食。无茶时用叶作饮甚解热。
【治病】具见本草。
连翘 一名异翘，一名兰华，一名折根，一名轵（音纸），一名三廉，《尔雅》谓
之连草，一名连苕（音条）。生太山山谷及河中，江宁、泽润、淄、兖、鼎岳、利州、南康皆有
之。今密县梁家冲山谷中亦有。科苗高三尺，茎杆赤色，叶如榆叶大，面光色青黄，边微细锯齿。
又似金银花叶，微尖FS （音哨），开花黄色可爱，结房状似山栀子，厥微匾而无棱，瓣底中有子
如雀舌样，极小，其子折之间片片相比如翘，以此得名。味苦性平无毒，叶味亦若。
【救饥】采嫩叶炸熟，换水浸去苦味，淘洗净。油盐调食。【治病】具见本草。
仙灵脾 本草名淫羊藿，一名刚前，俗名黄德祖、千两金、干鸡筋、放杖草、弃杖草。
俗又呼三枝九叶草。生上郡阳山山谷及江东、陕西、泰山、汉中、湖湘、介州等郡，并永康军皆
有之。今密县山野中亦有。苗高二尺许，茎似小豆茎极细紧，叶似杏叶颇长，近蒂皆有一缺。又
似绿豆叶亦长而光，梢间开花白色，亦有紫色花作碎小独头。根紫色有须，形类黄连状。味辛性
寒。一云性温无毒。生处不闻水声者良。薯蓣、紫芝为之使。
【救饥】采嫩叶炸熟，水浸去邪味，淘净。油盐调食。【治病】具见本草。
野生姜 本草名刘寄奴，生江南，其越州、滁州皆有之。今中牟南沙岗间亦有之。茎
似艾蒿，长二三尺余，叶似菊叶而瘦细，又似野艾蒿叶亦瘦细，开花白色，结实黄白色，作细筒
子，蒴儿盖蒿之类也。其子似稗而细，苗叶味苦，性温无毒。
【救饥】采嫩叶炸熟，水浸淘去尽苦味。以油盐醋调食。【治病】具见本草。
马兰头 本草名马兰，旧不着所出州土，但云生泽旁，如泽兰。北人见其花呼为紫菊，
以其花似菊而紫也。苗高一二尺，茎亦紫色，叶似薄荷，边皆锯齿，又似地瓜儿叶微大。味辛性
平，无毒。又有山兰生山侧，似刘寄奴叶，无桠不对生，花心微黄赤。
【救饥】采苗叶炸熟，新汲水浸去苦味，淘洗净。以油盐调食。【治病】具见本草。
（音 ），俗名粘糊菜，俗又呼火 草。旧不着所出州郡，今处处有之。苗高
三四尺，金棱银线素根紫 ，茎叉对节而生，茎叶颇类苍耳，茎叶纹脉竖直，梢叶间开花，深黄
色，又有一种叶似芥叶而尖，开花如菊，结实颇似鹤虱，科苗味苦，性寒小毒。
【救饥】采嫩苗叶炸熟，水洗去苦味，淘净。以油盐调食。【治病】具见本草。
泽泻 俗名水荠菜，一名水泻，一名及泻，一名鹄泻。生汝南池泽及齐州、山东，
河陕、江淮亦有。汉中者为佳。今水边处处有之。丛生苗叶，其叶似牛舌草，叶纹脉竖直，叶丛
中间撺葶，对分茎叉，茎有线楞，梢间开三瓣小白花，结实小青细。子味甘，叶味微寒，俱无毒也。
【救饥】采叶炸熟，水浸淘净。油盐调食。【治病】具见本草。
竹节菜 一名翠蝴蝶，又名翠娥眉，又名笪竹花，一名倭青草。南北皆有。今新郑县
山野中亦有之。叶似竹叶微宽短，茎淡红色，就地
丛生撺节，似初生嫩苇节，梢叶间开翠碧花，状类蝴蝶。其叶味甜。
【救饥】采嫩苗叶炸熟，油盐调食。【治病】具见本草。
独 苗 生田中，今处处有之。叶似竹形而柔弱细小， （音布）茎而生。茎叶梢间
结小青子，子小如栗粒。科茎老时可为扫帚。叶味微甘。
【救饥】采嫩苗叶炸熟，水浸淘净。以油盐调食。晒干炸食，不破腹，尤佳妙。【治病】具见本草。
兔儿酸 一名兔儿浆，所在田野中皆有之。苗比水荭矮短，茎叶皆类水荭。其茎节密，
其叶亦稠，比水荭叶稍薄小。味酸性温。
【救饥】采苗炸熟，以新汲水浸去酸味，淘净。油盐调食。【治病】具见本草。
蓬 音减。一名盐蓬，生水旁下湿地。茎似落梨，亦有线楞，叶似篷而肥壮，比
篷叶亦稀疏，茎叶间结青子，极细小。其叶味微咸，性温无毒。
【救饥】采苗叶炸熟，水浸去咸味，淘洗净。以油盐调食。【治病】具见本草。
蒿 田野中处处有之，苗高二尺余，茎干似艾，其叶细长，锯齿叶 （音布）茎
而生。味微咸，性微寒。
