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[Dao Gua Cao (Inverted-Hanging Grass)] Sweet and bitter, non-toxic.
Invention: Dao Gua Cao grows beside the well mouth. In the "Prescriptions Worth a Thousand Gold" (*Qianjin Fang*), the alcohol-abstinence formula specifies collecting it at noon on the Dragon Boat Festival, burning it to ash, grinding it into powder, and administering it with water without letting the patient know what it is; this will induce aversion to wine so that they will not wish to drink. The variety growing in tree holes is used by *Qianjin Fang* to treat goiter (thyroid enlargement), utilizing its characteristic of hanging upside down with roots not touching the ground.

[Moss] Sweet and cold, non-toxic.
Invention: Green moss in wells grows by obtaining the most yin qi. For burns caused by fire where the skin has ulcerated and peeled off, roast the moss, grind it into powder, mix one qian (ancient weight unit) of moss powder with two fen of borneol, pound until extremely fine, and sprinkle it on the wound; pain stops immediately, and healing occurs within no more than three applications. If well moss is unavailable, moss from the shady ground at the base of walls can also be used.

[Various Rices] Sweet and neutral, non-toxic.
Invention: Rice is formed from the essence and qi of Kun Earth (the earth), nourishing the five zang organs without excessive bias. Rice from the indica species is called jing rice (non-glutinous rice), while glutinous rice is called shu rice; both are supreme treasures for sustaining life. Southern jing rice is warm, while northern jing rice is cool. Red jing rice is hot, white jing rice is neutral, and late-harvest white jing rice is cool. New rice is hot, while aged rice is cool. New, aged, yellow, and white rices are collectively referred to as liang, and generally as ji. Although rice benefits humans, it should not be overconsumed; excessive intake damages the qi of the middle jiao (spleen and stomach). Some people have a craving for raw rice, which over time forms a rice mass (abdominal accumulation); this is treated with white excrement of chickens, utilizing its insecticidal properties. Unfrosted new rice is contraindicated for patients, especially those with dysentery. Consuming new rice as food may stir up wind-qi, whereas aged rice directs qi downward and strengthens the spleen, making it particularly suitable for patients. The *Bencao* states that jing rice warms and harmonizes the middle jiao, tonifies stomach qi, and promotes muscle growth. Zhang Zhongjing's Baihu Tang (White Tiger Decoction), Taohua Tang (Peach Blossom Decoction), and Zhuye Shigao Tang (Bamboo Leaf and Gypsum Decoction) all use jing rice, specifically selecting late-harvest jing rice because it obtains more of the metal qi. Aged cangmi (stored rice) opens the appetite and promotes food intake; aged varieties are excellent for treating chronic dysentery. Shumi, commonly known as nuomi (glutinous rice), tonifies qi and strengthens the spleen and lungs. However, it should be ground into flour and cooked into a thin porridge to avoid stickiness and to promote urination, thereby moistening the lungs and allowing qi transformation to descend. If made into cakes or pastries, its nature is difficult to digest, and patients should avoid eating them. Rice washing water effectively digests duck meat and is suitable for moderating the effects of Baizhu (Atractylodes Macrocephala Rhizome) and Cangzhu (Atractylodes Lancea Rhizome). Honglianmi (red lotus seed) enters the heart and spleen meridians to nourish blood. [Missing Character/Rice] warms the middle, tonifies qi, removes dampness, and stops diarrhea. Guya (rice sprout) activates spleen qi, promotes appetite, broadens the middle jiao, aids digestion, and tonifies the center, unlike Maiya (malt) which has a dispersing and consuming action. Jimi (millet-like grain) grows tall like reeds, commonly known as Lusou; those with curved, drooping ears resembling hooks are of good quality. It clears heat, suppresses mineral drug toxicity (dan-shi du), and resolves the toxicity of bitter calabash (ku hu); it must not be consumed with Fuzi (Prepared Aconite Root). Su (millet) is small millet; it promotes urination, stops dysentery, suppresses mineral heat, and resolves wheat toxicity causing fever. Baimi (barnyard millet) thickens the intestines and stomach and alleviates hunger; its seedlings and roots treat traumatic bleeding that does not stop—apply crushed paste or powdered form externally to stop bleeding immediately. Gumi (wild rice) is the seed of the dioica arrowhead plant (diaohu jiaocao); it quenches thirst and relieves irritability. Chongchu toukang (husk from the pestle head of a mortar) treats yige (dysphagia/obstruction), utilizing its moving property to dissolve old accumulations in the stomach, though it is only suitable for acute cases of dysphagia.