【救饥】采苗炸熟，换水浸淘净。以油盐调食。【治病】具见本草。
粘鱼须 一名龙须菜。生郑州贾峪山及新郑山野中亦有之。初先发笋，其后延蔓生茎
发叶。每叶间皆分出一小叉及出一丝蔓，叶似土茜叶而大，又似金刚刺叶，亦似牛尾菜叶，不涩
而光泽。味甘无毒。
【救饥】采嫩笋叶炸熟，油盐调食。【治病】具见本草。
野茴香 生田野中。其苗初榻地生，叶似凉蒿菜微细小，后于叶间撺（七官切）葶分
生茎叉。梢头开黄花，结细角有小黑子。叶味苦无毒。
【救饥】采苗叶炸熟，水浸洗淘去苦味，油盐调食。【治病】具见本草。
野艾蒿 生田野中。苗叶类艾而细，又多花叉，叶有艾香，味苦。
【救饥】采嫩叶炸熟，换水浸淘净，以油盐调食。【治病】具见本草。
野同蒿 生荒野中。苗高二三尺，茎紫赤色，叶似白蒿色微青。苗又似初生松针而茸（音戎）细，味苦无毒。
【救饥】采嫩苗叶炸熟，换水浸淘净，以油盐调食。【治病】具见本草。
老鹳筋 生田野中，就地拖秧而生，茎微紫色，茎叉繁稠，叶似园荽叶而头不尖，又
似野葫萝卜叶而短小，叶间开五瓣小黄花。其味甜无毒。
【救饥】采嫩苗炸熟，水浸去邪味淘洗。多以油盐调食。【治病】具见本草。
麦蓝菜 生田野中，茎叶俱深莴苣色，叶似大蓝，梢叶而小颇尖，其叶包茎对生，每
一叶间撺生一叉，茎叉梢头开肉红花，结蒴有子似小桃红子，苗叶味微淡苦。
【救饥】采嫩苗叶炸熟，水浸淘净，油盐调食。【治病】具见本草。
山蓼 生密县山野间。苗高一二尺，叶似芍药叶而长细窄，又似野菊花叶而硬浓，
又似水胡椒叶亦硬，开细瓣白花。其叶味微辣亦无毒。
【救饥】采嫩叶炸熟，换水浸去邪辣，作成黄色，淘净。以油盐调食。【治病】具见本草。
鲫鱼鳞 生密县韶华山山野中，苗高一二尺，茎方而茶褐色，对分茎叉，叶亦对生，
叶似鸡肠菜叶颇大，又似桔梗叶而微软簿，叶面却微纹皱，梢间开粉红花，结子如小粟粒而茶褐
色。其叶味甜无毒。
【救饥】采苗叶炸熟，水浸淘冷。以油盐调食。【治病】具见本草。
土当归 生密县山野中，苗高一尺许，茎圆而有线楞，叶似山芹菜叶而硬，边有细锯
齿刺，又似苍术叶而大，每三叶攒生一处，开黄花。根似前胡根，又似野胡萝卜根，其性温。叶味苦。
【救饥】采苗叶炸熟，水浸作成黄色，换水淘洗净。以油盐调食之。【治病】具见本草。
透骨草 一名天芝麻。生中牟茺野中，苗高三四尺，茎方 面四楞，其茎脚紫，对节
分生茎叉，叶似 蒿叶而多花叉，叶皆对生，茎节间攒开粉红花，结子似胡麻子，叶味苦。
【救饥】采嫩苗炸熟，以水浸去苦味，淘净。油盐同调食。【治病】具见本草。
鹿蕨菜 生辉县山野中，苗高一尺许，其叶之茎背圆而面 （五化切），叶似紫香蒿
脚叶而肥阔颇硬，又似胡萝卜叶亦肥硬。其味微甘。
【救饥】采苗叶炸熟，水浸淘洗净。油盐调食。【治病】具见本草。
山芹菜 生辉县山野中，苗高一尺余。叶似野蜀葵叶稍大而有五叉。又似地牡丹叶亦
大，叶中撺生茎叉，梢结剌球如鼠粘子刺球而小，开花黪白色。其叶味甘。
【救饥】采苗叶炸熟，水浸洗净。以油盐调食。【治病】具见本草。
金刚刺 又名老君须，生辉县鸦子口山野间。科条高三四尺，条似刺苈（音梅）花条，
其上多刺。叶似牛尾菜叶，又似龙须菜叶，比此二叶俱大，叶间生细丝，生蔓。其叶味微甘涩甚，无毒。
【救饥】采叶炸熟，水浸淘净，油盐调食。【治病】具见本草。
大蓬蒿 生密县山野中。茎似黄蒿，茎色微带紫，叶似山芹叶而长大，极多花叉。又
似风花菜叶，花叉叶多，又似漏芦叶却微短，开碎瓣黄花。苗叶味苦。
【救饥】采叶炸熟，水浸淘去苦味。以油盐醋调食。【治病】具见本草。
兔儿伞 生荥阳塔儿山荒野中。其苗高二三尺许，每科初生一茎，茎端生叶，一层有
七八叶，每叶分作四叉，排生如伞盖状，故以为名。后于叶间撺生茎叉，上开淡红白花，根似牛
膝而疏短。其味微苦辛。
【救饥】采嫩叶炸熟，水浸洗淘去苦味。油盐调食。【治病】具见本草。
地花菜 又名墓头灰。牛密县山野中，苗高尺余，叶似野菊花叶而窄细，又似鼠尾草
叶亦瘦细，梢叶间开五瓣小黄花。其味微苦无毒。
【救饥】采叶炸熟，水浸淘净，油盐调食。【治病】具见本草。