【救饥】采嫩苗炸熟，水浸淘净。油盐调少食。【治病】具见本草。
水莴苣 一名水波菜，水边多生，苗高一尺余。叶似麦蓝叶而有细锯齿。两叶对生，
每两叶间对叉又生两枝。梢间开青白花，结小青 ，如小椒大。其叶味微苦，性寒。
【救饥】采苗叶炸熟，水淘净。油盐调食。【治病】具见本草。
金盏菜 一名地冬瓜菜，生田野中。苗高二三尺，茎初微赤而有线路，叶似绵柳叶微
浓， 茎而生，茎叶稠密，开花紫色黄心。其叶味甘微寒。
【救饥】采苗叶炸熟，水洗净。油盐调食。【治病】具见本草。
紫云菜 生密县梁家冲山野中，苗高一二尺，茎方紫色，对节生叉。叶似山小菜叶颇
长。 梗对生。叶顶及叶间开淡紫花，其叶味微苦。
【救饥】采嫩苗叶炸熟，水浸淘去苦味。油盐调食。【治病】具见本草。
鸦葱 生田野中，板叶尖长榻地而生。叶似初生 秫叶而小，又似初生小蓝叶细窄
而尖，其叶边皆曲皱，叶中撺葶，上结小 ，后出白英，味微辛。
【救饥】采嫩苗叶炸熟，水淘洗出辣气。以油盐调食，生叶可食之。【治病】具见本草。
匙头菜 生密县山野中，作小科苗。其茎面分五色，背圆。叶似尖匙头样，有如杏叶
大，边微锯齿，开淡红花，结子黄褐色。叶味甜。
【救饥】采叶炸熟，水浸淘净。油盐调食。【治病】具见本草。
鸡冠菜 生田野中，苗高尺丝，叶似青英菜叶而窄小，又似山菜叶而窄，FS 梢开出穗
似兔儿尾，穗却微细小。开粉红花，结实如苋菜子，苗叶味苦。
【救饥】采苗叶炸熟，水浸淘去苦气。以油盐调食。【治病】具见本草。
水蔓青 一名地肤子，生中牟县南沙岗中。苗高一二尺，叶仿佛似地瓜儿叶，却甚少
卷边 面，又似鸡儿肠叶颇尖，FS #梢间出穗，开淡藕丝褐色花。其叶味微甜。
【救饥】采苗叶炸熟，以油盐调食。【治病】具见本草。
野园荽（音虽） 生祥符西北田野中，苗高一尺余，苗叶结实皆似家胡荽，但细小瘦
窄。味甜微辛香。
【救饥】采嫩苗叶炸熟，油盐调食。【治病】具见本草。
牛尾菜 生辉县鸦子口山野间，苗高二三尺。叶似龙须菜叶，叶间分生叉枝及出一细
丝蔓，又似金刚刺叶而小，纹脉皆竖，茎叶梢间开白花，结子黑色。其叶味微甘。
【救饥】采嫩叶炸熟，水浸淘净。以油盐调食。【治病】具见本草。
山 菜 生密县山野中，苗初榻地生。其叶之茎背圆面窳（五化切），叶似初出冬蜀
葵稍小，五花叉锯齿边，又似蔚臭苗叶而硬浓颇大。后撺茎深紫色，梢叶颇小，其味微辣。
【救饥】采苗叶炸熟，水浸淘洗净。油盐调食。【治病】具见本草。
绵丝菜（生辉县山野中，苗高一二尺，叶似兔见尾叶，但短小，又似柳叶亦比短小。梢头攒
生小KT FS ，开黪白花。其叶味微甜。
【救饥】采苗叶炸熟，水浸淘净。以油盐调食。【治病】具见本草。
米蒿 生田野中，所在处处有之。苗高人许。叶似园荽叶微细，叶丛间分生茎叉，
梢上开小青黄花，结小细角似葶苈。角儿味苦。
【救饥】采嫩苗炸熟，水浸淘净。以油盐调食。【治病】具见本草。
舌头菜 生密县山野中，苗叶榻地生。叶似山白菜叶而小，头颇团，叶面不皱，比山
白菜叶亦浓，状类猪舌形，故以为名。
【救饥】采叶炸熟，水浸去苦味，换水淘净。以油盐调食。【治病】具见本草。
紫香蒿 生中牟县平野中。苗高一二尺，茎方紫色，叶似邪蒿叶而背白，又似野葫萝
卜叶微短，茎叶梢间结小青子，比灰菜子又小。其叶味微苦。
【救饥】采叶炸熟，水浸去苦味。以油盐调食。【治病】具见本草。
金盏儿花 人家园圃中多种，苗高六七寸，叶似初生莴苣叶，比莴苣叶狭窄而浓，
茎生叶，茎端开金黄色盏子样花。其叶味微酸。
【救饥】采苗叶炸熟，水浸去酸味淘净。油盐调食。【治病】具见本草。
六月菊 生祥符西田野中。苗高一二尺，茎似铁杆（音杆）蒿茎，叶似鸡肠叶，但长
而涩，又似马兰头叶而硬短。梢叶间开淡紫花。叶味微酸涩。
【救饥】采叶炸熟，水浸去邪味。以油盐调食。【治病】具见本草。
