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(Shennong Bencao Jing, Upper Grade)

The Taiyang (Greater Yang) meridian alone serves as the master of the upper and lower, interior and exterior.

[Flavor and Nature] Bitter, Cold, Non-toxic.

[Indications] Primarily treats heat qi rising, causing eye pain and tearing, with the effect of brightening the eyes; treats intestinal dysentery with abdominal pain, diarrhea, and swelling and pain in the female genitalia. Long-term consumption enhances memory and prevents forgetfulness.

[Verification] It is said: In the Han Dynasty, Sichuan-produced Coptidis Rhizoma (Huanglian, 黄连) was selected; in the Tang Dynasty, Lzhou-produced was used; currently, Ya Zhou and Mei Zhou productions are considered superior. The seedling resembles tea, growing in clusters, about one chi high, with three leaves per stem, yellow flowers, and does not wither in winter. There are two types: one has thick roots without hairs, with bead-like nodes, shaped like an eagle's claw, solid texture, and deep yellow color; the other lacks nodes, has many hairs, is hollow inside, and has a pale yellow color, each suitable for different purposes. When using Coptidis Rhizoma, wipe off the fleshy parts and hairs with cloth, soak in sour water for two "Fu" periods, drain, and dry over willow wood fire.

Ancients commented: Bitter and cold, enduring winter without withering, it embodies the image of Cold Water. It has nodes and yellow color, conforming to the regulation of Central Earth, thus judged as a medicine for the Heart. Furthermore: Heat qi flares upward...

[Commentary] "Yellow" refers to its color, "Lian" (connected) symbolizes its shape, enduring winter without withering, with cold nature and bitter flavor, collectively aligning with the transforming qi of Taiyang Cold Water. Utilizing this earthy hue as a dike, it not only silently resolves mutual overcoming but also utilizes this overcoming relationship to exert divine function. Formulas adapt flexibly, without internal concerns. Fire nature flares up while bitter flavor moves downward, matching the Taiyang meridian, reaching up to the highest heavens and down to the deepest springs, covering the skin and interstices externally, and penetrating the five zang organs internally. Thus, Coptidis Rhizoma can treat head and eyes above, genitalia below, sores and ulcers externally, and gastrointestinal diseases internally. Long-term use distances one from heat and irritability, leading to tranquility. Hence, it prevents forgetfulness, all because Fire-Heat is its fundamental qi, manifest qi, and transforming qi.

(Shennong Bencao Jing, Upper Grade)

It is not that it does not look back at its roots; this fully demonstrates its wisdom in protecting its own foundation.

[Flavor and Nature] Sweet, Cold and Slippery, Non-toxic.

[Indications] Primarily treats emaciation and weakness caused by alternating cold and heat in the five zang and six fu organs, five types of strangury (difficulty in urination), and promotes urination. Long-term consumption strengthens bones, builds muscle, lightens the body, and prolongs life.

