Library

**Zizania Latifolia Seed (Gumi)**

Main Actions: Relieves thirst (from *Bencao Shiyi*); Resolves vexatious heat and regulates the intestines and stomach (from *Bencao Gangmu*).

[Names]: Jiaomi, Diaopeng, Diao, Diaohu.

[Origin and Textual Research]:
Li Shizhen stated: "Gu" was originally written as "Gu", referring to the Zizania plant. Fungi growing within it resemble melons in shape and are edible, hence the name "Gu". Its seeds must be harvested after the frost.
The *Qifa* text refers to it as "Anhu" (from *Erya*); the *Nie Diaopeng* mentions: "Jianshu Peng ye" (Sun Yan's annotation states: "Diaopeng" is indeed Jiaomi; ancient texts thus called it "Nie Qi Shu", where "Peng" refers to the non-seed-bearing Zizania).
Only those that bear fruit are considered true Gu (Li Shizhen's note: The interpretations of Zheng Xuan and Yang Xiong differ, yet both have merit, likely because the category of 'Peng' plants includes more than one species).

[Morphological Characteristics]:
Leaves resemble reeds. This plant is called "Gu Jiang Cao"; when it bears fruit in autumn, it becomes "Diaohu Mi". Ancient people regarded it as a delicacy; even today during famine years, people still harvest it as a staple food substitute (Tao Hongjing).
Because the seed of Gu Jiang Cao was highly valued by ancients, the *Neize* states: "Fish sashimi should preferably be paired with aquatic plants." Ponds are full of Diaohu, Zi Tuo, and similar varieties.
Generally, Zizania bearing seeds is called "Diaohu" by people in Chang'an; Zizania bearing tender stems is called "Lv Jie"; unopened reed leaves are called "Zi Tuo".
Gu Jiang Cao resembles reeds, bearing small green seeds fine as hemp, several inches long. Rural people collect them and cook porridge with millet to alleviate hunger effectively (Li Shizhen said).
Diaohu flowers like reeds; its fruits are about a foot long and large as a cattail needle. Its seeds are very white and slippery; when cooked into rice, they are fragrant and crisp (Du Fu's poem: "Floating Zizania seeds sink like black clouds" refers to this).
The *Zhou Li* lists it among the six or nine grains for imperial supply; the *Guanzi* calls it "Ying Shan", so the harvested grain is included here. Its tender shoots and roots are detailed separately in the Vegetable section.

[Harvest Time]: Stems emerge in September; harvested after frost.

[Physical Properties]: Skin is dark brown; seeds are white. Odor is fragrant; taste is sweet; nature is cold.

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**Opium (Afuyou)**

Main Actions: Treats dysentery and persistent rectal prolapse; can astringe and conserve male essence (from *Bencao Gangmu*).

[Name]: A (Li Shizhen said): Commonly written as "Yapian". It is named so because its flower color resembles that of the hibiscus (Furong).

[Morphology and Source]:
Li Shizhen said: "Afuyou" was rarely heard of in previous dynasties but is used in recent prescriptions.
When the flower forms a green bud, use a large needle to prick the outer green skin in the afternoon, without damaging the inner hard skin, making three to five punctures. Clear fluid will exude the next morning.
*Shi Yilin Jiyao* states this is red poppy cultivated in the Heavenly Country (Tianfang), distinct from sexual arts practices. In the capital, "One Pill Golden Elixir" is sold, claiming to cure all diseases, which are merely tricks of quacks.
○ True Formula for "One Pill Golden Elixir": Three pills total. Take one pill per dose. If ineffective, take another. Do not overdose. Avoid vinegar, as it may cause intestinal rupture and wind-stroke paralysis.
Administration: With hot wine for facial paralysis; with Chuanxiong Tang for vertigo; with Fangfeng Tang for Yin toxicity; with Doulin Jiu for malaria; with Huanglian Tang for white dysentery; with Baizhu Tang for various Qi pains; with Muxiang Jiu for heat pain; with Zhizi Tang for umbilical pain; with Dengxin Tang for Small Intestine Qi; with Chuanlián Huixiang Tang for blood-related hypochondriac pain; with hot wine for dysphagia; with Shengjiang Dingxiang Tang for women's metrorrhagia; with Wulingzhi Tang for pediatric slow spleen wind; with Sharen Tang for chronic dysentery.
If thirsty, drink fermented grain water; if extremely thirsty, drink honey water to resolve it.
○ Another method: When the poppy flower has not yet opened, select those with two outer petal-like bracts.

[Taste and Nature]: Taste is sour and astringent; [Nature: Not explicitly specified in the provided text fragment immediately following the label].

[Therapeutic Applications and Usage]:
For treating red and white dysentery: Take Opium, Muxiang, Huanglian, and Baizhu, each one fen. Grind into powder and make pills the size of small beans. Adults take one fen; children and the elderly take half a fen. Take on an empty stomach with rice water decoction. Avoid raw, cold, greasy foods, tea, alcohol, and flour products, otherwise dysentery will not cease.