杓儿菜 生密县山野中，苗高一二尺，叶似狗棹尾叶而窄颇长，黑绿色微有毛涩，又
似耐惊菜叶而小软薄，梢叶更小，开碎瓣淡黄白花。其叶味苦甘。
【救饥】采叶炸熟，水浸去苦味，淘洗净。油盐调食。【治病】具见本草。
佛指甲 生密县山谷中，科苗高一二尺，茎薇带赤黄色，其叶淡绿背皆微带白色，叶
如长匙头，似黑豆叶而微宽，又似鹅儿肠叶甚大，皆两叶对生，开黄花，结实似连翘微小，中有
黑子小如粟粒。其叶味微甜。
【救饥】采嫩叶炸熟，换水淘洗净，油盐调食。【治病】具见本草。
马齿苋 天下处处有之。生平野及田园中者为佳，生房屋上者有毒不宜食。四时可采，
先用滚汤炸过，晒干 之。复用汤煮分尤美，生疮疥之人及有风湿气者食之，久可除病。
【救饥】采苗叶炸熟，水浸淘净，以油盐调食。【治病】具见本草。
野蜀葵 生荒野中，就地丛生。苗高五寸许，叶似葛勒子秧叶而浓大，又似地牡丹叶，
微苦微带甜。
【救饥】采嫩叶炸熟，水浸淘洗净，油盐调食。【治病】具见本草。
铁扫帚 生荒野中，就地丛生。一本二三十茎，苗高三四尺。叶似苜蓿叶而细长，又
似细叶胡枝子叶亦短小，开小白花。其叶味苦无毒。
【救饥】采嫩苗叶炸熟，换水浸去苦味，油盐调食。【治病】具见本草。
羊角苗 又名羊姝科，亦名合钵儿，俗名婆婆针扎儿，又名纽丝藤，一名过路黄。生
田野下湿地中，拖藤蔓而生，茎色青白，叶似马兜铃叶而长大，又似山药叶亦长大，面青背颇白，
皆两叶相对生，茎叶折之俱有白汁出，叶间出穗，开五瓣小白花。结用似羊角状，中有白穣，其
叶味甘微苦。
【救饥】采嫩叶炸熟，换水浸去苦味邪气淘净。以油盐食。【治病】具见本草。
虎尾草 生密县山野中，科苗高二三尺。茎圆叶颇似柳叶而瘦短，又似兔儿尾菜叶瘦
窄，又似黄精叶颇软， 茎攒生。味甘微涩无毒。
【救饥】采嫩苗叶炸熟，换水淘去涩味，油盐调食。【治病】具见本草。
胡苍耳 又名回回苍耳。生田泽中。叶似皂荚叶微长大，又似望江南叶而小颇硬，色
微淡绿，茎有线楞，结实如苍耳实但长FS （音哨）。味微苦。
【救饥】嫩苗之叶炸熟，水浸去苦味淘净。以油盐调食。【治病】今人传说治诸般疮，采叶
用好酒熬吃，消肿。
以上救饥，二本共八十五种，叶可食。
天门冬 一名万岁藤，一名婆罗树，本草名颠勒，或名地门冬，或名筵门冬，或名巅
棘，或名淫羊食，或名管松。生奉高山谷及建州、汉州，今处处有之。春生藤蔓大如钗股，长至
丈余，延附草木上，叶如茴香极尖细而疏滑，有逆刺，亦有涩而无刺者。其叶如丝杉而细散，皆
名天门冬。夏生白花，亦有黄花及紫花者。秋结黑子。在其根枝旁，入伏后无花暗结子。其根白
或黄紫色，大如手指，长三四寸，大者为胜。其生高地，根短，味甜，气香者上。其生水侧下地
者，叶细似蕴而微黄，根长而味多苦，气臭者下，亦可服。味苦甘，性平大寒无毒。垣衣、地黄
及贝母为之使，畏曾青。服天门冬误食鲤鱼中毒，浮萍解之。
【救饥】采根换水浸去苦味，去心煮食，或晒干煮熟入蜂蜜和食尤佳最妙。【治病】具见本草。
麦门冬 本草云∶秦名羊韭，齐名爱韭，楚名马韭，越名羊耆。一名禹葭（音加），
一名禹余粮。生随州、陆州及函谷堤 肥土石间，久废处有之。今辉县山野中亦有。叶似韭菜而
长，冬夏长生，根如 麦而白色。出江宁者小润，出新安者大白。其大者苗如鹿葱，小者如韭叶。
味甘性平微寒无毒。地黄、车前为之使，恶款冬、苦瓠、苦 （乌老切），畏木耳、苦参、青 。
【救饥】采根换水浸去邪味，淘洗净，蒸熟去心食。【治病】具见本草。
百合 一名重箱，一名摩罗，一名中逢，一名强瞿。生荆州山谷，今处处有之。苗
高数尺，干粗如箭，四面有叶如鸡距。又似大柳叶而宽，青色稀疏，叶近茎微紫，茎端碧白开淡
黄白花，如石榴觜而大，四垂向下，覆长药，花心有檀色，每一颠，须五六花。子紫色，圆如梧
桐子，生于枝叶间，每叶一子，不在花中，此又异也。根色白形如松子壳，四向攒生，中间出苗。
又如葫蒜重叠，生三四十瓣，味甘性平无毒。一云有毒。又有一种开红花，名山丹，不堪用。
【救饥】采根煮熟食之甚益人气。又云蒸过与蜂蜜调和食之，或研粉蜜调尤佳。【治病】具见本草。
