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(Baihe / White Lotus) Properties: Slightly warm. Indications: Mainly treats poisoning by Gu (a traditional concept of venomous or parasitic disease) and malaria.
Currently, people refer to the red variety as "He" (Lotus), and the white variety as "Fuju" (Covered Pickle), although their leaves are from the same plant type. For human consumption, the red variety is superior. However, for medicinal use, the white variety is employed. Those suffering from Gu poisoning should drink its juice and lie on its leaves; this will cause them to call out the name of the Gu master. It also treats various toxins found in streams and injuries from sand leeches. Excessive consumption damages the therapeutic efficacy and is detrimental to the feet. Planting white lotus at home is said to repel snakes.
[Commentary by Su Jing et al.] The root mainly treats various malignant sores and neutralizes stinging and Gu poisons.
The heart of the root treats rice and wheat awns that have entered the eye and cannot be removed; instilling the juice into the eye causes the awn to exit immediately.

(Shuisu / Perilla frutescens var. acuta) Flavor: Sweet and bitter. Nature: Very cold. Indications: Mainly treats severe fever during epidemic diseases and resolves wind-heat toxicity.
This refers to the herb currently used as an additive in steamed dishes. The pronunciation is the same as "Tian" (sweet), and it is also written as "Tian". When epidemic febrile diseases first commence, crushing and drinking the juice can cure the condition.
[Commentary by Su Jing et al.] This herb, when made into a soup, is also very fragrant and delicious.

(Another variety of Shuisu/Zi Su) Flavor: Pungent. Nature: Warm. Indications: Mainly directs Qi downward and eliminates cold in the Middle Jiao (Spleen and Stomach); its seeds are particularly effective.
The underside of the leaves is purple and has a strong fragrance. Those varieties that lack purple coloration, are not fragrant, and resemble Ren (Perilla frutescens var. jianensis) are named Ye Su (Wild Perilla) and are not suitable for medicinal use. The seeds direct Qi downward and are compatible with Chen Pi (Tangerine Peel) for combined treatment.

(Shuisu / Water Mint) Flavor: Pungent. Nature: Slightly warm. Toxicity: Non-toxic. Indications: Mainly directs Qi downward, aids digestion of grains, removes food stagnation, dispels bad breath, detoxifies, and wards off evil Qi. Long-term consumption clarifies the mind, lightens the body, and delays aging. It mainly treats hematemesis (vomiting blood), epistaxis (nosebleed), and metrorrhagia (uterine bleeding). Also known as Jisu (Chicken Mint), Laozu, Jiju, Guaju, and Daohua. Grows in the ponds and marshes of Jiuzhen Commandery; harvested in the seventh lunar month.
It is not used in official prescriptions, and common people generally do not recognize it. In the past, due to the remoteness of Jiuzhen, no one could identify or seek it out.
[Commentary by Su Jing et al.] This type of Su grows on the wet banks of water bodies. The seedlings resemble Inula japonica (Xuanfu), with two leaves growing opposite each other, and possess a rich, strong fragrance. People in Qingzhou, Jizhou, Kaifeng, and Hejian regions call it Shuisu; people in Jiangzuo (south of the Yangtze) call it Qizhu; and people in Wu and Kuaiji regions call it Jisu. It is highly effective in treating hematemesis, epistaxis, directing Qi downward, and aiding digestion. Tao Hongjing’s error was listing Jisu separately in the vegetable section. Currently, Jisu is regarded as a synonym for Shuisu, and the indications for hematemesis, epistaxis, and metrorrhagia are reiterated.