Library

(Recorded in the "Food" section)

[Names] Shushu (common name), Lusù (recorded in "Food"), Lusù (both common names), Mujì (from *Guangya*), Dilíang (ibid.), Gaoliang.

Li Shizhen stated: Shushu is rarely seen in ancient texts, but it is now most widely cultivated in the North. According to *Guangya*: "Dilíang is Mujì." This is likely a type of Shu and Ji (millet species), named for its tall stature resembling reeds and arrow grass, hence these various folk names. The seed originated from Shu, thus called Shushu.

[Collected Explanations] Ying said: Shushu is planted in the north to prepare for food shortages; the remainder is fed to cattle and horses. It is the tallest among grains. People in the south call it Lusù.

Li Shizhen stated: Shushu is suitable for planting in low-lying areas. Sown in spring, harvested in autumn. The stem grows about one zhang high, resembling reeds or arrow grass but solid inside. The leaves also resemble those of reeds. The ear is large like a broom. The grain is as large as Sichuan pepper, red-black in color. The rice is firm and hard, yellow-red in hue. There are two varieties: the sticky ones can be used with glutinous millet to brew wine or make pastries; the non-sticky ones can be made into cakes or porridge. They can relieve famine and feed livestock. The tops can serve as brooms, the stems can be woven into mats, fences, or used as fuel. It is extremely beneficial to the people. Using it instead of Ji (a sacred grain) in sacrifices today is incorrect. Soaking the husks in water yields a red dye, which can be used to tint red wine. *Bowuzhi* states: Long-term cultivation of Shushu in fields leads to an increase in snakes.

Rice
[Flavor and Properties] Sweet, astringent, warm, non-toxic.
[Indications] Warms the middle jiao (middle energizer), astringes the intestines and stomach, treats Huoluan (cholera-like syndrome). The sticky variety has the same efficacy as Shumi (broomcorn millet) (Li Shizhen).

Root
[Indications] Decocted juice taken orally promotes urination and relieves wheezing and chest fullness. Burned to ash and taken with wine, it effectively treats difficult labor (Li Shizhen).

[Attached Prescriptions] One new prescription.
For urinary retention and wheezing: Hongshu San (Red Sorghum Powder): Use 2 liang of root of Red Shushu, 1.5 liang of Polygonum aviculare (Bianxu), and 100 stalks of Juncus effusus (Dengxincao). Pound and sieve the above ingredients. Take 0.5 liang per dose.

(From *Bencao Gangmu*)

[Names] Yugaoliang.

[Collected Explanations] Li Shizhen stated: Zea mays (Yu Shuyu) seeds come from western lands, and few people cultivate them. Its seedlings and leaves resemble those of Shushu but are plumper and shorter, also similar to Coix seed (Yiyi). The seedlings grow three to four chi high. In the sixth and seventh lunar months, they flower and form ears resembling barren wheat. From the heart of the seedling emerges another sheath, shaped like a fish tail of palm fiber, with white whiskers hanging down from the sheath. After a long time, the sheath splits and kernels emerge, clustered together. The kernels are as large as palm nuts, yellowish-white. They can be fried or roasted for eating. When roasted, they pop open white, resembling popped glutinous corn.

Rice
[Flavor and Properties] Sweet, neutral, non-toxic.
[Indications] Harmonizes the middle jiao and opens the appetite (Li Shizhen).

Root and Leaves
[Flavor and Properties] Missing in original text.
[Indications] Treats strangury with dribbling urine and sand/stones, unbearable pain. Decoct in water and drink frequently (Li Shizhen).