章柳根 本草一名商陆，一名 （音汤）根，一名夜呼，一名白昌，一名当陆，一名
章陆。《尔雅》谓之KT 汤，《广雅》谓之马尾，《易》谓之苋陆。生咸阳川谷，今处处有之。苗
高三四尺，干粗似鸡冠花干，微有线楞，色微紫赤，叶青如牛舌，微阔而长。干如人形者有神。
亦有赤白二种，花赤根白宜入药，可食。赤者不可用，杀人，慎之。
【救饥】取白色根切作片子，炸熟，换水浸洗净，淡食。得大蒜良。凡制薄切，以东流水浸
二宿，捞出与豆叶隔问入甑蒸，从午至亥。如无叶用豆根据法蒸之亦可。花白者年多，仙人采之作
脯，可以下酒。【治病】具见本草。
菖蒲 一名尧韭，一名昌阳。生上洛池泽及蜀郡严道、戌卫、衡州并嵩岳石碛上，
今池泽处处有之。叶似蒲而匾有脊，一如剑刃，其根旁屈有节，状
如马鞭干大。根旁引三四小根。一寸九节者良，节密者佳。有十二节者露根不可用。又一种名兰
荪，又谓溪荪，根形气色极似石上菖蒲，叶正如浦，无脊，俗谓之菖蒲。生于水次，失水则枯。
其菖蒲味辛性温，无毒。秦皮、秦艽为之使。恶地胆、麻黄。不可犯铁，令人吐逆。
【救饥】采根肥大节稀水浸，去其邪味，制造作果食之。【治病】具见本草。
苎根 旧云闽、蜀、江浙多有之，今许州人家田野中亦有种者，皮可绩布。苗高七、
八尺，一科十数茎，叶似楮叶而不花叉，面青背白，上有短毛，又似苏子叶，其叶间出细穗，花
如白杨而长，每一朵凡十数穗。花青白色，子熟茶褐色，其根黄白色，如手指粗，宿根地中至春
自生，不须藏种。荆杨让一岁二三削剥其皮，以竹刀刮其表，浓处自脱，得里如筋者，煮之用缉。
以苎近蚕种之，则蚕不生。其根味甘性寒。
【救饥】采其根，刮洗去皮，煮极熟食之甜美。【治病】具见本草。
苍术 一名山蓟，一名山姜，一名山连，一名山精。生郑山、汉中山谷，今近郡山
谷亦有，嵩山、茅山者佳。苗淡青色，高二、三尺。茎作蒿干，叶 茎而生，梢叶似棠叶，脚叶
有三五叉，皆有锯齿小刺。开花紫碧色，亦似刺蓟花，或有黄白花者。根长如指，大而肥实，皮
黑茶褐色。味苦甘，一云味甘辛，性温无毒。以防风、地榆为之使也。
【救饥】采根去黑皮，薄切，浸三、四宿去苦味，熟食，亦作煎饵。久服轻身延年益寿不
饥。【治病】具见本草。
以上载本草
野山药 生辉县太行山山谷中，妥（他果切）藤而生，藤似葡萄条稍细，藤颇紫色，
其叶似家山药叶而大微尖。根比家山药极细瘦甚硬，皮色微赤。味微甘性温平无毒。
【救饥】采根煮熟食之。【治病】具见本草。
山萝卜 生山谷间，田野中亦有之。苗高五七寸，四散分生茎叶。其叶似菊叶而阔大，
微有艾香。每茎五七叶排生如一大叶，梢间开紫花，根似野胡萝卜根而黪白色，味苦。
【救饥】采根炸熟，水浸淘去苦味，油盐调食。【治病】具见本草。
野胡萝卜 生荒野中，苗叶似家胡箩卜俱细小，叶间撺生茎叉，梢头开小白花，众
花攒开如伞盖状，比蛇床子花头又大，结子比蛇床子亦大。其根比家胡萝卜尤细小，味甘。
【救饥】采根洗净，蒸食。生食亦可。【治病】具见本草。
老鸦蒜 生水边下湿地中，其叶直生出土四垂，叶状似蒲而短，背起剑脊，其根形如
蒜瓣，味甘微土气。
【救饥】采根炸熟，水浸淘净，油盐调食。【治病】具见本草。
以上出《救荒》。
二本共十一种，根可食。
薏苡仁 俗名回回米，生真定平泽及山野，交趾生者最大，今处处有之。苗高三四尺，
叶似黍叶而稍大，开红白花作穗，子结实青白色，形如珠而稍长，故名薏苡子。味甘微寒，无毒。
今人俗亦呼为菩提子。
【救饥】采实春取其中仁，煮粥食，取叶煮饮亦香。【治病】具见本草。
[For Famine Relief] Harvest the young shoots, blanch them until cooked, change the water to soak and rinse thoroughly. Season with salt and oil for consumption. [Therapeutic Effects] Refer to the Materia Medica (Bencao) works.