柳叶菜 生郑州贾峪（音欲）山山野中，苗高二尺余。茎淡红色，叶似柳叶而浓短，
有涩毛，梢间开四瓣深红花，结细长角儿，其叶味微甜。
【救饥】采苗叶炸熟。以油盐调食。【治病】具见本草。
婆婆指甲菜 生田野中，作地FS 科生，茎细弱，叶象女人指甲，又似初生枣叶微薄细，
茎梢间结小花瓣。苗叶味甘无毒。
【救饥】采嫩苗叶炸熟，油盐调食。【治病】具见本草。
铁杆蒿 生田野中，苗茎高二三尺，叶似独扫叶微肥短，又似 蓄叶而短小，分生茎
叉。梢间开淡紫花黄心，其叶味苦。
【救饥】采叶炸熟，水淘去苦味。以油盐调食。【治病】具见本草。
山红菜头 生密县韶华山山谷中，苗高二三尺，茎青白色，叶似初生绵花叶而窄，花叉
颇浅，其茎叶间开五瓣淡紫花，结子如枸杞子。生则青，熟则红色。其叶味苦。
【救饥】采叶炸熟，换水浸淘去苦味。以油盐调食。【治病】具见本草。
剪刀股（音古） 生田野中，处处有之，就地作小科苗。叶似嫩苦苣叶而细小，色颇
似兰亦有白汁，茎叉梢间开淡黄花。叶味苦。
【救饥】采嫩苗叶炸熟，水浸淘去苦味。油盐调食。【治病】具见本草。
鹅儿肠 生许州水泽边，就地妥茎而生。对节生叶，叶似 豆叶而薄，又以佛指甲叶
微，梢叶间分生枝叉，开白花，结子似葶苈子。其叶味甜。
【救饥】采苗叶炸熟，以油盐调食。【治病】具见本草。
毛连菜 一名常十八，生田野中。苗初榻地生，后撺茎叉，高二尺许。叶似刺蓟叶而
长大梢尖，其叶边 （音堰）曲皱，上有涩毛，梢间开银褐花。味微苦涩。
【救饥】采叶炸熟，水浸淘净。油盐调食。【治病】具见本草。
小桃红 一名凤仙花，一名夹竹桃，又名海 （音纳），俗名染指甲草。人家园圃中
多种，今处处有之。苗高一尺许，叶面窄，边有细锯齿，开红花，结实形类桃样极小，有子似萝
卜子。取之易迸（北诤切）散，俗名急性子。叶味苦微涩，无毒。
【救饥】采苗叶炸熟，水浸一宿做菜。油盐醋调食。【治病】具见本草。
八角菜 生辉县太行山山野中，苗高一尺许，苗茎甚细，其叶状类牡丹叶大，味甜。
【救饥】采嫩苗叶炸熟，水浸淘净，油盐调食。【治病】具见本草。
地棠菜 生郑州南沙岗中，苗高一二尺，叶似地棠花叶甚大，又似初生芥菜叶微狭而尖。其味甜。
【救饥】采嫩苗叶炸熟，油盐调食。【治病】具见本草。
鸡儿肠 生中牟田野中，苗高一二尺，茎黑紫色，叶似薄荷叶微小，边有稀锯齿，又
似六月菊，梢叶间开细瓣淡粉紫花，黄心。叶味微辣。
【救饥】采叶炸熟，换水淘去辣味。油盐调食。【治病】具见本草。
扯根菜 生田野中，苗高一尺许。茎色赤红，叶似小桃红叶微窄小，色颇绿，又似小
柳叶亦短而浓窄。其叶周遭攒茎而生，开碎瓣小青白花，结子。花蒴似蒺藜样。叶苗味甜。
【救饥】采苗叶炸熟，水浸淘净。以油盐调食。【治病】具见本草。
草零陵香 又名芫香。人家园圃中多种之。叶似苜蓿叶而长大微尖，茎叶间开小淡
粉紫花，作小短穗，其子小如粟粒。苗叶味微苦，性平。
【救饥】采苗叶炸熟，水浸淘净。以油盐调食。【治病】具见本草。
凉蒿菜 又名甘菊芽。生密县山野中，叶似菊花叶而细长尖，FS （音哨）又多花叉，
开黄花。其叶味甘。
[For Famine Relief] Pick the leaves, blanch and cook them thoroughly. Soak in water and rinse to remove bitterness. Season with oil and salt for consumption. Do not take on an empty stomach, as it may cause urinary incontinence. [For Treating Diseases] Detailed efficacy is recorded in the Materia Medica (Bencao).
