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(From *Bencao Shiyi* [Supplement to Materia Medica])

**[Names]** Bie (Turtle).
Li Shizhen states: The *Erya* says, "Jue is Bie." It is a vegetable name. Lu Tuan in the *Piya* says: When Jue first sprouts, it has no leaves; its shape resembles the curled claws of a sparrow or the kicking motion of a human foot, hence it is called "Jue." In the Zhou and Qin dynasties, it was called "Jue," while in the Qi and Lu regions, it was called "Bie," because the initial shoots also resemble turtle feet. Its young shoots are called "Jueqi" (Fern fronds).

**[Collection and Explanation]**
Chen Cangqi says: Jue grows in mountainous areas. The root resembles Zicao (Arnebiae Radix et Rhizoma / Purple Gromwell Root). People harvest its edible shoots.
Li Shizhen says: Jue grows in mountains everywhere. In the second and third lunar months, buds emerge, curled like a child's fist. As they grow, they unfurl like a phoenix's tail, reaching three to four chi in height.
The tender stems are harvested, boiled in lye water (ash water) to remove slime and mucilage, then sun-dried for use as a vegetable. They taste sweet and slippery, and can also be eaten with vinegar. The roots are purple, containing white starch within the skin. After pounding and washing repeatedly to settle the sediment, the extracted starch can be made into jelly-like foods or noodles. These are pale purple and very smooth and delicious. In famine years, rural people dig them up for survival; due to crude processing, the taste is inferior, but they serve merely to alleviate starvation. The *Book of Songs* states: "Ascending that southern mountain, there I gather the Jue." Lu Ji noted that it could be used for sacrifices, hence its collection. Thus, the utility of Jue extends beyond mere famine relief. There is a variety called Zi Qi (Osmunda japonica), which resembles Jue but has flowers and a bitter taste, known as "Mi Jue" (Confusing Fern). Its young shoots are also edible. The *Erya* calls it "Yue Er," and the *Sancang* calls it "Zi Jue" (Purple Fern). Guo Pu said: "Flowers in abundance are called 'Er'." Because the purple fern is curled and lush, it bears the name "Yue Er."
*(Illustration caption: Fronds and Roots)*

**[Properties and Flavor]** Sweet, Cold, Slippery, Non-toxic.
Meng Shen says: Long-term consumption causes dim vision, nasal congestion, and hair loss. Individuals with cold qi patterns who consume it often experience abdominal distension. Children who eat it may suffer from leg weakness and inability to walk.
Sun Simiao says: Long-term consumption leads to the formation of abdominal masses (Jia).

**[Therapeutic Actions]** Clears sudden heat, promotes urination, and induces sleepiness (according to Chen Cangqi). Tonifies deficiencies of the five zang organs, resolves stagnation in the meridians, sinews, bones, and joints, and detoxifies harmful substances (according to Meng Shen). The root, when burned to ash and mixed with oil, is applied topically to treat snakebites and bites from the earwig (Qusu) (added by Li Shizhen. Qusu sounds like Xiao, a type of insect).

**[Elucidation]**
Chen Cangqi says: Excessive consumption depletes yang qi, causing sleepiness and leg weakness. The Four White-Headed Elders lived long by consuming Lingzhi (Ganoderma lucidum), while Bo Yi and Shu Qi died young after eating Jue; this indeed suggests Jue is not a beneficial substance. Gan Bao’s *Sou Shen Ji* records: When Xi Jian governed Dantu, he went hunting in the second month. A soldier broke off a branch of Jue and ate it, feeling a vague discomfort that developed into illness. He later vomited a small snake, which hung before the house and gradually dried into a fern. This clarified that this plant should not be eaten raw.
Li Shizhen says: Jue offers no benefit because its nature is cold and slippery, promoting urination and draining yang qi. Its action descends rather than ascends, consuming the body's true yuan qi. The Four Elders consumed Lingzhi and felt at ease, while Bo Yi and Shu Qi consumed Jue and felt sorrowful; their longevity or early death had nothing to do with Jue itself. Chen Gong’s words can be considered pedantic. However, starving people on the brink of death rely on Jue to survive, demonstrating some merit in saving lives.

**[Attached Prescriptions]** One new prescription.
Intestinal Wind and Heat Toxin: Roast Jue flower heads until dry, grind into powder. Take two qian per dose, washed down with rice water. (From *Taiping Shenghui Fang*)