[Verification] It grows in Mount Shaoshi; now it is found in suburbs and gardens, regardless of fertile or barren soil. It can be sown by seed in all four seasons, and old roots can sprout again. Sown in late autumn and covered for winter care, it is called Winter Okra (Dongkui, 冬葵), which is best for medicinal use. *Neijing* states: It is the vegetable of the Spleen. *Erya Yi* states: When autumn vegetables have not yet grown, this is planted to bridge the gap. It is also said: Okra is the master of hundred vegetables, with a particularly sweet and slippery taste. Thus, even if trampled by horses, the maiden painting the room knew to worry about state affairs; when Gongyi Xiu served as Chancellor of Lu, he angrily pulled them out, unwilling to deprive the gardeners of their profit. Its seeds, even after a year without rotting, should be lightly stir-fried until they pop, scattered on wet ground, and tamped down thoroughly. Planted in the morning, they grow by evening, not exceeding overnight. The fruit is finger-tip sized, thin-skinned and flat, with light and hollow inner seeds resembling elm samaras. *Piya* states: Winter-sown varieties need snow cover to prevent wind dispersal, indicating their lightness. Each snowfall requires attention to keep the soil moist, preventing insect damage to leaves. Picking must wait for dew to evaporate; harvesting must wait for frost descent. Late harvest leads to yellowing and rotting; early harvest leads to blackness and astringency. The stems grow upright, sparse stems with dense leaves, leaning towards the sun and guarding the roots. Confucius said: Grain ears droop towards the roots, forgetting not the origin. It is also said: Bao Zhuangzi knew he was inferior to okra, for okra could still guard its feet. Perhaps grain facing roots represents Benevolence (Ren), while okra guarding roots represents Wisdom (Zhi). Benevolence guards it, Wisdom measures it. Thus, Okra (Kui) means measurement. Its calyx is emerald green, flowers are vibrant. Flowers possess mixed colors of the five hues, single or thousand petals. Wang Zhen's *Agricultural Book* states: Robust and drought-resistant, it can prevent famine, used for pickles and cured meats, dried leaves for plastering walls, roots and seeds for treating diseases, nothing wasted. Indeed, it is a vital vegetable, benefiting people's livelihood. There are many varieties: Dew Okra, Rabbit Okra, Yellow Okra, Mallow, Hollyhock. For medicinal use, only Hollyhock (Shukui, 蜀葵) is appropriate. Currently, the market has a type冒充 Winter Okra, with turbid and foul odor, dark brown color, heavy texture, shaped like orange seeds, causing intestinal slipperiness when taken. *Benluo* identifies this as Winter Okra, listing Hollyhock separately, seemingly inconsistent with *Erya*. It should be judged that Hollyhock Seed is indeed the Okra Seed of *Benjing*, proving quite effective. Whenever market substitutes for Winter Okra Seed are used, they cannot...

Ancients commented: Cold and heat desire unobstructed flow but fail to store, leading to emaciated muscles; the five stranguries desire storage but fail to flow, leading to blocked water passages. Okra's slippery nature nourishes orifices, enabling stored things to flow, and looking back to guard roots enables flowing things to store. Generally, slipperiness belongs to Water and Bone, thus strengthening bones; strong bones lead to muscle growth, complete form leads to light body and longevity. It is also said: Okra possesses five colors and multiple varieties; those lush in winter are called Winter Okra, just as Mustard has Winter Mustard and Spring Mustard. It is the vegetable of the Spleen and medicine of the Kidney. The character derives from "Gui" (10th Heavenly Stem) and "Dong" (Winter), both belonging to the Kidney. Its seeds are easy to generate, used for treating pregnancy and childbirth, naturally entering the spirit. Its functions mainly assist essence and nourish water, transporting water to the urinary pathway, not failing to look back at its roots. Examining the specific storage of Guan Ge (blockage) disease, stopping excessive urination in Xiao Ke (wasting-thirst), one can imagine this. If the disease belongs to long-term storage and sudden onset, such as strangury, leukorrhea, smallpox/rubella, retained fetus, Dan Shi toxicity, wasting-thirst, hidden abscesses, intestinal abscesses/stomach ulcers, flesh cone anomalies, there are unique signs. However, contraindicated for those with chronic wind diseases, post-epidemic conditions, or dog bites. People only know it can trigger latent diseases, not knowing it is forbidden for those with long-term storage...

[Commentary] Okra means return and measurement. Measuring the return of Sheng Qi (Vital Qi), measuring the emergence of Sheng Ji (Vital Mechanism). Sweet flavor and cold nature, slippery and easy to grow, it contains the inferiority of Earth and the momentum of Water, sprouting into herbs and trees, bearing the omen of nurturing and renewing. Thus, it primarily treats the peaceful abode of zang and fu organs invaded by cold and heat, leading to emaciation. The place of Zhou Du (bladder/urinary reservoir) besieged by five evils, leading to five stranguries. This should not be returned to storage, but measured for emergence. Strong bones and free urination are signs of resolving strangury; muscle growth and light body are validations of treating emaciation.