Qianhu (Peucedani Radix) Grows in Shaanxi, Hanliang, Jianghuai, Jingxiang, Jiangning, Xianzhou, and other commanderies; also found in Xiangzhou, Mengzhou, Yuezhou, Quzhou, Wuzhou, and Muzhou. Currently found in the wilds of Liangjiachong, Mixian. The seedling is two or three chi tall, greenish-white, resembling Xiehao (a type of herb), with a very fragrant and pleasant aroma. Leaves resemble those of wild chrysanthemum but are thinner and narrower, somewhat similar to Shanluopu leaves which are also fine, and also like Yunhao. It bears pale white flowers similar to Shechuangzi (Cnidii Fructus) flowers. Bears fruit in autumn; roots are slender, greenish-purple. One account states the exterior is black and interior white. Taste: sweet, pungent, slightly bitter. Nature: slightly cold. Non-toxic. Banxia (Pinelliae Rhizoma) serves as its guiding herb (Shi). Dislikes Saojia (Gleditsiae Spina). Feels Liulu (Veratrum Nigrum).
[For Famine Relief] Pick leaves, blanch and cook, soak in changed water, and rinse clean. Season with oil and salt. [For Treating Diseases] See Materia Medica.
Diyu (Sanguisorbae Radix) Grows in Tongbai Mountain and Yuanju Valley; now found everywhere. Also present in Mixian wilds, mostly with perennial roots. Seedlings initially spread on the ground, then shoot up stems three to four chi high. Leaves are opposite, resembling elm leaves but narrow, long, and slender, with serrated edges, green in color. Flowers resemble mulberries, purple-black, also resembling Douchi (fermented soybeans), hence the name Yuchi (Jade Fermented Bean). Roots are black outside and red inside, resembling willow roots. Can be used for brewing wine; leaves burned to ash can corrode stone. Taste: bitter, sweet, sour. Nature: slightly cold. One account says nature is sinking and cold, non-toxic, effective when combined with hair. Dislikes Maidong (Ophiopogonis Radix).
[For Famine Relief] Pick tender leaves, blanch and cook, soak in water to remove bitterness, change water and rinse clean. Season with oil and salt. When tea is unavailable, using leaves as a drink effectively clears heat. [For Treating Diseases] See Materia Medica.
Liaoqiao (Forsythiae Fructus) Also known as Yiqiao, Lanhua, Zhegen, Zhi (pronounced 'zhi'), Sanlian. Called Liancao in *Erya*, also Liantiao (pronounced 'tiao'). Grows in Tai Mountain valleys and along the Yellow River; found in Jiangning, Zerun, Zhou, Yanzhou, Dingyue, Lizhou, Nankang. Also found in Liangjiachong valley, Mixian. Stems about three chi high, reddish. Leaves similar in size to elm leaves, smooth surface, yellowish-green, with fine serrated margins. Resembles Jinyinhua (Lonicerae Japonicae Flos) leaves, slightly pointed tip. Bears yellow flowers, attractive. Fruit resembles Shanzhizi (Gardeniae Fructus), slightly flat without ridges. Seeds at the base of petals resemble sparrow tongues, very small. When broken, seeds appear layered and overlapping like a "qiao" (hook/curved shape), giving it its name. Taste: bitter. Nature: neutral. Non-toxic. Leaf taste is similar.
[For Famine Relief] Pick tender leaves, blanch and cook, soak in changed water to remove bitterness, rinse clean. Season with oil and salt. [For Treating Diseases] See Materia Medica.
Xianlingpi (Epimedii Folium) Named Yin Yang Huo in Materia Medica. Also known as Gangqian. Common names: Huang Dezhu, Qianliangjin, Gan Jijin, Fangzhang Cao, Qizhang Cao. Also called Sanzhi Jiuye Cao (Three-branch Nine-leaf Herb). Grows in Yangshan Valley, Shangjun, Jiangdong, Shaanxi, Taishan, Hanzhong, Huxiang, Meizhou, and Yongkang Jun. Also found in Mixian wilds. Seedlings about two chi high. Stems thin and tight like small bean stems. Leaves resemble apricot leaves, long, with a notch near the petiole. Also resembles mung bean leaves, long and smooth. White flowers bloom at tips, sometimes purple, small single heads. Roots purple with fibrous hairs, resembling Huanglian (Coptidis Rhizoma). Taste: pungent. Nature: cold. One account says warm, non-toxic. Best from areas where no water sound is heard. Shuyu (Dioscoreae Rhizoma) and Zizhi (Ganoderma) serve as guiding herbs (Shi).
