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(Shan, can two pronunciations. From *Jiu Huang Ben Cao* [Essential Materia Medica for Saving the Hungry])
[Names] Longzhao Su (Dragon-Claw Millet), Yazha Bai (Duck-Claw Barnyard Grass).
Shizhen said: This refers to the non-glutinous variety. It also describes the appearance of being fruitless or empty. "Dragon-claw" and "duck-claw" imitate the shape of its branched panicles.
[Collected Explanations] King Ding of Zhou said: The seeds grow in paddy fields and low-lying wetlands. The leaves resemble those of rice but are slightly shorter. Panicles form at the tips, resembling barnyard grass panicles. The seeds are as large as millet grains, tea-brown in color. After dehusking, it is suitable for making porridge, cooking rice, or grinding into flour.
Shizhen said: In Shandong and Henan provinces, the seeds are also planted in May. The seedlings resemble Zizania latifolia (Wild Rice Stem) and Setaria italica (Millet). In August and September, stems emerge with three edges, resembling aquatic plant stems. Small flowers bloom, forming clustered panicles like millet panicles, but branching into several divisions, resembling eagle claws. Inside are fine seeds smaller than millet grains, reddish in color. The husks are very thin, and the taste is coarse and astringent.
[Properties and Flavors] Sweet, astringent, non-toxic.
[Indications] Tonifies the Middle Jiao (Middle Burner) and supplements Qi, thickens the intestines and stomach, and relieves famine.

(Pronounced "bai". From *Ben Cao Gang Mu* [Compendium of Materia Medica])
[Names] Shizhen said: Bai (Barnyard Grass) is the humblest among cereal crops; hence the character contains the radical "bei" (humble).
[Collected Explanations] Hongjing said: Barnyard grass seeds are edible. There is also a variety called Wuhe (Black Grain), which grows wild and resembles barnyard grass. In years of famine, it can serve as a substitute for grain, but it is insecticidal; when boiled and used to irrigate the land, earthworms and mole crickets die.
Cangqi said: There are two types of barnyard grass: one is yellowish-white, the other is purple-black. The purple-black type resembles Qi (a type of grain) and has hairs; people in the north call it Wuhe.
Shizhen said: Barnyard grass grows wild everywhere and easily confuses crop seedlings. Its stems, leaves, panicles, and grains resemble millet and broomcorn millet. One dou (approx. 10 liters) yields three sheng (approx. 3 liters) of rice. Hence it is said: "If the five cereals fail to ripen, it is better to harvest barnyard grass." The seedling resembles barnyard grass, but the panicle resembles millet with purple hairs; this is Wuhe. *Er Ya* calls it "Di" (pronounced die). King Ding of Zhou said: There are water barnyard grass and dry barnyard grass. Water barnyard grass grows in fields. Dry barnyard grass seedlings and leaves resemble Di, are dark green, and the lower leaves near the roots are purplish. Flat panicles emerge from the tips, bearing seeds like millet grains, tea-brown in color, with a slightly bitter taste and warm nature. It is suitable for making porridge, cooking rice, or grinding into food.
Bai Mi (Barnyard Rice)
[Properties and Flavors] Pungent, sweet, bitter, slightly cold, non-toxic.
Ying said: Pungent, crisp.
[Indications] When eaten as rice, it benefits Qi and harmonizes the Spleen. Therefore, Cao Zhi referred to it as "Fanggu Jingbai" (Fragrant Colocasia and Refined Barnyard Rice) (Shizhen's note).
Bai Miao Gen (Barnyard Grass Seedlings and Roots)
[Indications] For metallic wounds and traumatic injuries with continuous bleeding. Apply crushed fresh herb externally or sprinkle powdered herb on the wound to stop bleeding; highly effective (Shizhen's note).