Library

(From *Bencao Shiyi* / Supplement to Materia Medica)

[Names] Hu Dou (from *Bencao Shiyi*), Rong Shu (from *Erya*), Huihu Dou (from *Liao Shi*. *Yinshan Zhengyao* calls it Huihui Dou. Huihui refers to Huihu), Bi Dou (from *Tang Shi*. Cui Bao's *Gujin Zhu Yue Ling* writes it as "KT" Dou, likely a variant or error for Bi Dou), Qing Xiao Dou (from *Qianjin Fang*), Qing Ban Dou (from *Mingyi Bie Lu*), Ma Lei.

Li Shizhen states: Hu Dou is the Pea (*Pisum sativum*). Its seedlings are soft and winding, hence the name "Wan" (winding). It originated from the Hu regions of the west. When young, it is green; when old, it becomes spotted like hemp, thus having names such as Hu, Rong, Qing Ban, and Ma Lei. Chen Cangqi in *Bencao Shiyi* mentions Hu Dou but only describes its seedlings as resembling beans, growing in fields, often found mixed with rice. However, both Peas and Fava Beans (*Vicia faba*) bear the name "Hu Dou." The Hu Dou mentioned by Chen likely refers to Peas, as their grains are small and thus mix with rice. *Erya* records: Rong Shu is called Ren Shu. *Guanzi* records: Shan Ru produced Ren Shu and spread it throughout the world. Annotations state this is Hu Dou. *Tang Shi* records: Bi Dou originated from the Western Ru Huihu territories.

Zhang Yi in *Guangya* states: Bi Dou and Wan Dou are Liu Dou. The preface of *Mingyi Bie Lu* states: Pills the size of Hu Dou refer to Qing Ban Dou. Sun Simiao in *Qianjin Fang* says: Qing Xiao Dou is also named Hu Dou and Ma Lei. *Ye Zhong Ji* states: Shi Hu avoided the character "Hu" due to taboo, changing Hu Dou to Guo Dou. These statements all refer to Peas. Generally, in ancient times, Peas were called Hu Dou; now, people in Sichuan specifically call Fava Beans Hu Dou, while the name Hu Dou for Peas has been forgotten. Additionally, locals call larger Peas "Huai Dou," likely due to phonetic similarity to Huihu.

[Collection and Explanation] Li Shizhen states: Peas originated from the Western Hu regions and are now widely cultivated in northern China. Sown in August or September, the seedlings grow soft like vines with tendrils. Leaves resemble those of Tribulus (*Jili*), opposite each other, edible when tender. In March or April, they bloom with small flowers resembling moths, pale purple in color. Pods are about one cun long; seeds are round like medicinal pills, resembling Licorice seeds. Those from Hu lands are as large as apricot kernels. Boiled or fried, they are excellent; ground into flour, they are very white and fine. Among grains, they ripen earliest. There is also wild pea, whose grains are too small for consumption, but the seedlings are edible, named Qiao Yao, see Vegetable Section.

[Flavor and Properties] Sweet, neutral, non-toxic. Sun Simiao states: Sweet, salty, warm/neutral, astringent.

Rui states: Excessive consumption induces Qi disorders.

[Therapeutic Actions] Treats Xiao Ke (Wasting and Thirsting Syndrome); boiled plainly and eaten, it is effective (Chen Cangqi). Treats alternating chills and fever, heat in the middle jiao, eliminates vomiting and regurgitation, stops diarrhea and dysentery, promotes urination, and relieves abdominal distension (Sun Simiao). Harmonizes Ying and Wei (Defensive and Nutritive Qi), tonifies the Middle Jiao, and regulates Qi. Boiled and eaten, it promotes lactation. Can be used to make sauces (Rui). Decoction drunk kills "ghost toxicity" affecting the heart and resolves toxicity from Milk Stone (Ru Shi). Ground into powder and applied topically, it treats carbuncles and smallpox sores. Made into bath soap (Zao Dou), it removes dirt and makes the face lustrous (Li Shizhen).

[Elucidation] Li Shizhen states: Peas belong to Earth, so their therapeutic actions mostly relate to the Spleen and Stomach. During the Yuan Dynasty, dietary practices often used these peas, peeled and pounded, cooked with mutton, claiming they tonify the Middle Jiao and benefit Qi. Now a daily food, yet omitted in Tang and Song materia medica, which is a notable omission. The facial wash bath soap formulas in *Qianjin Fang* and *Waitai Miyao* heavily use Bi Dou flour, appreciating its whiteness and fineness.

[Attached Formulas] Three new formulas.

Si Sheng Dan (Four Sages Pill): Treats pediatric smallpox lesions containing Ding (hard nodules), or those that are purple-black and large, black and rotting/foul-smelling, or have black lines in the center. This condition has a high mortality rate (80-90%). Only Minister Niu obtained this secret formula for topical application, which is most effective. Use 49 Pea seeds (charred to retain efficacy), 3 fen of hair ash, and 14 pearls stir-fried and ground. Mix and take orally.

Ru Shi Fa (Toxicity from Milk Stone): Half sheng of Hu Dou, pounded and ground, squeezed with water (8 he) to extract juice, then drunk. Recovery is immediate (from *Waitai Miyao*).

Huo Luan Tu Li (Cholera-like Vomiting and Diarrhea): 3 he of Peas, 3 liang of Xiang Chi (Prepared Soybean Ferment), ground into powder. Decoct with 3 cups of water until 1 cup remains. Divide into two doses (from *Taiping Shenghui Fang*).