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(Having a pungent and warm nature) It benefits the intestines and stomach, and relieves irritability and heat.

Bai Song Cai (Chinese Cabbage) (specifically enters the Intestines and Stomach). Why is it named so? Because it does not wither through winter, hence called "Song". Because its color is greenish-white, hence designated as "White". However, there are three types of Song: one is Niu Du Song (Ox-belly Chinese Cabbage), whose leaves are the largest and taste sweet; one is Zi Song (Purple Radish), which is Lu Fu (Radish); one is Bai Song, whose root is hard and small and inedible. These three types are found both in the North and South. (Shizhen said: Su Gong's mention of northern and southern variants refers to Man Jing (Vitex rotundifolia) and Zi Song. The root of Zi Song resembles Man Jing, but the leaves are different.) Their qi nature is identical. Ben Cao states its nature is warm, while Da Ming Ben Cao states it is cool. It appears that cool is correct and warm is incorrect. Shizhen stated: For those with Qi deficiency and cold stomach, excessive consumption leads to nausea and spitting foam; for robust individuals, it is suitable. Shen stated: Those with wind-cold and internal deficiency should not eat it. Those with heat who eat it do not develop disease, thus its cold nature can be inferred. (Song stated: It has slight toxicity and should not be eaten in excess. If eaten in excess, resolve it with Sheng Jiang (Fresh Ginger). Rui stated: Eating before Summer Solstice induces Qi movement and疾 (disease); those with foot ailments should avoid it.) According to Bie Lu, it can benefit and unblock the intestines and stomach, remove chest irritability, relieve thirst. Xiao Bing recorded that it promotes digestion, directs Qi downward, treats Zhang Qi (Miasma), stops coughs caused by hot Qi, and winter juice is especially good. Ning Yuan recorded that it harmonizes the middle, benefits urination and defecation, and is listed in Dan Fang (Alchemical Formulas), treating Xiao Er Chi You (Pediatric Red Roaming Erysipelas) (Red Roaming moves up and down; if it reaches the Heart, death ensues. Applying crushed Bai Song Cai stops it.) Fei Si Ru Mu (Flying silk entering the eye) (Crush Chinese cabbage, wrap in cloth, drip two or three drops into the eye to expel it.) Qi Du Sheng Chuang (Lac poison causing sores) (Apply crushed Bai Song Cai to the area to make it recede.) Are these not all due to its cool nature, enabling it to eliminate various diseases? Later generations did not understand this, mistakenly thinking pungent flavor implies warm nature. (Raw is pungent and cold; cooked is sweet and cold). Alas, if its nature were warm, how could it have the effects of relieving irritability, quenching thirst, promoting digestion, directing Qi downward, and clearing heat? From this, its general characteristics can be deduced.

(Soft and slippery texture) It unblocks Yang and facilitates urination/defecation.

Xian Cai (Amaranth) (specifically enters the Intestines and Stomach), tastes sweet, has a cold nature, and a slippery texture. Consulting various books, all state its nature is cold and purgative, capable of treating conditions such as Heat-binding Bloody Dysentery and Gu Du (Gu Poison). (Gong stated: Chi Xian (Red Amaranth) is pungent and cold. Hongjing stated: Ren Xian (Common Amaranth) and Xi Xian (Small Amaranth) are both cold and purgative; Chi Xian treats red dysentery but is not edible. Zhenheng stated: Hong Xian (Red Amaranth) enters the Blood level and moves vigorously; thus, taken together with Ma Xian (Purslane), it can induce abortion, or when boiled and eaten, it facilitates childbirth.) Even those who consume it invariably claim it unblocks the intestines and facilitates bowel movements. It is indeed the coldest and slippest among vegetables. Furthermore, it is warned against excessive consumption, as it causes Qi disturbance and irritability. It is also stated that it should not be eaten with Die (Soft-shelled Turtle), as it may cause Die Syndrome. Although this case has not occurred, its cold and chilly nature aligns it with Gui (Tortoise) and Die (Turtle), hence such cautionary advice. Is it merely an ordinary cold and purgative food? However, if there is insufficient Yin to anchor Yang, or during summer months accompanied by true Heat patterns, what is there to fear? It depends solely on the consumer's ability to use it judiciously. It is used to treat Liver Meridian Wind-Heat attacking the eyes, causing redness, pain, nebula formation, visual obstruction, Qing Mang (Blindness), and Red Eyes. All these conditions are suitable for its administration. Grind into powder, take one Fang Cun Chi (square-inch spoonful) per dose.