[For Famine Relief] Pick tender leaves, blanch and cook, soak in water to remove off-flavors, rinse clean. Season with oil and salt. [For Treating Diseases] See Materia Medica.
Yeshengjiang (Polygoni Avicularis Herba - Note: Text identifies as Liu Jinu) Named Liu Jinu in Materia Medica. Grows in Jiangnan; found in Yuezhou, Chuzhou. Also found in Nanasha Gang, Zhongmu. Stems resemble Mugwort (Ai Hao), two to three chi long. Leaves resemble chrysanthemum leaves but thin, also like wild mugwort leaves, thin. Bears white flowers. Bears yellowish-white fruit, tubular, capsule resembling Artemisia seeds. Seeds resemble barnyard grass but finer. Seedling leaves taste bitter. Nature: warm. Non-toxic.
[For Famine Relief] Pick tender leaves, blanch and cook, soak in water and rinse to remove all bitterness. Season with oil, salt, and vinegar. [For Treating Diseases] See Materia Medica.
Malantou (Kalimeris Indica Herba) Named Ma Lan in Materia Medica. Old texts do not specify origin, only that it grows by marshes, resembling Zelan (Ageratinae Herba). Northerners call it Zijú (Purple Chrysanthemum) because flowers resemble chrysanthemums and are purple. Seedlings one to two chi high. Stems purple. Leaves resemble Mint (Bohe), fully serrated. Also resembles Diguar leaves but slightly larger. Taste: pungent. Nature: neutral. Non-toxic. There is also Shanlan growing on mountain sides, leaves resembling Liu Jinu, no branching/opposite growth, flower center slightly yellow-red.
[For Famine Relief] Pick seedling leaves, blanch and cook, soak in fresh drawn water to remove bitterness, rinse clean. Season with oil and salt. [For Treating Diseases] See Materia Medica.
(Character missing/variant, common name Nianhu Cai / Sticky Vegetable, also Huo XX Cao. Old texts do not specify origin; now found everywhere. Seedlings three to four chi high. Stems have golden veins and silver lines, white roots purple. Stems branch oppositely at nodes. Leaves resemble Errenca (Xanthium Strumarium) leaves, veins vertical. Flowers deep yellow at tips. Another variety has leaves like mustard greens, pointed, flowers like chrysanthemum, fruit resembling Helishi (Daphniphylli Fructus). Seedling taste bitter. Nature: cold, slight toxicity.
[For Famine Relief] Pick tender seedling leaves, blanch and cook, wash to remove bitterness, rinse clean. Season with oil and salt. [For Treating Diseases] See Materia Medica.
Zexie (Alismatis Rhizoma) Common name Shui Qicai. Also known as Shuixie, Jixie, Hexie. Grows in Runan ponds/marshes, Qizhou, Shandong, Heshan, Jianghuai. Hanzhong origin is best. Now found everywhere by water. Clusters of leaves. Leaves resemble Ox-tongue grass (Niushecao), veins vertical. Stems shoot up from leaf clusters, branching oppositely, stems with linear ridges. Tips bear three-petaled small white flowers. Bears small green seeds. Seed taste sweet. Leaf taste slightly cold. Both non-toxic.
[For Famine Relief] Pick leaves, blanch and cook, soak in water and rinse clean. Season with oil and salt. [For Treating Diseases] See Materia Medica.
Zhujie Cai (Commelina communis Herba) Also known as Cui Hudie (Emerald Butterfly), Cui Emei, Dazhu Hua, Wo Qingcao. Found in North and South. Also in Xinzheng County wilds. Leaves resemble bamboo leaves but wider and shorter. Stems pale red, creeping and jointed like young reed joints. Tips bear emerald-blue flowers resembling butterflies. Leaf taste sweet.
[For Famine Relief] Pick tender seedling leaves, blanch and cook. Season with oil and salt. [For Treating Diseases] See Materia Medica.
Du Miao Grows in fields, now found everywhere. Leaves resemble bamboo but soft and small. Creeping stems. Tips bear small green fruits, size of millet grains. Old stems can be made into brooms. Leaf taste slightly sweet.
[For Famine Relief] Pick tender seedling leaves, blanch and cook, soak in water and rinse clean. Season with oil and salt. Dried and blanched consumption does not harm the abdomen, especially good. [For Treating Diseases] See Materia Medica.
Tu'er Suan Also known as Tu'er Jiang. Found in fields everywhere. Seedlings shorter than Shuihong (Persicaria hydropiper). Stems and leaves resemble Shuihong. Nodes dense, leaves crowded, slightly thinner and smaller than Shuihong leaves. Taste: sour. Nature: warm.
