Library

(See under the entry for "Rice").

Wheat Sprouts
[Indications] Various types of jaundice, promotes urination, crush and take the juice daily (from *Lei Yao*). In winter, for cracked skin on the face, eyes, hands, and feet due to cold and dryness, wash with boiled juice (Li Shizhen).
[Attached Prescriptions] One new prescription.
Urinary retention: Decoct old barley stalks into a concentrated liquid, take frequently (from *Jian Bian Fang*).

Da Mai Nu (Young Barley)
[Indications] Resolves heat diseases, eliminates drug toxicity (Chen Cangqi).

(Fonetic sound similar to "Kuang". Listed in Middle Grade in *Bie Lu*)
[Eponymy] Li Shizhen states: The husk of "Fu" is thick and coarse.
[Collected Explanations] Tao Hongjing states: "Fu" is wheat eaten by horses. Those practicing dietary therapy consume both large and small wheats, which makes one light and vigorous.
Xiao Bing states: "Fu" is planted and consumed in Sichuan. People in Shandong and Hebei plant it in the first lunar month, calling it Spring "Fu". Its shape resembles large barley.
Li Shizhen states: There are two types of "Fu": one resembles small wheat but is larger, and the other resembles large wheat but is larger.
Su Song states: "Fu" is a variety of large wheat with thicker husks. Chen Cangqi claimed it was simply large wheat with the husk attached, which is incorrect. Examining *Bie Lu*, there are independent functions recorded for "Fu"; how could its husk be edible? See details under the "Large Barley" entry.
[Properties and Flavors] Sweet, slightly cold, non-toxic.
Tao Hongjing states: This wheat is said to have a hot nature yet described as slightly cold; this may be due to differences between bran flakes and whole kernels.
Su Gong states: "Fu" has a cold nature; Tao's claim of a hot nature is incorrect. This is because it is rare in the Jiangdong region.
Meng Shen states: Consuming excessively may induce cold qi symptoms, but long-term consumption benefits the body.
[Indications] Makes the body light and clears heat. Long-term consumption increases strength and improves walking ability. Prepared as bran flakes, it warms the middle jiao and aids digestion (*Bie Lu*). Nourishes the center, does not stir up wind qi. Making it into cakes for eating is excellent (Xiao Bing).
[Elucidation] Li Shizhen states: In *Bie Lu*, "Fu" is appended under the "Wheat" entry, but absent under "Large Barley", implying that using "Wheat" is superior for making "Fu". Nowadays, people use them interchangeably without distinction.

(From *Tang Ben Cao*)
[Correction] Moved from the Herb Section to here.
[Eponymy] Yan Mai (Oat) (*Tang Ben*), You Mai (Fonetic sound similar to "Yao"), Du Lao Cao (*Wai Tai*), Niu Xing Cao.
Li Shizhen states: This is wild wheat. Eaten by swallows and sparrows, hence the name. *Ri Hua Ben Cao* identifies this as Dianthus superbus (Qumai), which is incorrect.
[Collected Explanations] Su Gong states: Que Mai is found everywhere, growing in old ruins, fields, and underwoods. The sprouts and leaves resemble small wheat but are weaker; the grains resemble "Fu" wheat but are finer.
Kong Zongshi states: The sprouts are similar to wheat, but the ears are slender and sparse. This is what Liu Mengde of the Tang Dynasty referred to as "Tu Kui and Oats, swaying in the spring wind." King Zhou Ding stated: Oat ears are extremely fine, each splitting into ten or more small branches, with tiny seeds. After pounding off the husk, it can be made into flour for steaming or baking cakes, serving well as famine relief food.
[Attached Prescriptions] Three existing prescriptions.
Fetus dead in the womb, placenta retained and rushing upward to the heart/chest: Use a handful of Que Mai, five sheng of water, boil down to two sheng, take warm (*Zi Mi Mi Lu*).
Toothache accompanied by worms, chronic for years from youth to old age: Use Que Mai, also known as Du Lao Cao, commonly called Niu Xing Cao. Take thirty bitter gourd leaves, wash clean. Cut the grass into two-cun lengths, wrap in five bundles using gourd leaves, one cun wide and half a cun thick. Soak in three-year-old vinegar. At noon, take two bundles, roast over fire until hot, place in the mouth, and apply externally to the teeth. Replace when cool. Unwrap the bundle in water to inspect; worms will appear, about three fen long. Older ones are yellow, younger ones white. There may be twenty to thirty, or as few as ten to twenty. This prescription is very effective (*Wai Tai Mi Yao*).

Mai Mi (Wheat Grain)
[Properties and Flavors] Sweet, neutral, non-toxic.
[Indications] Satisfies hunger, lubricates the intestines (Li Shizhen).

Mai Miao (Wheat Sprouts)
[Properties and Flavors] Sweet, neutral, non-toxic.
[Indications] For women experiencing difficult labor, decoct and drink the juice (Su Gong).