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Non-toxic. Plant growth.

Dong Kui Zi (Winter Okra Seed, *Abelmoschi Semen*) (from *Shennong Bencao Jing* [Divine Farmer's Materia Medica]) mainly treats cold and heat syndromes of the five zang and six fu organs, emaciation and weakness, and five types of strangury (lin syndrome), promoting urination; long-term consumption can strengthen bones, increase muscle mass, lighten the body, and prolong life. (The above in red characters, from *Shennong Bencao Jing*). Treats difficult lactation and internal blockage in women. ○ Kui Gen (Okra Root) is sweet, cold, and non-toxic; it mainly treats malignant sores, treats strangury, and promotes urination. ○ The leaves are considered the chief among vegetables, but their heart harms people. (The above in black characters, recorded by famous physicians).

[Seedling] (*Book of Songs*, Feng of Bin states): In the seventh month, boil okra and soybeans. Okra is the vegetable. Lu Shi of Shanyin says okra has purple and white varieties. The heart of the okra turns with the sunlight and droops to cover its root. *Erya* states: Those with thick stems, small leaves, and purple-red flowers are edible. (*Tu Jing* [Illustrated Classic] states): Its seeds are planted in autumn, nurtured through winter, and produce seeds in spring, called Dong Kui Zi (Winter Okra Seed). Ancient prescriptions use it most frequently. The seedlings and leaves are more delicious when eaten as vegetables. The early-maturing variety is commonly called Kuicai (Okra Vegetable).

[Origin] (*Tu Jing* [Illustrated Classic] states): Grows on Mount Shaoshi; now found everywhere.

[Season] (Grows) Autumn. (Harvests) Spring.

[Processing] Sun-dried.

[Usage] Seeds, roots, leaves.

[Quality] Similar to Shu Kui Zi (Hibiscus Seed) but smaller.

[Color] Black-green.

[Taste] Sweet.

[Nature] Cold, slow/relaxing.

[Air/Energy] Thin energy, yin within yang.

[Odor] Rotten.

[Main Action] Promotes urination.

[Assistant Herb] Huang Qin (Scutellaria Root, *Scutellariae Radix*) acts as its guide/enforcer herb.

[Treatment] (Therapy) (*Tu Jing* [Illustrated Classic] states): Eating leaves as vegetables guides out accumulation and stagnation; boiling juice promotes small intestine function. Pregnant women eating boiled leaves near delivery facilitate smooth and easy birth. Burned to ash and dry powder applied to metal wounds. ○ Roots treat malignant sores and children swallowing coins accidentally; boiling juice expels them immediately. (*Yaoxing Lun* [Discussion on Medicinal Properties] states): Seeds treat five types of strangury, breast swelling, and promote milk flow. ○ Leaves boiled alone in juice treat epidemic jaundice. (Meng Shen states): For women experiencing distress during labor, take one he of seeds and two zhong of water, boil to half a zhong, remove dregs, and drink at once; birth occurs shortly after. (*Yanyi* [Expanded Meaning] states): Seeds treat carbuncles, boils, toxic heat swellings that have attacked internally without suppurating; swallowing three to five pieces with water causes pus to drain through orifices. (Sun Taizhen states): Okra can nourish spleen qi.

(Treating Xiao Ke [Wasting-Thirst], diuresis, and perioral ulcers; digging up old okra roots, burning to ash, and applying also treats infant postpartum sores.) ○ Sudden bleeding during pregnancy: Take one sheng of Kui Zi, five zhong of water, boil to two zhong, divide into three doses; cures. Also treats pregnancy complicated by strangury and constipation. ○ Okra vegetable treats various sores: first wash with warm rice water, wipe dry with cotton, apply with mild heat to draw out pus; using no more than 300-200 leaves, once pus is exhausted, flesh regenerates. Avoid miscellaneous fish, garlic, and sexual intercourse. (Supplement) (Ri Hua Zi states): Long-term consumption of Winter Okra strengthens sinews and bones.

[Combined Treatment] Roots burned to ash mixed with lard applied to gan sores (childhood malnutrition sores) on the face with yellow discharge. ○ Boiled okra leaves eaten with minced garlic treat epidemic macular eruptions where white blisters appear all over the body quickly due to toxic vapors. ○ Powdered okra stems and seeds taken with wine (one cun bi dose) treats妒乳 (blocked milk) and mastitis. ○ Powdered okra seeds taken with wine (one cun bi dose) treats dead fetus in the womb if the mouth is locked shut; pouring medicine into the mouth brings life back. ○ Two sheng of okra seeds boiled in four sheng of water to obtain one sheng of liquid, mixed with a pill-sized amount of lard, treats sudden guan ge (obstruction) with inability to pass urine or stool, bloating, and impending death. ○ Yellow-fried okra seeds powdered and taken with wine (two qian bi dose) treats inverted presentation, cold extremities, and locked jaw.

[Contraindications] If okra is eaten after an epidemic disease, vision may be suddenly lost. Hot consumption causes severe heat and oppression, stirring wind qi. Do not eat without garlic. Eating raw okra in any season causes indigestion and triggers chronic diseases. Eating raw frost-killed okra stirs five types of retained fluids. Excessive consumption causes vomiting of water. It cannot be eaten with carp as it harms people.

[Antidote] To counteract Dan Shi (cinnabar and stone mineral) toxicity, eating okra for a meal is good. Juice of pickled okra in winter counters Dan Shi toxicity in those who develop dry tongue and cough; drinking one cup after meals and lying down briefly leads to recovery. Roots counteract Shu Jiao (Sichuan Pepper) toxicity.