Library

Tonify and harmonize the middle.
Sweet, neutral in nature. Benefits Qi and harmonizes the Spleen and Stomach, promotes Spleen function and benefits Stomach function (Tao Hongjing said: Jizi [Millet], people do not recognize it. Books mostly state that Shumi [Glutinous Millet] and Jizi are similar, and annotations say: Shumi is sticky. Similar to Shumi, but the grains are significantly larger; consuming it may trigger old illnesses. The *Book of Songs* states: "Shu, Ji, Dao, Liang, He, Ma, Shu, Mai," these are the eight grains. Common people still cannot distinguish them clearly, let alone Zhiying? According to records: There are many attempts to distinguish between Shu and Ji, but none have a definitive meaning. Li Shizhen stated: Ji and Shu are one species with two varieties. Sticky ones are Shu, non-sticky ones are Ji. Ang opines: Since the poets mentioned eight grains, why force a distinction into two varieties from the same species? This would leave only seven grains. It is likely that because "Liang" and "Ji" sound similar, people mistakenly equate Liang with Ji, unaware that Liang resembles Shu but has larger, looser grains. It is a lower-grade grain in the North, completely absent in the South, and even northerners do not value it highly. How could it surpass Jingmi [Non-glutinous Rice] and Nuomi [Glutinous Rice] to occupy the top position among the eight grains? Tao's confusion arose from conflating Liang and Shu. As for Ji, it should refer to plants tall and sturdy like reeds, known today as Luji [Sorghum]. Its fruit is fragrant and delicious, its nature is balanced and moderate, and its stalks are tall and robust, thus making it the leader of the five grains. The ancient kings named officials after it. Moreover, Liang-Shu does not grow universally, whereas Luji proliferates widely across the seas. Yet the *Bencao* identifies Luji as Shushu [Guinea Corn], which is inconsistent in name and meaning. This is an error existing since antiquity; I dare to correct it for scholars to verify. Furthermore, Luji best harmonizes the Middle Jiao. Decocted and taken warm, it treats vomiting and diarrhea caused by Huoluan [Cholera-like syndrome] with miraculous effect. Ang once suffered from continuous groaning due to illness for two months. A friend invited him to drink a cup of Luji liquor until drunk, after which his accumulated ailments vanished smoothly. Its balancing nature is evident here).

Tonify the Kidney.
Sweet, salty, slightly cold. Nourishes the Kidney and benefits Qi. Treats Xiao Ke [Wasting-Thirst] caused by Stomach Heat, stops Huoluan, and promotes urination and defecation (*Qianjin Fang* uses Sumi [Foxtail Millet] flour made into water pills, size of a wu zi [gooseberry], boiled seven pieces, dipped in vinegar, swallowed slowly, to treat Fanwei [Regurgitation/Vomiting]). It is Liangmi [Millet]. Available in green, yellow, red, white, and black varieties; aged ones are superior.