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(Soft and smooth) Promotes the unblocking of the intestines and stomach, and clears heat toxins.

Spinach (Bo Cai) (Specifically enters the Stomach and Intestines). Originates from the Western Regions. (Namely Bolan Country, mistakenly called Bo Cai.) All books state that it can benefit the intestines and stomach. This is because "slippery" substances open orifices; Spinach has a slippery and purgative quality. For those suffering from chronic constipation due to long-term illness, as well as individuals with blocked hemorrhoids and fistulas, it is suitable for frequent consumption. It is also said to resolve heat toxins and alcohol toxins. This is because "cold" treats heat conditions; given that Spinach's nature and aroma are cold, it should be used for treating carbuncles, sores, and toxic eruptions caused by heat, as well as toxicity arising from damp-heat induced by alcohol. Moreover, toxins and heat typically originate in the Stomach before spreading to the Intestines; thus, medicines often enter via the Stomach through the sweet flavor. Since Spinach is slippery, cold, and sweet, it can enter the Stomach to clear heat and resolve toxicity, allowing heat and toxins to exit entirely through the intestines and stomach. However, excessive consumption causes significant harm. Zhang Lu stated: "All vegetables can loosen and promote intestinal movement, but Spinach is particularly cold and slippery." He further added: "Excessive consumption leads to weak legs, lower back pain, and agitates internal cold qi. Consuming it with carp induces cholera-like disorders." Thus, while it serves as a vegetable, its use requires careful consideration. (Northern people, who consume more meat and wheat noodles, find this vegetable neutral in nature; Southern people, who consume more fish, shellfish, and rice, find this vegetable too cold.)

(Soft and smooth) Clears heat from the Heart, Stomach, and Large Intestine.

Bitter Vegetable (Ku Cai) (Specifically enters the Heart, Stomach, and Large Intestine). Endowed with extreme Yin Qi, its taste is bitter and cold without warmth. The classic texts mention it treats evil qi in the five Zang organs. Evil heat lodging in the Heart indicates Heart heat; gastric obstruction, thirst, heat in the middle jiao, and phlegm indicate Stomach heat; Chang Pi (dysentery) indicates Large Intestine heat; malignant ulcers indicate heat stasis damaging flesh and blood. The bitter-cold nature generally eliminates various heats, hence it is indicated for these conditions. When heat is removed, the spirit naturally clarifies; thus, long-term consumption calms the mind, benefits Qi, enhances hearing and vision, and reduces sleep needs. Enduring hunger and cold, lightening the body, and preventing premature aging all summarize the divine efficacy of generating Yin after heat removal, calming the mind, and benefiting Qi. This plant is the same species as Lactuca sativa var. crispa (Ku Ju), differing only slightly in shape and color, with identical therapeutic effects. (Chen Cangqi stated: Crushing Ku Ju and applying the juice externally is highly effective for carbuncles. Drying Qingyin for winter use, grinding into powder, and mixing with water for external application. Miscellaneous records state: Those suffering from hemorrhoids should use Ku Ju vegetable, fresh or dried, boiled until soft. Place the broth in a vessel, position a board across it, sit on it to fumigate first then wash, stop when cool, wash several times daily; repeated use is effective.) However, individuals with Spleen and Stomach deficiency must strictly avoid it. (Zhang Ji stated: Wild lettuce should not be eaten with honey, as it causes flesh hemorrhoids. Shi Liang stated: Do not harvest when silkworm moths emerge, lest the moths become green and rot; silk farmers also avoid consuming it.)