[For Famine Relief] Pick seedlings, blanch and cook, soak in fresh drawn water to remove sourness, rinse clean. Season with oil and salt. [For Treating Diseases] See Materia Medica.
Peng (Pronounced 'jian'). Also known as Yanpeng. Grows in wetlands by water. Stems resemble fallen pears, with linear ridges. Leaves resemble Peng grass but plump, sparser than Peng leaves. Tips bear small green seeds, extremely fine. Leaf taste slightly salty. Nature: warm. Non-toxic.
[For Famine Relief] Pick seedling leaves, blanch and cook, soak in water to remove saltiness, rinse clean. Season with oil and salt. [For Treating Diseases] See Materia Medica.
Hao Found everywhere in fields. Seedlings over two chi high. Stems resemble Mugwort (Ai). Leaves slender, serrated, creeping stems. Taste: slightly salty. Nature: slightly cold.
[For Famine Relief] Pick tender seedlings, blanch and cook, soak in water and rinse. Consume sparingly with oil and salt. [For Treating Diseases] See Materia Medica.
Shuiwoju Also known as Shuibocai. Grows abundantly by water. Seedlings over one chi high. Leaves resemble Maidong (Ophiopogon) leaves with fine serrations. Opposite leaves, each pair branching into two more shoots. Tips bear greenish-white flowers. Bears small green pods, size of small peppers. Leaf taste: slightly bitter. Nature: cold.
[For Famine Relief] Pick seedling leaves, blanch and cook, rinse clean with water. Season with oil and salt. [For Treating Diseases] See Materia Medica.
Jinzhan Cai Also known as Didonggua Cai. Grows in fields. Seedlings two to three chi high. Young stems slightly red with lines. Leaves resemble Cotton Willow leaves, slightly denser. Creeping stems. Dense foliage. Bears purple flowers with yellow centers. Leaf taste: sweet. Nature: slightly cold.
[For Famine Relief] Pick seedling leaves, blanch and cook, wash clean. Season with oil and salt. [For Treating Diseases] See Materia Medica.
Ziyun Cai Grows in Liangjiachong wilds, Mixian. Seedlings one to two chi high. Stems square, purple, branching at nodes. Leaves resemble Shanxiaocai leaves, long. Petioles opposite. Tips and axils bear pale purple flowers. Leaf taste: slightly bitter.
[For Famine Relief] Pick tender seedling leaves, blanch and cook, soak in water to remove bitterness, rinse. Season with oil and salt. [For Treating Diseases] See Materia Medica.
Yacong Grows in fields. Flat leaves, pointed, long, lying on ground. Leaves resemble young Sorghum leaves but smaller, or young Isatis leaves, narrow and pointed. Leaf margins curled/wrinkled. Stems shoot up from leaves. Bears small capsules. Later produces Baiying (white sap/flowers). Taste: slightly pungent.
[For Famine Relief] Pick tender seedling leaves, blanch and cook, rinse to remove pungency. Season with oil and salt. Raw leaves edible. [For Treating Diseases] See Materia Medica.
Shitou Cai Grows in Mixian wilds. Small clumps. Stems five-colored on top, round back. Leaves shaped like spoon heads, size of apricot leaves, slight serrations. Bears pale red flowers. Bears yellow-brown seeds. Leaf taste: sweet.
[For Famine Relief] Pick leaves, blanch and cook, soak in water and rinse clean. Season with oil and salt. [For Treating Diseases] See Materia Medica.
Jiguan Cai Grows in fields. Seedlings one chi high. Leaves resemble Qingyingcai leaves but narrower/smaller, or Shancai leaves narrow. Tips bear spikes resembling rabbit tails, slightly finer. Bears pink flowers. Bears seeds like Amaranthus seeds. Seedling leaves taste bitter.
[For Famine Relief] Pick seedling leaves, blanch and cook, soak in water to remove bitterness. Season with oil and salt. [For Treating Diseases] See Materia Medica.
Shumanqing Also known as Difuzi. Grows in Nanasha Gang, Zhongmu. Seedlings one to two chi high. Leaves resemble Diguar leaves but rarely curled, or Jierchang leaves, pointed. Tips bear spikes. Bears pale lotus-silk brown flowers. Leaf taste: slightly sweet.
[For Famine Relief] Pick seedling leaves, blanch and cook. Season with oil and salt. [For Treating Diseases] See Materia Medica.
Yeyuansui (Pronounced 'sui') Grows in fields northwest of Xiangfu. Seedlings over one chi high. Leaves and fruit resemble domestic Coriander (Husui), but finer and narrower. Taste: sweet, slightly pungent and fragrant.
[For Famine Relief] Pick tender seedling leaves, blanch and cook. Season with oil and salt. [For Treating Diseases] See Materia Medica.