Nian Yuxu (Sticky Fish Whiskers), also known as Longxu Cai (Dragon Beard Vegetable). Grows in Jia Yu Mountain, Zhengzhou, and is also found in the wild mountains of Xinzheng. Initially, it sprouts like a bamboo shoot, then spreads vines to grow stems and leaves. Between each leaf, a small fork and a thread-like vine emerge. The leaves resemble those of Tuqian (Wild Madder) but are larger, similar to Jinggangci (Caltrop) leaves, and also like Niuweicai (Ox Tail Vegetable) leaves; they are not astringent but glossy. Taste: sweet; Nature: non-toxic.
[For Famine Relief] Harvest young shoot leaves, blanch until cooked, season with salt and oil. [Therapeutic Effects] Refer to the Materia Medica (Bencao) works.
Ye Huixiang (Wild Fennel). Grows in fields. Its seedlings initially grow flat on the ground; leaves resemble Lianghao Cai (Cool Mugwort Vegetable) but are finer and smaller. Later, stems branch out from between the leaves (pronounced 'qi guan'). Yellow flowers bloom at the tips, forming slender pods containing small black seeds. Leaves taste bitter; Nature: non-toxic.
[For Famine Relief] Harvest seedlings and leaves, blanch until cooked, soak in water to wash away bitterness, season with salt and oil. [Therapeutic Effects] Refer to the Materia Medica (Bencao) works.
Ye Aihao (Wild Mugwort). Grows in fields. Seedlings and leaves resemble Ai Cao (Mugwort) but are finer, with more floral branches. Leaves have the aroma of Mugwort; taste: bitter.
[For Famine Relief] Harvest young leaves, blanch until cooked, change water to soak and rinse thoroughly, season with salt and oil. [Therapeutic Effects] Refer to the Materia Medica (Bencao) works.
Ye Tonghao (Wild Tonghao). Grows in wilderness. Seedlings are two to three chi high; stems are purple-red. Leaves resemble Baihao (White Mugwort) but are slightly greenish. Seedlings resemble newly grown pine needles, soft and fine; taste: bitter; Nature: non-toxic.
[For Famine Relief] Harvest young seedlings and leaves, blanch until cooked, change water to soak and rinse thoroughly, season with salt and oil. [Therapeutic Effects] Refer to the Materia Medica (Bencao) works.
Laoguanjin (Old Stork Tendon). Grows in fields, spreading along the ground. Stems are slightly purple, with dense branching. Leaves resemble Yuan sui (Coriander) leaves but with blunt tips, and like Ye huluo bo (Wild Carrot) leaves but shorter and smaller. Five-petaled small yellow flowers bloom between leaves. Taste: sweet; Nature: non-toxic.
[For Famine Relief] Harvest young seedlings, blanch until cooked, soak in water to remove off-flavors and rinse. Season generously with salt and oil. [Therapeutic Effects] Refer to the Materia Medica (Bencao) works.
Mailan Cai (Woad Vegetable). Grows in fields. Stems and leaves are deep lettuce-colored. Leaves resemble Da Lan (Isatis) tip leaves but smaller and sharper. Leaves wrap around the stem in opposite pairs. Each leaf pair produces a branch; red flowers bloom at the branch tips, forming capsules with seeds resembling small peach-red seeds. Seedlings and leaves taste slightly bland and bitter.
[For Famine Relief] Harvest young seedlings and leaves, blanch until cooked, soak in water and rinse thoroughly, season with salt and oil. [Therapeutic Effects] Refer to the Materia Medica (Bencao) works.
Shan Liao (Mountain Smartweed). Grows in the mountains of Mixian. Seedlings are one to two chi high. Leaves resemble Shaoyao (Peony) leaves but longer, thinner, and narrower, or like Wild Chrysanthemum leaves but harder and thicker, or like Shui Hujiao (Water Pepper) leaves which are also hard. Small white-petaled flowers bloom. Leaves taste slightly spicy; Nature: non-toxic.
[For Famine Relief] Harvest young leaves, blanch until cooked, change water to soak and remove spicy off-flavors until yellow, rinse thoroughly. Season with salt and oil. [Therapeutic Effects] Refer to the Materia Medica (Bencao) works.
Jiyu Lin (Crucian Carp Scale). Grows in the mountains of Shaohua Mountain, Mixian. Seedlings are one to two chi high. Stems are square and tea-brown, branching oppositely. Leaves are also opposite, resembling Jichang Cai (Purslane) leaves but larger, or like Jiegeng (Platycodon) leaves but softer and thinner. Leaf surfaces have slight wrinkles. Pink flowers bloom at the tips, producing seeds like small millet grains, tea-brown in color. Leaves taste sweet; Nature: non-toxic.
[For Famine Relief] Harvest seedlings and leaves, blanch until cooked, soak in cold water. Season with salt and oil. [Therapeutic Effects] Refer to the Materia Medica (Bencao) works.
