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[Spinach]
Slightly toxic. Grows in clusters.
Spinach (Bo-leng) promotes the smooth functioning of the five Zang organs, unblocks heat in the intestines and stomach, and resolves alcohol toxicity. It is beneficial for those taking Dan-shi (cinnabar and other mineral drugs). For northerners who consume meat and wheat noodles, it has a balancing effect; for southerners who eat fish, turtles, water, and rice, it induces coldness, so it should not be eaten in excess. Excessive consumption damages the large and small intestines. Long-term use leads to weakness in the legs, inability to walk, and lower back pain. It should not be consumed together with maggoty fish, as this may cause cholera, vomiting, and diarrhea. (Recorded by famous physicians)
[Name] Red-root vegetable.
[Seedling description] Liu Yuxi's "Jia Hua Lu" records: Spinach originally came from Western countries. Seeds were brought from there, similar to alfalfa and grapes, introduced via Zhang Qian's mission to the Western Regions. It was originally from the country of Poling, and the name is an phonetic corruption. At that time, people largely did not know its origin. According to gardeners, when sown in plots, the leaves grow lush. Those with three-pointed leaves are called "Flame Spinach". The roots and leaves are tender and delicious when cooked. By the sixth or seventh lunar month, the stems grow two to three chi high, producing pods with seeds resembling Tribulus terrestris (Jili). Because the roots are red, northerners call it "Red-root vegetable".
[Season] (Growth) Seedlings emerge in early autumn. (Harvest) Collected in the ninth and tenth lunar months.
[Medicinal Part] Stems and leaves.
[Color] Bluish-green.
[Taste] Sweet.
[Nature] Cold.
[Qi Character] Qi is thin, belonging to Yin within Yang.

[Endive / Sonchus oleraceus]
Non-toxic. Grows in clusters.
Sonchus oleraceus treats jaundice of the face and eyes, strengthens the body, relieves fatigue, and when applied externally, treats snake and insect bites. Its juice applied externally can draw out the root of carbuncles (Ding-swelling). When silkworm moths appear, one must absolutely not pick or break the plant, lest the moths turn blue and rot; silk farmers also avoid eating wild Sonchus. Wild Sonchus becomes sweet and slippery after five or six pickings; cultivated Sonchus is superior. (Recorded by famous physicians)
[Name] Tianjing Vegetable.
[Seedling description] Careful examination indicates: Seedlings emerge in spring. Leaves exude white juice when picked. People often gather them to eat raw, or steam them as vegetables. They can be eaten by travelers and horses alike.
[Location] Found everywhere.
[Season] (Growth) Seedlings emerge in spring. (Harvest) Collected in summer.
[Medicinal Part] Stems and leaves.
[Color] Green.
[Taste] Bitter.
[Nature] Cold.
[Qi Character] Qi is thin, taste is strong, belongs to Yin.
[Odor] Fishy.

[Seaweed / Eucheuma spinosum]
Non-toxic, slightly toxic. Marine habitat.
Eucheuma spinosum clears heat, regulates wind-qi, and treats bone-steaming consumptive fever in children. Men should not consume it for long periods, as it may trigger chronic diseases, damage meridians, collaterals, blood, and qi, causing coldness and numbness in the feet, and damaging the waist, kidneys, and complexion. For those taking Dan-shi, consuming it reduces the efficacy of the mineral drugs. (Recorded by famous physicians)
[Seedling description] Careful examination indicates: Eucheuma spinosum stems are two to three cun long, reddish-purple, growing on rocks in the sea. The stems are hollow and branched, resembling deer antlers, hence the name. Sea dwellers harvest and sell it as a vegetable. Modern brush makers boil it to make brushes, likely utilizing its sticky and cohesive properties.
[Location] (Grows in) Saline water.
[Nature] Greatly Cold.
[Qi Character] Taste is stronger than Qi, belongs to Yin.
[Odor] Fishy.
[Detoxification] Resolves facial heat.