Library

(Shennong Bencao Jing, Upper Grade)

Coix Seed: Wherever there is dampness, it becomes heavy and obstructive; where there is dryness, it is light and splashing.
[Flavor and Property] Sweet, slightly cold, non-toxic.
[Indications] Primarily treats tendon spasm and contracture, inability to flex or extend, chronic wind-damp bi syndrome, and descending qi. Long-term consumption makes the body light and benefits qi.
[Verification] Says: It grows in Zhending, as well as in plains, marshes, and fields, and is available everywhere. The Lianghan variety currently used has weaker qi than the Zhending variety; the Jiaozhi variety is the best, called "Ganzhu" (Cane Pearl) locally. In March, the perennial roots sprout spontaneously. The plant is four to five chi high, with leaves resembling young banana grass. In May, stems emerge, bearing red and white flowers. In June and July, fruits hang heavily in clusters; the shell is green, hard, thin, and sharp. The kernel inside resembles a pearl, tastes sweet and delicious, sticks to the teeth when bitten, and can be used for porridge or brewing wine. One variety with round shape and thick shell is Bodhi seed. Another large variety without flavor is japonica rice. Processing: For every liang of Coix Seed, mix with two liang of glutinous rice, stir-fry until cooked, then remove the glutinous rice.
Mr. Miu Zhongchun said: Long-term consumption making the body light occurs because removing dampness stabilizes the Spleen and Stomach; when the Spleen and Stomach are stable, the Middle Jiao functions properly; when the Middle Jiao functions properly, it can nourish the four limbs and unblock the blood vessels and meridians.
[Commentary] Says: "Yi" (Coix) sounds like "Yi" (Intention/Mind). Yi refers to the spiritual function stored in the Spleen. Therefore, it treats Spleen dysfunction leading to Liver Wood withering and rebellious qi, resulting in tendon spasm and contracture, inability to flex or extend. This corresponds to the classic saying: If tendons are injured, one wishes to use their will to flex and extend them, but they do not obey. Also, when Earth fails to retain and obstruct, allowing Wind that the body cannot overcome to attract Dampness of the same kind, combining to form Bi obstruction, Coix Seed can only resolve binding, descend vital qi, and dismantle the armor-like hardness. This is incomparable to the upward movement of the axis of Yi Wood (Liver).
(The specific form of Earth has no utility; its utility lies in giving birth to grass and trees. The spreading nature of plants precisely demonstrates the utility of the Earth.)

Kochia Fruit: Earth's nature is solid; Skin resides on the muscle surface.
[Flavor and Property] Bitter, cold, non-toxic.
[Indications] Primarily treats Bladder heat, promotes urination, tonifies the Middle Jiao, and benefits essence and qi. Long-term consumption improves hearing and vision, makes the body light, and enhances longevity.
[Verification] Says: It grows in Jingzhou plains and marshes, as well as in fields and near roads. Initially growing in poor soil, it reaches five to six cun, with dozens of branches from one clump, spreading and creeping, too weak to lift. The root resembles mugwort, stems and leaves are green, looking like Schizonepeta. In March, pale yellow flowers bloom, producing pale green-white seeds. They are extremely abundant, resembling silkworm frass. When seeds fall, the stems age and can be used as brooms. Hence, it is also known as Luozhou, Duzhou, Wangzhou, Wanghui, Saobu, Di Kui, Di Mai, Bai Dizhao, Xiandi Yi, Yashé Cao, Qianxin Jinü. Its seedlings and leaves burned to ash and decocted into frost can refine realgar, arsenic trioxide, mercury, sulfur, and nansha. An ancestor inscribed on the herb: Kochia fruit, one stem with dozens of branches clustering upwards, its seeds numerous, being the essence of stars. Its bitter-cold flavor obtains the transformation of Taiyang Cold Water Qi. Taiyang Qi reaches up to the highest heavens, penetrates down to the deepest springs, and spreads over the skin and interstices. Thus, Kochia's efficacy treats the head above, benefiting ears and eyes; enters the Bladder below to promote water metabolism and expel hernia; and removes heat from the skin externally, providing moisture. After taking it and the disease recedes, the external sign must be prolonged clear urination.
[Commentary] Says: Spreading and distributing, too weak to lift, hence named "Di Fu" (Earth Skin). Its therapeutic power truly causes the body's vital qi to distribute on the exterior, possessing the meaning of dissemination and opening. It should enter the Taiyang channel because Taiyang governs opening. The bitter-cold flavor also obtains the transformation of Taiyang Cold Water, thus countering the manifest signs of Taiyang Yang heat. Therefore, for diseases rooted in heat, it is suitable. The Bladder is the Taiyang channel; when the manifest aspect is excessive, heat arises. Treating it inversely with herbs obtaining Cold Water transformation, the heat retreats and urine becomes clear. Tonifying the Middle allows distribution. Benefiting essence and qi allows transformation of essence into qi. The Bladder is the Official of the Metropolis, storing fluids; only through qi transformation can they be excreted. Improving hearing and vision, making the body light and enhancing longevity occurs because expansion opens the orifices; open orifices lead to fullness and radiance.