Tu Danggui (Earth Angelica). Grows in the mountains of Mixian. Seedlings are about one chi high. Stems are round with linear ridges. Leaves resemble Shan qincai (Mountain Celery) leaves but harder, with fine serrated edges, and like Cangzhu (Atractylodes) leaves but larger. Three leaves cluster together, blooming yellow flowers. Roots resemble Qianhu (Peucedanum) roots or Wild Carrot roots. Nature: warm. Leaves taste bitter.
[For Famine Relief] Harvest seedlings and leaves, blanch until cooked, soak in water until yellow, change water and rinse thoroughly. Season with salt and oil. [Therapeutic Effects] Refer to the Materia Medica (Bencao) works.
Touguc Cao (Bone-Penetrating Grass), also known as Tian Zhima. Grows in the wilderness of Zhongmu. Seedlings are three to four chi high. Stems are square with four ridges; the base is purple. Branches emerge oppositely at nodes. Leaves resemble Hao leaves but with more branches, arranged oppositely. Pink flowers cluster at the nodes, producing seeds like Sesame seeds. Leaves taste bitter.
[For Famine Relief] Harvest young seedlings, blanch until cooked, soak in water to remove bitterness, rinse thoroughly. Season with salt and oil. [Therapeutic Effects] Refer to the Materia Medica (Bencao) works.
Lue Cai (Deer Fern). Grows in the mountains of Huixian. Seedlings are about one chi high. The abaxial side of the petiole is round, while the adaxial side is flat (pronounced 'wu hua'). Leaves resemble Zixianghao (Purple Fragrant Mugwort) basal leaves but are broader and harder, or like Carrot leaves which are also broad and hard. Taste: slightly sweet.
[For Famine Relief] Harvest seedlings and leaves, blanch until cooked, soak in water and rinse thoroughly. Season with salt and oil. [Therapeutic Effects] Refer to the Materia Medica (Bencao) works.
Shan Qincai (Mountain Celery). Grows in the mountains of Huixian. Seedlings are over one chi high. Leaves resemble Yeshukui (Wild Hibiscus) leaves, slightly larger with five lobes. Also resemble Dimudan (Ground Peony) leaves, large, with stems branching from the center. Tips form spiny balls like Mouseburrs but smaller. Flowers are grayish-white. Leaves taste sweet.
[For Famine Relief] Harvest seedlings and leaves, blanch until cooked, soak in water and rinse. Season with salt and oil. [Therapeutic Effects] Refer to the Materia Medica (Bencao) works.
Jingangci (Diamond Thorn), also known as Laojun Xu. Grows in the mountains of Yazi Kou, Huixian. Stems are three to four chi high, resembling Cili (Phytolacca) stems, covered in thorns. Leaves resemble Niuweicai (Ox Tail Vegetable) or Longxucai (Dragon Beard Vegetable) leaves but are larger. Fine threads and vines grow between leaves. Taste: slightly sweet and very astringent; Nature: non-toxic.
[For Famine Relief] Harvest leaves, blanch until cooked, soak in water and rinse thoroughly, season with salt and oil. [Therapeutic Effects] Refer to the Materia Medica (Bencao) works.
Da Penghao (Large Bushy Mugwort). Grows in the mountains of Mixian. Stems resemble Huanghao (Yellow Mugwort), slightly purplish. Leaves resemble Shanqin (Mountain Celery) leaves, large and highly branched. Resemble Fenghua Cai (Wind Flower Vegetable) leaves with many floral branches, or like Loulu (Echium) leaves but shorter. Small yellow petals bloom. Seedlings and leaves taste bitter.
[For Famine Relief] Harvest leaves, blanch until cooked, soak in water to remove bitterness. Season with salt, oil, and vinegar. [Therapeutic Effects] Refer to the Materia Medica (Bencao) works.
Tu Er San (Rabbit Umbrella). Grows in the wilderness of Ta'er Mountain, Xingyang. Seedlings are two to three chi high. Each clump initially produces one stem; leaves grow at the stem tip, with seven or eight leaves per layer. Each leaf divides into four forks, arranged like an umbrella canopy, hence the name. Later, stems branch between leaves, opening pale red-white flowers. Roots resemble Niuxi (Achyranthes) but sparse and short. Taste: slightly bitter and pungent.
[For Famine Relief] Harvest young leaves, blanch until cooked, soak in water to wash and remove bitterness. Season with salt and oil. [Therapeutic Effects] Refer to the Materia Medica (Bencao) works.
Dihua Cai (Earth Flower Vegetable), also known as Mutouhui. Grows in the mountains of Mixian. Seedlings are over one chi high. Leaves resemble Wild Chrysanthemum leaves but narrow and thin, or like Sage leaves which are also slender. Five-petaled small yellow flowers bloom at the tip leaves. Taste: slightly bitter; Nature: non-toxic.
[For Famine Relief] Harvest leaves, blanch until cooked, soak in water and rinse thoroughly, season with salt and oil. [Therapeutic Effects] Refer to the Materia Medica (Bencao) works.
Shao'er Cai (Spoon Vegetable). Grows in the mountains of Mixian. Seedlings are one to two chi high. Leaves resemble Gouzhaowei (Dog Tail) leaves but narrower and longer, dark green with slight hairiness and astringency. Also resemble Naijing Cai (Resilient Shock Vegetable) leaves but smaller, softer, and thinner. Tip leaves are smaller, opening fragmented pale yellow-white flowers. Leaves taste bitter and sweet.