Niutai Cai Grows in Yazi Kou wilds, Huixian. Seedlings two to three chi high. Leaves resemble Longxucail leaves. Branching shoots and thin vines emerge between leaves. Resembles Jinggangci leaves but smaller, veins vertical. Tips bear white flowers. Bears black seeds. Leaf taste: slightly sweet.
[For Famine Relief] Pick tender leaves, blanch and cook, soak in water and rinse clean. Season with oil and salt. [For Treating Diseases] See Materia Medica.
Shancai Grows in Mixian wilds. Seedlings lie on ground initially. Stem back round, face concave (Wuhua cut). Leaves resemble young Winter Hollyhock (Dongshukui) but smaller, five-lobed serrated edges. Resembles Weichou seedling leaves but harder and denser/larger. Later shoots dark purple stems. Tip leaves small. Taste: slightly pungent.
[For Famine Relief] Pick seedling leaves, blanch and cook, soak in water and rinse clean. Season with oil and salt. [For Treating Diseases] See Materia Medica.
Miansi Cai (Grows in Huixian wilds). Seedlings one to two chi high. Leaves resemble Tujiawei leaves but shorter/smaller, or Willow leaves shorter/smaller. Tips cluster small flowers, bearing pale white flowers. Leaf taste: slightly sweet.
[For Famine Relief] Pick seedling leaves, blanch and cook, soak in water and rinse clean. Season with oil and salt. [For Treating Diseases] See Materia Medica.
Mi Hao Grows in fields, found everywhere. Seedlings human height. Leaves resemble Coriander leaves but finer. Branching stems from leaf clusters. Tips bear small green-yellow flowers. Bears small slender pods resembling Tingli (Descurainiae Semen). Pods taste bitter.
[For Famine Relief] Pick tender seedlings, blanch and cook, soak in water and rinse clean. Season with oil and salt. [For Treating Diseases] See Materia Medica.
Shetou Cai Grows in Mixian wilds. Seedlings lie on ground. Leaves resemble Shanbaicai leaves but smaller, head round, surface not wrinkled, denser than Shanbaicai. Shape resembles pig tongue, hence the name.
[For Famine Relief] Pick leaves, blanch and cook, soak in water to remove bitterness, change water and rinse clean. Season with oil and salt. [For Treating Diseases] See Materia Medica.
Zixiang Hao Grows in plains of Zhongmu. Seedlings one to two chi high. Stems square, purple. Leaves resemble Xiehao leaves but white back. Resembles Wild Carrot leaves but shorter. Tips bear small green seeds, smaller than Huicai seeds. Leaf taste: slightly bitter.
[For Famine Relief] Pick leaves, blanch and cook, soak in water to remove bitterness. Season with oil and salt. [For Treating Diseases] See Materia Medica.
Jinzhan'er Hua Planted in many gardens. Seedlings six to seven cun high. Leaves resemble young Lettuce leaves, narrower and denser than Lettuce. Leaves borne on stems. Tips bear golden-yellow cup-shaped flowers. Leaf taste: slightly sour.
[For Famine Relief] Pick seedling leaves, blanch and cook, soak in water to remove sourness, rinse clean. Season with oil and salt. [For Treating Diseases] See Materia Medica.
Liuyue Ju Grows in western fields of Xiangfu. Seedlings one to two chi high. Stems resemble Tiegan Hao stems. Leaves resemble Chicken Intestine leaves, but longer and astringent. Resembles Malantou leaves but hard and short. Tips bear pale purple flowers. Leaf taste: slightly sour and astringent.
[For Famine Relief] Pick leaves, blanch and cook, soak in water to remove off-flavors. Season with oil and salt. [For Treating Diseases] See Materia Medica.
Liuyecai Grows in Jia Yu mountains, Zhengzhou. Seedlings over two chi high. Stems pale red. Leaves resemble Willow leaves but dense and short, with astringent hairs. Tips bear four-petaled deep red flowers. Bears long slender pods. Leaf taste: slightly sweet.
[For Famine Relief] Pick seedling leaves, blanch and cook. Season with oil and salt. [For Treating Diseases] See Materia Medica.
Popo Zhijiacai Grows in fields, creeping low. Stems thin and weak. Leaves resemble women's fingernails, or young Jujube leaves, thin and fine. Tips bear small petals. Seedling leaves taste sweet. Non-toxic.
[For Famine Relief] Pick tender seedling leaves, blanch and cook. Season with oil and salt. [For Treating Diseases] See Materia Medica.
Tiegan Hao Grows in fields. Seedlings/stems two to three chi high. Leaves resemble Dusao leaves, slightly fat and short. Resembles Xu leaves but short/small. Branching stems. Tips bear pale purple flowers with yellow centers. Leaf taste: bitter.
[For Famine Relief] Pick leaves, blanch and cook, rinse to remove bitterness. Season with oil and salt. [For Treating Diseases] See Materia Medica.
