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Non-toxic.
Shuizao (Algae) [1] treats sudden high fever, heat-type diarrhea, and thirst; take the juice extracted by crushing it orally. For children suffering from erysipelas-like rashes (red and white wandering rash) or fiery hot sores, crush it and apply externally as a poultice. (From *Bie Lu Ming Yi*) [Name] (Li Shizhen stated: "Zao" refers to aquatic plants with patterns, clean like algae, hence named "Zao".) [Habitat] (Su Song stated: Algae grow in water and are found everywhere. As stated in the *Classic of Poetry* (*Shi Jing*), 'Where to gather the algae? In the ponds, in the marshes, in those running waters.' This refers to this plant.) [Morphology] (Lu Ji's commentary states: Algae grow at the bottom of water bodies and there are two types. One type has leaves resembling *Elsholtzia splendens* (Jisu), stems like chopsticks, and grows four to five chi long; the other type has leaves resembling *Artemisia argyi* (Penghao), stems like hairpins, called Juzao (Clustered Algae). Both types are edible. After cooking to remove the fishy smell, they can be steamed with rice flour or wheat flour as vegetables, very smooth and delicious. People in the Jing and Yang regions used them as staple food during famines.) (Chen Cangqi stated: Mazao (Horse Algae) grows in water, connected like horse teeth.) (Li Shizhen stated: There are two types of algae, abundant in water. Those with large leaves, two to three cun in diameter, growing opposite each other are Mazao. Juzao has fine thread-like leaves resembling fish gills, growing segment by segment, which is Shuiyun. Commonly known as Saicao, also called Niuyin. The *Erya* calls it Niucao.) (Guo Pu's commentary states: Fine leaves fluffy like silk, lovely to look at, each segment several cun long, with longer ones having twenty to thirty segments, this is Yun. Both algae are edible, but Mazao is superior for medicinal use. The *Zuo Zhuan* mentions ping, fan, yun, and zao as vegetables, referring to these.) [Indications] Treats heat-toxin swelling and erysipelas. [Flavor] Sweet. [Nature] Very cold, slippery. [Therapeutic Effects] (Sun Simiao stated: Among all extremely cold foods in the world, none exceeds algae. However, for those suffering from heat-toxin swelling and erysipelas, take algae from ditches, cut and crush them, apply as a compress about three fen thick, replace when dry, with unparalleled efficacy.)

Slightly toxic.
Huercao (Saxifraga stolonifera) [2] treats plague; grind and administer with wine. When used raw, it induces vomiting and diarrhea; when cooked, it stops vomiting and diarrhea. It also treats deafness by dripping the crushed juice into the ear. For painful and swollen hemorrhoids, smoke the dried herb in a barrel to fumigate the affected area. (From *Bencao Gangmu*) [Name] Shiheye (Stone Lotus Leaf). [Habitat] (Li Shizhen stated: Huercao grows in shady and damp places, and people also cultivate it on rocky mountains.) [Morphology] Stems are five to six cun high, covered with fine hairs, one stem bears one leaf, shaped like a lotus leaf cover, commonly called Shiheye. Leaves are as large as a coin, resembling young sunflower leaves or the ears of a tiger. [Season] Blooms small flowers in summer. [Color] Pale red. [Flavor] Slightly bitter and pungent. [Nature] Cold.