[For Famine Relief] Harvest leaves, blanch until cooked, soak in water to remove bitterness, rinse thoroughly. Season with salt and oil. [Therapeutic Effects] Refer to the Materia Medica (Bencao) works.
Fo Zhijia (Buddha's Nail). Grows in the valleys of Mixian. Plants are one to two chi high. Stems are slightly reddish-yellow. Leaves are pale green, slightly whitish on the back. Leaves are spoon-shaped, resembling Douye (Soybean) leaves but wider, or like E'rchang (Goose Intestine) leaves which are very large. Leaves are opposite. Yellow flowers bloom, producing fruits resembling Jinqiao (Forsythia) but smaller, containing black seeds like millet grains. Leaves taste slightly sweet.
[For Famine Relief] Harvest young leaves, blanch until cooked, change water and rinse thoroughly, season with salt and oil. [Therapeutic Effects] Refer to the Materia Medica (Bencao) works.
Machixian (Purslane). Found everywhere. Those growing in plains, wilds, and gardens are best; those growing on roofs are toxic and should not be eaten. Harvestable in all seasons. First blanch in boiling water, then dry. Re-boiling in water makes it especially delicious. Consumed by those with sores, scabies, or wind-dampness, long-term use can cure diseases.
[For Famine Relief] Harvest seedlings and leaves, blanch until cooked, soak in water and rinse thoroughly, season with salt and oil. [Therapeutic Effects] Refer to the Materia Medica (Bencao) works.
Yeshukui (Wild Hibiscus). Grows in the wilderness, clustering on the ground. Seedlings are about five cun high. Leaves resemble Gelizi (Kudzu) vine leaves but denser and larger, or like Dimudan (Ground Peony) leaves. Taste: slightly bitter and slightly sweet.
[For Famine Relief] Harvest young leaves, blanch until cooked, soak in water and rinse thoroughly, season with salt and oil. [Therapeutic Effects] Refer to the Materia Medica (Bencao) works.
Tie Saozhou (Iron Broom). Grows in the wilderness, clustering on the ground. One plant has twenty to thirty stems, seedlings three to four chi high. Leaves resemble Alfalfa leaves but finer and longer, or like Xiye Huzhizi (Fine-leaf Lespedeza) leaves which are also short. Small white flowers bloom. Leaves taste bitter; Nature: non-toxic.
[For Famine Relief] Harvest young seedlings and leaves, blanch until cooked, change water to soak and remove bitterness, season with salt and oil. [Therapeutic Effects] Refer to the Materia Medica (Bencao) works.
Yangjiao Miao (Sheep Horn Seedling), also known as Yangshuke, Hebo'er, colloquially Popozhenzha'er, Niusi Teng, or Guolu Huang. Grows in wet fields, spreading via vines. Stems are blue-white. Leaves resemble Madangling (Aristolochia) leaves but larger, or like Shanyao (Yam) leaves also large, green above and whitish below, opposite. Breaking stems and leaves exudes white juice. Spikes emerge between leaves, opening five-petaled small white flowers. Pods resemble sheep horns, containing white pith. Leaves taste sweet and slightly bitter.
[For Famine Relief] Harvest young leaves, blanch until cooked, change water to soak and remove bitter/evil flavors, rinse thoroughly. Consume with salt and oil. [Therapeutic Effects] Refer to the Materia Medica (Bencao) works.
Huwei Cao (Tiger Tail Grass). Grows in the mountains of Mixian. Plants are two to three chi high. Stems are round. Leaves resemble Willow leaves but slender and short, or like Tu'erwei Cai (Rabbit Tail Vegetable) leaves which are narrow, or like Huangjing (Polygonatum) leaves which are soft. Stems cluster. Taste: sweet and slightly astringent; Nature: non-toxic.
[For Famine Relief] Harvest young seedlings and leaves, blanch until cooked, change water to rinse away astringency, season with salt and oil. [Therapeutic Effects] Refer to the Materia Medica (Bencao) works.
Hu Cang'er (Hu Cocklebur), also known as Huikai Cang'er. Grows in fields and marshes. Leaves resemble Zaojia (Soap Pod) leaves but slightly larger, or like Wangjiangnan (Desmodium) leaves but smaller and harder, pale green. Stems have ridges. Fruits resemble Cang'er (Xanthium) fruits but elongated (pronounced 'shao'). Taste: slightly bitter.
[For Famine Relief] Blanch young seedling leaves, soak in water to remove bitterness, rinse thoroughly. Season with salt and oil. [Therapeutic Effects] Contemporary people claim it treats various sores; harvest leaves, decoct in good wine, and consume to reduce swelling.
The above famine-relief plants total eighty-five species from the two books, with edible leaves.