Shanhong Caitou Grows in Shaohua Mountain valley, Mixian. Seedlings two to three chi high. Stems greenish-white. Leaves resemble young Cotton leaves but narrow. Flower branches shallow. Tips bear five-petaled pale purple flowers. Bears seeds like Goji berries. Green when raw, red when ripe. Leaf taste: bitter.
[For Famine Relief] Pick leaves, blanch and cook, soak in changed water to remove bitterness, rinse. Season with oil and salt. [For Treating Diseases] See Materia Medica.
Jiandaogu (Pronounced 'gu') Grows in fields, found everywhere. Low clumps. Leaves resemble tender Succory leaves but small. Color resembles Orchid, exudes white juice. Tips bear pale yellow flowers. Leaf taste: bitter.
[For Famine Relief] Pick tender seedling leaves, blanch and cook, soak in water to remove bitterness, rinse. Season with oil and salt. [For Treating Diseases] See Materia Medica.
Er'chang Grows by marshes in Xuzhou. Creeping stems. Opposite leaves. Leaves resemble Bean leaves but thin. Also resembles Fo Zhijia leaves but smaller. Tips branch. Bear white flowers. Bears seeds like Tingli seeds. Leaf taste: sweet.
[For Famine Relief] Pick seedling leaves, blanch and cook. Season with oil and salt. [For Treating Diseases] See Materia Medica.
Maoliancai Also known as Chang Shiba. Grows in fields. Seedlings lie on ground, then shoot branching stems, two chi high. Leaves resemble Thistle leaves, large, pointed tips. Margins curled/wrinkled, with astringent hairs. Tips bear silver-brown flowers. Taste: slightly bitter and astringent.
[For Famine Relief] Pick leaves, blanch and cook, soak in water and rinse clean. Season with oil and salt. [For Treating Diseases] See Materia Medica.
Xiaotao Hong Also known as Fengxianhua (Impatiens balsamina), Jiazhu Tao. Also known as Hai (pronounced 'na'). Common name Ranzhijiacao (Nail-dyeing Grass). Planted in gardens, found everywhere. Seedlings one chi high. Leaves narrow, fine serrations. Bear red flowers. Fruit resembles tiny peach, contains seeds like radish seeds. Easily disperses, commonly named Jixingzi (Acute Seed). Leaf taste: bitter, slightly astringent. Non-toxic.
[For Famine Relief] Pick seedling leaves, blanch and cook, soak overnight to make dish. Season with oil, salt, and vinegar. [For Treating Diseases] See Materia Medica.
Bajiao Cai Grows in Taihang Mountain wilds, Huixian. Seedlings one chi high. Stems very thin. Leaves resemble Peony leaves in size. Taste: sweet.
[For Famine Relief] Pick tender seedling leaves, blanch and cook, soak in water and rinse. Season with oil and salt. [For Treating Diseases] See Materia Medica.
Ditangcai Grows in Nanasha Gang, Zhengzhou. Seedlings one to two chi high. Leaves resemble Ditanghua leaves, very large. Resembles young Mustard leaves, narrow and pointed. Taste: sweet.
[For Famine Relief] Pick tender seedling leaves, blanch and cook. Season with oil and salt. [For Treating Diseases] See Materia Medica.
Jierchang Grows in fields of Zhongmu. Seedlings one to two chi high. Stems black-purple. Leaves resemble Mint leaves, tiny, sparse serrations. Resembles Liuyue Ju. Tips bear fine pale pink-purple flowers, yellow center. Leaf taste: slightly pungent.
[For Famine Relief] Pick leaves, blanch and cook, change water to remove pungency. Season with oil and salt. [For Treating Diseases] See Materia Medica.
Chegencai Grows in fields. Seedlings one chi high. Stems bright red. Leaves resemble Xiaotaohong leaves, narrower, green. Resembles small Willow leaves, short and dense. Leaves clustered around stems. Bear small pale green-white flowers. Bears seeds. Capsules resemble Tribulus seeds. Seedling taste: sweet.
[For Famine Relief] Pick seedling leaves, blanch and cook, soak in water and rinse clean. Season with oil and salt. [For Treating Diseases] See Materia Medica.
Cao Linglingxiang Also known as Yanxiang. Planted in gardens. Leaves resemble Alfalfa leaves, large, slightly pointed. Tips bear small pale pink-purple flowers, forming short spikes. Seeds small like millet. Seedling leaves taste slightly bitter. Nature: neutral.
[For Famine Relief] Pick seedling leaves, blanch and cook, soak in water and rinse clean. Season with oil and salt. [For Treating Diseases] See Materia Medica.
Lianghao Cai Also known as Ganju Ya. Grows in Mixian wilds. Leaves resemble Chrysanthemum leaves, slender and pointed. Tips bear many branches. Bear yellow flowers. Leaf taste: sweet.