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[Shangpin Category of the Classic of Materia Medica]
[Flavor and Nature] Sweet, cold, non-toxic.
[Indications] Primarily treats wind-cold-damp bi (joint pain and numbness caused by invasion of wind, cold, and damp pathogens), difficulty in lactation, reduces edema, nourishes the five zang organs, boosts qi and strength, and promotes robustness. Long-term consumption makes the ears acute and eyes clear, prevents hunger, extends life span, lightens the body, brightens the complexion, and even enables one to walk on water.
[Verification] It is said: Ze Xie (Alisma Rhizome) grows in the ponds and marshes of Runan. Currently, it is no longer harvested in Runan; the best quality comes from Huashan in Jingzhou. It is also produced in Heshan, Jianghuai, and Bamin regions. Seedlings emerge in spring, growing in clusters in shallow water. The leaves are narrow and long, resembling ox tongues, with a single stem rising straight up. Leaves are harvested in May; in autumn, white flowers bloom in clusters, resembling Gujingcao (Sparganii Herba). Roots are harvested at the end of autumn; those that are large, round, and have two distinct forks at the tail are considered superior. Fruits are harvested in September and dried in the shade. Processing method: regardless of quantity, grind into an extremely fine powder, soak in wine for one night, take out, and sun-dry. It is incompatible with Hai Ge (Concha Meretricis seu Cyclinae) and Wen Ge (Concha Arcae).
The preface to the materia medica written by my late father states: In the spring of Renyin year, entrusted by Liu Zhi of Renhe to compile "Yueyan Bencao" (Abridged Statements on Materia Medica), one night after undressing to sleep, I happened to pick up Ze Xie and read it. Because it promotes the flow of water passages, it can also stop the spontaneous emission of cold essence; because it brightens the eyes, it can also cause blindness; because it induces difficult labor, it can also help conceive offspring.
If Shen Sheng from Yuhang believes these statements are not entirely accurate, he would raise doubts and read again. Through the method of analogy, such as Gancao (Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma) having the color, flavor, nature, and temperament of earth, possessing the virtue of earth, able to generate all things, and being the refuge of all things. In the winter of Xinhai year, at noon, I observed tea steam rising, with tiny dots appearing. When scooped and gathered by hand, they produced moisture. Only then did I understand the meaning behind the name Ze Xie. Looking back to Renyin year now, seventeen years have passed, yet I have not fully grasped its great principles. This shows my dullness and laziness; should I not feel ashamed?
Someone presented me with a newly printed edition of Bencao. Reading it, I felt somewhat regretful, so I reviewed Gangmu (Bencao Gangmu), and later wrote a few words to record my thoughts. The meaning occasionally hit the mark, evoking feelings akin to weeping or singing. How dare I, a junior, claim this as a literary work? Future scholars must not follow my detrimental influence; without true insight internally, yet publishing wild talk externally, thereby breaking the rules and standards of the contemporary world. If there are determined individuals who, hearing this, are unwilling to accept it superficially, they will deeply investigate the Benjing (Classic of Materia Medica), thoroughly study various medicinal properties, dissolve worldly phrasing, extract the subtle essence, and verify it. Showing every herb and tree clearly as if pointing at one's palm, not empty talk, but practical application to relieve the weak, disabled, and premature deaths, thus opening the eyes of people in the world and future generations. This is truly my teacher. How could I not bow down in admiration? If otherwise, one must still cherish oneself. Recorded on the Buddha Bathing Day of Siwei year, at Zhiyuan Chanshi.
[Commentary] It is said: The world knows that fire and yuan qi (original qi) cannot coexist, but does not know that water also cannot coexist with yuan qi. Why? When stagnant, it is water; when dispersed, it is qi, just as water rises to become clouds, and clouds descend to become rain. The power that disperses and rises is caused by fire. Thus, we know that qi is the substance, water is the form/appearance, and fire is the function. Function does not depart from substance, and substance does not depart from form. Departure brings the greatest misfortune. Ze Xie possesses both substance and function. Therefore, its ability to tonify qi allows it to "walk on water," with a bright complexion serving as an external sign. In this way, the five zang organs are harmonious, hearing and vision are clear, bi obstruction is relieved, lactation is easy, robustness is achieved, edema dissipates, the body becomes light, and life is extended. Without the form of water, merely operating substance and function would lead to blindness and drying up of fluids, causing profound disaster.
(The ancients stated that fire and yuan qi cannot coexist, which is citing one corner; inferring that water also cannot coexist with yuan qi corresponds to deducing the other three corners.)