Tianmendong (Asparagus Root), also known as Wansui Teng, Poluo Shu. In Materia Medica, it is named Dianle, or Dimendong, Yanmendong, Dianji, Yinyangshi, or Guansong. Grows in valleys of Fenggao Mountain, Jianzhou, and Hanshou; now found everywhere. In spring, vines grow as thick as hairpins, reaching over ten chi, climbing trees and grass. Leaves resemble Fennel, extremely sharp, fine, sparse, and smooth, with reverse prickles; some are rough without prickles. Leaves are like silk fir, fine and scattered, all called Tianmendong. White flowers bloom in summer; some are yellow or purple. Black seeds form in autumn near the root branches. After entering the Dog Days, seeds form secretly without flowers. Roots are white or yellow-purple, finger-thick, three to four cun long; larger is better. Those growing in high places have short roots, sweet taste, and fragrant qi (top grade). Those growing in low/wet areas have fine, yellowish leaves, long roots, bitter taste, and foul qi (bottom grade), but are still usable. Taste: bitter and sweet; Nature: neutral, greatly cold; Nature: non-toxic. Yuan Yi, Dihuang (Rehmannia Root), and Beimu (Fritillaria Bulb) act as guides. Feels adverse to Zengqing. If Tianmendong poisoning occurs from eating Carp, Puying (Floating Duckweed) resolves it.
[For Famine Relief] Harvest roots, change water to soak and remove bitterness, remove heart, boil and eat, or sun-dry, boil, and mix with honey for optimal effect. [Therapeutic Effects] Refer to the Materia Medica (Bencao) works.
Maimendong (Ophiopogon Root). Materia Medica states: Named Yangjiu in Qin, Aijiu in Qi, Majiu in Chu, Yangqi in Yue. Also named Yujia (pronounced 'jia') or Yuyuliang. Grows in Suizhou, Luzhou, and fertile soil/stones near Hangu Dam; found in abandoned places. Now also in Huixian mountains. Leaves resemble Leek but longer, evergreen in winter and summer. Roots resemble Wheat but white. Those from Jiangning are small and moist; those from Xin'an are large and white. Large ones resemble Luchong (Deer Onion); small ones resemble Leek leaves. Taste: sweet; Nature: neutral, slightly cold; Nature: non-toxic. Dihuang (Rehmannia Root) and Cheqian (Plantain Seed) act as guides. Adverse to Kuandong (Coltsfoot), Kuapu (Bitter Gourd), Ku (pronounced 'lao'); fears Mu'er (Wood Ear), Kushen (Sophora Root), Qing.
[For Famine Relief] Harvest roots, change water to soak and remove off-flavors, rinse thoroughly, steam, remove heart, and eat. [Therapeutic Effects] Refer to the Materia Medica (Bencao) works.
Baihe (Lily Bulb), also known as Chongxi, Moluo, Zhongfeng, or Qiangju. Grows in valleys of Jingzhou; now found everywhere. Seedlings are several chi high, stems thick as arrows. Leaves surround the stem like Chicken Spurs. Also resemble large, wide, sparse green Willow leaves; leaves near the stem are slightly purple. Pale yellow-white flowers bloom at the stem tip, resembling Pomegranate mouths but larger, hanging downwards, covering long stamens. Stamens are saffron-colored. Each flower head requires five to six blooms. Seeds are purple, round like Parasol Tree seeds, growing among leaves, one per leaf, not in the flower, which is unique. Roots are white, shaped like Pine Cone shells, clustered in four directions, with seedlings emerging from the center. Like overlapping Garlic cloves, producing thirty to forty scales. Taste: sweet; Nature: neutral; Nature: non-toxic. Some say it is toxic. Another variety blooms red flowers, named Shandan, unsuitable for use.
[For Famine Relief] Harvest roots, boil and eat to greatly benefit Qi. Alternatively, steam and mix with honey, or powder and mix with honey for best results. [Therapeutic Effects] Refer to the Materia Medica (Bencao) works.
Zhangliugen (Willow Root), in Materia Medica named Shanglu, (pronounced 'tang') Gen, Yehu, Baichang, Danglu, or Zhanglu. Called KT Tang in Erya, Ma Wei in Guangya, Xianlu in I Ching. Grows in valleys of Xianyang; now found everywhere. Seedlings are three to four chi high. Stems are thick like Celosia stems, slightly ridged, slightly purple-red. Leaves are green like Ox Tongues, slightly broad and long. Stems resembling human forms possess spiritual efficacy. There are red and white varieties; red flowers with white roots are suitable for medicine and food. Red-rooted varieties are unusable and fatal; beware.
[For Famine Relief] Take white roots, slice thinly, blanch, soak in changed water and rinse, eat plain. Best with Garlic. Slice thinly, soak in flowing eastward water for two nights, drain, layer with Bean leaves in a steamer, steam from Wu hour to Hai hour. If no leaves, steam according to bean method. White-flowered varieties are older; immortals harvest them to make dried meat, suitable as an appetizer. [Therapeutic Effects] Refer to the Materia Medica (Bencao) works.
Changpu (Acorus Rhizome), also known as Yaojiu or Changyang. Grows in ponds/marshes of Shangluo, Yandao, Xuwei, Hengzhou in Shu Commandery, and rocky deserts of Songyue. Now found everywhere in ponds/marshes. Leaves resemble Cattail but flat with a ridge, like a sword blade. Rhizomes curve sideways with nodes, size like Horse Whip stems. Three to four small roots extend from the rhizome. Nine-node rhizomes per inch are good; dense nodes are excellent. Twelve-node exposed rhizomes are unusable. Another type, Lansun or Xisun, has rhizomes and appearance extremely similar to Stone Changpu, leaves exactly like Cattail but without ridges, commonly called Changpu. Grows by water, withers if dried. Changpu tastes pungent, nature warm, non-toxic. Qinpi and Qinjiao act as guides. Adverse to Didan and Mahuang (Ephedra). Do not touch iron, causes vomiting.
