味甘，平、寒，无毒。主补中养神，益气力，除百疾。久服轻身，耐老，不饥，延年。
一名水芝丹，一名莲。生汝南池泽，八月采。
即今莲子，八月、九月取坚黑者，干捣破之。花及根并入神仙用。今云茎，恐即是根，
不尔不应言甘也。宋帝时，太官作羊血 ，庖人削藕皮误落血中，遂皆散不凝，医仍用藕治
血多效也。（《新修》二四七页，《大观》卷二十三，《政和》四六○页）
味甘，平，无毒。主治湿痹，腰脊膝痛，补中，除暴疾，益精气，强志，令耳目聪明，
久服轻身，不饥，耐老，神仙。一名雁喙实，一名芡。生雷泽池泽，八月采。
此即今 子，子形上花似鸡冠，故名鸡头。仙方取此并莲实合饵，能令小儿不长，自别
有
味甘，平，无毒。主安中，补脏，不饥，轻身。一名菱。
庐江间最多，皆取火燔，以为米充粮，今多蒸曝蜜和饵之，断谷长生。水族中又有菰首
，性冷，恐非上品。被霜后食之，令阴不强。又不可杂白蜜食，令生虫。（《新修》二四八页，
《大观》卷二十三，《政和》四六五页）
味咸，温，无毒。主益气，浓肠胃，补肾气，令人忍饥，生山阴，九月采。
今会稽最丰，诸暨栗形大，皮浓不美，剡及始丰皮薄而甜。相传有人患脚弱，往栗树下
食数升，便能起行，此是补肾之义，然应生啖之。今若饵服，故宜蒸曝之。（《新修》二四九
页
Sweet in taste, neutral and cold in nature, non-toxic. Primarily tonifies the Middle Jiao (Middle Burner), nourishes the Shen (Spirit), strengthens Qi and physical strength, and eliminates various diseases. Long-term consumption lightens the body, delays aging, reduces hunger, and prolongs life.
Also known as Shuizhi Dan (Water Lotus Pill) or Lian (Lotus). Grows in the ponds and marshes of Runan; harvested in August.
This refers to the lotus seed (Lian Zi) of today. In August and September, select those that are hard and black, dry them, and pound them to break them open. The flower and root are also used by practitioners of immortality arts. What is currently referred to as "stem" is likely the root; otherwise, it would not be described as sweet. During the reign of the Song Emperor, when the Taiguan Bureau was preparing mutton blood soup, a cook accidentally dropped lotus root peel into the blood, causing it to disperse and fail to coagulate. Physicians still use lotus root to treat bleeding disorders with good efficacy. (Xinxiu Bencao, p. 247; Daguan Bencao, Vol. 23; Zhenghe Bencao, p. 460)
Sweet in taste, neutral in nature, non-toxic. Mainly treats Bi syndrome caused by dampness (pain and numbness due to damp obstruction), pain in the lower back, spine, and knees; tonifies the Middle Jiao; eliminates sudden illnesses; benefits Essence and Qi; stabilizes the will; and enhances hearing and vision. Long-term consumption lightens the body, reduces hunger, delays aging, and leads to immortality. Also known as Yanhui Shi or Qian (Euryale Seed). Grows in the ponds and marshes of Leize; harvested in August.
This is the Euryale seed (Qian Shi) of today. The fruit's upper flower resembles a rooster's comb, hence the name Jitou (Chicken Head). Immortality prescriptions take this herb combined with lotus seeds for ingestion, which can prevent children from growing tall. Additionally, there is...
Sweet in taste, neutral in nature, non-toxic. Primarily harmonizes the Middle Jiao, tonifies the Zang organs, reduces hunger, and lightens the body. Also known as Ling (Water Caltrop).
Most abundant in Lujiang; people roast them over fire to use as rice substitute for sustenance. Nowadays, they are often steamed, sun-dried, mixed with honey, and eaten to abstain from grain and achieve longevity. Among aquatic plants, there is also Gushou (Zizania Caulis/Edible Wild Rice Stem), which has a cold nature and is probably not suitable for the Upper Grade. Consuming it after frost weakens Yin. It should not be eaten with white honey, as it may cause worms. (Xinxiu Bencao, p. 248; Daguan Bencao, Vol. 23; Zhenghe Bencao, p. 465)
Salty in taste, warm in nature, non-toxic. Primarily supplements Qi, thickens the intestines and stomach, tonifies Kidney Qi, and enables one to endure hunger. Grows in Shanyin; harvested in September.
Currently, Kuaiji produces the most abundance. Chestnuts from Zhuji are large but have thick, unappealing skins; those from Shan and Shifeng have thin skins and are sweet. Legend has it that someone suffering from leg weakness ate several sheng of chestnuts under a chestnut tree and was then able to walk. This illustrates the principle of tonifying the Kidneys; however, they should ideally be eaten raw. If taken now as a medicinal food, it is appropriate to steam and sun-dry them first. (Xinxiu Bencao, p. 249)