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(From *Bencao Shiyi* [Supplement to Materia Medica])
[Correction] Transferred from the Grass section to this section.
[Collected Explanations]
Chen Cangqi stated: It grows in various countries of Brazil (referring to regions west of China). The grass resembles leeks; the legume-like inflorescences emerge from the flowers, and locals consume it.
[Aroma and Flavor] Pungent, neutral in nature, non-toxic.
[Principal Indications] Disperses malignant qi, harmonizes the middle jiao, benefits the five zang organs, opens the appetite, and promotes food intake (Chen Cangqi).

(Category 41: Soft and Slippery)

(From Song Dynasty's *Jiayou Bencao*)
[Names] Spinach (*Bencao Gangmu*), Persian Grass (*Bencao Gangmu*), Red-root Vegetable.
Tao Shenwei stated: According to Liu Yuxi's *Jiahua Lu*: Spinach seeds originated from western countries. A monk brought them here, stating they were originally a variety from the Poling Kingdom. The pronunciation was corrupted into "Boleng".
Li Shizhen stated: According to *Tang Huiyao*: During Emperor Taizong's reign, Nepal offered Boleng vegetable as tribute. It resembles Safflower, its fruits resemble Tribulus terrestris, and when cooked by fire, it enhances the flavor of food. This is that plant. Alchemists secretly referred to it as Persian Grass.
[Collected Explanations] Li Shizhen stated: For Boleng, those sown in August or September can serve as winter vegetables; those sown in January or February can serve as spring vegetables. Its stems are soft, crisp, and hollow. The leaves are green, fine, soft, and dense, with one central tip and two lateral tips, resembling the leaves of Convolvulus but larger and longer. The roots are several inches long, as thick as Platycodon grandiflorus but red in color, with an even sweeter taste. In April, flowering stalks grow about one chi high. There are male and female plants. Small red flowers bloom on the stems in clusters, not very conspicuous. Female plants bear fruit with spines, resembling Tribulus terrestris seeds. Seeds must be crushed before sowing to facilitate soaking and swelling. Germination only occurs after the first day of the lunar month, which is also a peculiarity.
Vegetable and Roots
[Aroma and Flavor] Sweet, cold in nature, slippery, non-toxic.
Meng Shiliang stated: Slightly toxic. Excessive consumption causes weakness in the legs, lower back pain, and triggers cold qi. Those who previously suffered from abdominal coldness will inevitably suffer from abdominal rupture. Do not consume together with eel, as it may induce cholera. Extracting its juice and refining it into frost can neutralize arsenic trioxide and mercury, and subdue realgar and sulfur.
[Principal Indications] Promotes the free flow of the five zang organs, clears heat from the stomach and intestines, resolves alcohol toxicity. It is excellent for those consuming Dan Shi (mineral pills) (Meng Shen).
Promotes blood circulation, opens the chest and diaphragm, directs rebellious qi downward, harmonizes the middle jiao, relieves thirst, and moistens dryness. The root is particularly effective (Li Shizhen).
[Elucidation]
Meng Shen stated: Northerners who eat meat and wheat noodles find it neutralizing; Southerners who eat fish, turtle, and rice find it cooling. Therefore, excessive consumption chills the large and small intestines.
Li Shizhen stated: According to Zhang Congzheng's *Rumen Shishen*: For anyone suffering from chronic illness with constipation and stagnation, or those with hemorrhoids and fistulas, it is advisable to frequently consume spinach and Malva verticillata. Their slipperiness nourishes the orifices, naturally promoting smooth bowel movements.
[Attached Prescriptions] One new prescription.
For Xiao Ke (Wasting-Thirst) with excessive thirst, drinking up to one dan per day: Equal parts of Spinach root and Ji Neijin (Chicken Gizzard Membrane), ground into powder. Take one qian with rice water, three times daily. (*Jingyan Fang* [Experienced Formula])