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Nuoci (Glutinous Rice), derived from the meaning of "nuo" (weak/submissive). In *Bencao* (Materia Medica), it is named Daomi (Rice). According to research: The *Book of Songs* mentions Shu (Millet), Ji (Broomcorn Millet), Dao (Rice), Liang (High-quality Grain), He (Grain stalks), Ma (Hemp), Shu (Beans), and Mai (Wheat), known as the "Eight Grains"; this explains the distinction between Dao (Rice) and He (Grain).

**Nuoci (Glutinous Rice):**
Tonifying Spleen and Lung
Sweet, warm. Tonifies deficiency-cold of the Spleen and Lung, solidifies stool, reduces urination, and consolidates spontaneous sweating (when ground into powder with Longgu [Fossilized Bones] and Muli [Oyster Shell], it can be used externally to stop sweating); promotes detoxification and suppuration in smallpox lesions. However, its nature is sticky and cloying; patients and infants should avoid it (Glutinous rice wine is hot; maltose [Xingtang/Yitang] made from it is even hotter. Maltose moistens the Lung, harmonizes the Spleen, resolves phlegm, and stops coughing. Zhang Zhongjing used it in Jianzhong Tang [Middle-Jiao Building Decoction] for its sweet property to tonify the Spleen and moderate urgency. Excessive consumption generates damp-heat, stirs phlegm-fire, and damages teeth).

**Xiaomai (Common Wheat):**
Strengthening Spleen and Promoting Digestion
Sweet, warm. Opens the appetite, invigorates the Spleen, directs Qi downward, harmonizes the Middle Jiao, and transforms food stagnation. Use after stir-frying.

**Shenqu (Medicated Leaven):**
Opening the Stomach, Strengthening the Spleen, Moving Qi, and Resolving Accumulation
Salty, warm. Assists Stomach Qi in ascending, supports digestive transformation, tonifies the Spleen, relaxes the intestines, harmonizes the Middle Jiao, directs Qi downward, resolves food stagnation and distension, dissipates nodules, and resolves phlegm (Salt softens hardness). It transforms all types of grain, flour, fruit, and food accumulations, promotes lactation, and induces abortion (*Waitai Fang* [Prescriptions from the Outer Chamber]: Take one sheng of Xingmai [Malted Barley/Wheat] and one sheng of honey; effective for inducing abortion. Xue Lizhai treated a woman whose breasts swelled and nearly formed an abscess after losing her child; she was cured immediately by taking one to two liang of stir-fried Xingmai decocted in water, demonstrating its potent blood-breaking and Qi-scattering properties. *Liangfang* states Shenqu also induces abortion; both should not be used lightly). Long-term use depletes Kidney Qi (Wang Haogu stated: Xingmai and Shenqu are suitable for those with Spleen-Stomach deficiency to control Wu-Ji Earth [digestive functions] and rot-cook food and fluids. Li Shizhen stated: Taking them without accumulation consumes Yuan Qi [Original Qi]. Combined with Baizhu [Atractylodes Macrocephala Rhizome] and other herbs for simultaneous draining and tonifying, there is no harm. Stomach belongs to Wu Earth, Spleen to Ji Earth). Use after stir-frying. Doukou [Cardamom], Sharen [Amomum Fruit], Wumei [Mume Fruit], Mugua [Chaenomeles Fruit], Shaoyao [Peony Root], and Wuweizi [Schisandra Fruit] serve as guiding or accompanying herbs.

**Gancao (Licorice Root):**
Tonifying
Sweet, slightly cold. Nourishes the Heart, relieves irritability, promotes urination, and stops bleeding (Li Shizhen noted: *Suwen* [Basic Questions] states Mai [Wheat] belongs to Fire and is the grain of the Heart; Zheng Xuan considered it Wood; Xu Shen considered it Metal; *Bielu* [Additional Records] says it nourishes the Liver, aligning with Zheng's view; Sun Simiao said it nourishes the Heart, aligning with *Suwen*; thus, *Suwen* should prevail. Research: Wheat is planted in autumn and harvested in summer, absorbing the Qi of all four seasons. Those grown in the South, where the land is warm and damp, are inferior to those from the North. Zhang Zhongjing treated Zangzao Syndrome [Visceral Agitation Syndrome] in women, characterized by extreme sorrow and a state resembling spirit possession, using Ganmai Dazao Tang [Licorice, Wheat, and Jujube Decoction]. Ten dates, one sheng of Xiaomai [Common Wheat], and one liang of Gancao [Licorice]; take one liang per dose; it also tonifies Spleen Qi. *Shenghui Fang* records: Xiaomai fan [Wheat porridge/rice] treats irritability, heat, insomnia, and excessive thirst).

**Mianfen (Wheat Flour):**
Sweet, warm. Tonifies deficiency, nourishes Qi, assists the Five Zang Organs, and thickens the intestines and stomach. However, it can cause Qi stagnation leading to thirst, and generate dampness and fever. Aged flour is better (Stored on Cold Food Festival day in paper bags, hung in a ventilated place, called Hanshimian [Cold Food Flour]; aged flour does not become hot and is excellent for medicinal use).

**Fuxiaomai (Floating Wheat):**
That which floats when washed in water. Salty, cool. Stops deficiency sweating and night sweats, treats labor-fever and bone-steaming heat (Sweat is the fluid of the Heart; Wheat is the grain of the Heart; the floating part lacks flesh/meat, so it cools the Heart. Mai Fu [Wheat Bran] has similar efficacy).

**Maifu (Wheat Bran):**
Steamed with vinegar. Disperses blood, stops pain, and is used as a hot compress for waist and leg fractures, wind-damp bi-syndrome, and cold-damp jiaojing [foot qi/gout]. Alternating application until sweating occurs is effective (The cooling property of wheat resides entirely in the bran; thus, flour without bran becomes hot. For patients with ulcerated sores or smallpox who cannot lie on mats, lying on a mattress stuffed with wheat bran is a wonderful method due to its cool and soft nature).