[For Famine Relief] Harvest plump, sparse-node rhizomes, soak in water to remove off-flavors, process into fruit snacks. [Therapeutic Effects] Refer to the Materia Medica (Bencao) works.
Zhugen (Ramie Root). Traditionally abundant in Min, Shu, Jiangsu, Zhejiang; now cultivated in fields of Xuzhou. Bark is spun into cloth. Seedlings are seven to eight chi high, ten to twenty stems per clump. Leaves resemble Zhi (Paper Mulberry) leaves but unbranched, green above, white below, with short hairs. Also resemble Suzi (Perilla) leaves. Fine spikes emerge between leaves, flowers like White Poplar but longer, ten to twenty spikes per flower. Flowers are blue-white; seeds turn tea-brown when ripe. Roots are yellow-white, finger-thick. Perennial roots regenerate in spring without planting. In Jing and Yang regions, bark is stripped once or twice a year; scrape surface with bamboo knife, thick parts shed naturally, inner fibrous parts are boiled for weaving. Planting Ramie near silkworms prevents silkworm growth. Roots taste sweet, nature cold.
[For Famine Relief] Harvest roots, scrape and wash off skin, boil thoroughly until tender and sweet. [Therapeutic Effects] Refer to the Materia Medica (Bencao) works.
Cangzhu (Atractylodes Rhizome), also known as Shanji, Shanjiang, Shanlian, or Shanjing. Grows in valleys of Zhengshan and Hanshan; now found in nearby mountain valleys. Those from Songshan and Maoshan are best. Seedlings are pale green, two to three chi high. Stems resemble Mugwort stems. Leaves grow on stems; tip leaves resemble Crabapple leaves; basal leaves have three to five forks with serrated thorns. Flowers are purple-blue, resembling Thistle flowers, sometimes yellow-white. Roots are finger-long, large and solid, skin black tea-brown. Taste: bitter and sweet (some say sweet and pungent); Nature: warm, non-toxic. Fangfeng (Saposhnikovia Root) and Diyü (Sanguisorba Root) act as guides.
[For Famine Relief] Harvest roots, remove black skin, slice thinly, soak for three to four nights to remove bitterness, cook and eat, or make fried cakes. Long-term use lightens the body, prolongs life, and prevents hunger. [Therapeutic Effects] Refer to the Materia Medica (Bencao) works.
Recorded in Materia Medica.
Ye Shanyao (Wild Yam). Grows in Taihang Mountain valleys, Huixian. Climbs via vines (pronounced 'tuo'). Vines resemble Grape vines but finer, slightly purple. Leaves resemble Domestic Yam leaves but larger and slightly pointed. Roots are much thinner, leaner, and harder than Domestic Yam, skin slightly reddish. Taste: slightly sweet; Nature: warm and neutral; Nature: non-toxic.
[For Famine Relief] Harvest roots, boil and eat. [Therapeutic Effects] Refer to the Materia Medica (Bencao) works.
Shan Luobo (Mountain Radish). Grows in valleys, also in fields. Seedlings are five to seven cun high, stems and leaves spread outward. Leaves resemble Chrysanthemum leaves but broader, with slight Mugwort aroma. Five to seven leaves per stem arrange like a single large leaf. Purple flowers bloom at tips. Roots resemble Wild Carrot roots but grayish-white, taste bitter.
[For Famine Relief] Harvest roots, blanch, soak in water to remove bitterness, season with salt and oil. [Therapeutic Effects] Refer to the Materia Medica (Bencao) works.
Ye Huluo bo (Wild Carrot). Grows in wilderness. Seedlings and leaves resemble Domestic Carrots but finer and smaller. Stems branch between leaves. Small white flowers bloom at tips, clustered like an umbrella, larger than Shechuangzi (Cnidium) flowers. Seeds are larger than Shechuangzi. Roots are finer and smaller than Domestic Carrots, taste sweet.
[For Famine Relief] Harvest roots, wash clean, steam. Raw consumption is also acceptable. [Therapeutic Effects] Refer to the Materia Medica (Bencao) works.
Laoya Suan (Crow Garlic). Grows in wet areas by water. Leaves grow straight up and droop, resembling Cattail but shorter, with a sword-like ridge on the back. Roots resemble Garlic cloves, taste sweet with slight earthy odor.
[For Famine Relief] Harvest roots, blanch, soak in water and rinse thoroughly, season with salt and oil. [Therapeutic Effects] Refer to the Materia Medica (Bencao) works.
Recorded in "Famine Relief".
The above two books record eleven species with edible roots.
Yiyiren (Coix Seed), colloquially Huimimi. Grows in plains/marshes of Zhending and mountains; Coix from Jiaozhi is largest. Now found everywhere. Seedlings are three to four chi high. Leaves resemble Millet leaves but slightly larger. Red and white flowers form spikes. Seeds are greenish-white, pearl-shaped but slightly longer, hence named Yiyi Zi. Taste: sweet, slightly cold; Nature: non-toxic. Commonly called Bodhi Zi today.
[For Famine Relief] Harvest seeds, husk to extract kernels, cook porridge. Leaves boiled for drink are also fragrant. [Therapeutic Effects] Refer to the Materia Medica (Bencao) works.