味甘，平，无毒。主下气，和中，补脾气，利大肠。
今出江东为胜，庐陵亦有好者。广州人种，数年生，皆如大竹，长丈余，取汁以为沙糖，
甚益人。又有荻蔗，节疏而细，亦可啖也。（《新修》二五二页，《大观》卷二十三，《政和》
四七一页）
味辛，平，有毒。主宽肠胃，充肌肤，滑中。一名土芝。
钱塘最多，生则有毒 ，不可食，性滑中，下石，服饵家所忌。种芋三年不采，成 芋。
又
与饮之，得活矣。（《新修》二五四页，《大观》卷二十三，《政和》四六八页）
味苦、甘，微寒，无毒。主治消渴，痹热，热中，益气。一名藉姑，一名水萍。二月生
叶，叶如芋。三月三日采根，曝干。
今藉姑生水田中，叶有桠，状如泽泻，不正似芋。其根黄似芋子而小，煮食之乃可啖。
疑其有乌名，今有乌者，根极相似，细而美，叶乖异状，头如莞草，呼为凫茨，恐此非也。
（《新修》二五四页，《大观》卷二十三，《政和》四六九页）
味酸，平，无毒。主治大腹水肿，面目、四肢浮肿，利小便水道。根∶主齿龈肿，龋齿，
坚齿，去白虫。一名爵李，一名车下李，一名棣。生高山川谷及丘陵上。五月、六月采
山野处处有，其子熟赤色，亦可啖之。（《新修》一五六页，《大观》卷十四，《政和》三四五
页）
Sweet, neutral in nature, non-toxic. Primarily directs Qi downward, harmonizes the middle Jiao (middle burner), tonifies Spleen Qi, and promotes bowel movement.
Currently, those produced in Jiangdong are superior; Luling also has good quality ones. People in Guangzhou cultivate them; they grow for several years, resembling large bamboo shoots, over a zhang (approx. 3.3 meters) long. The juice is extracted to make rock sugar, which is very beneficial to the human body. There is also a variety called Di Zhe (Arundo donax cane-like sugarcane), with sparse nodes and slender stems, which can also be eaten. (Xinxiu Bencao page 252, Daguan Bencao Vol. 23, Zhenghe Bencao page 471)
Pungent, neutral in nature, toxic. Primarily expands the stomach and intestines, fills the skin and muscles, and lubricates the bowels. Also known as Tu Zhi (Earth Ganoderma).
The most abundant production is in Qiantang. When fresh, it is toxic and inedible; its nature lubricates the bowels and expels stones, making it taboo for those practicing alchemical elixir ingestion. If taro is planted and not harvested for three years, it becomes a giant taro.
Furthermore, if one ingests toxic taro, administering [this antidote/herb] allows survival. (Xinxiu Bencao page 254, Daguan Bencao Vol. 23, Zhenghe Bencao page 468)
Bitter and sweet, slightly cold, non-toxic. Primarily treats Xiao Ke (wasting-thirst syndrome), Bi syndrome with heat, heat in the middle Jiao, and benefits Qi. Also known as Jie Gu, and also known as Shui Ping. Leaves emerge in the second lunar month, resembling taro leaves. Roots are harvested on the third day of the third lunar month and dried in the sun.
Current Jie Gu grows in paddy fields; its leaves have branches, resembling Eleocharis dulcis (Chinese water chestnut) leaves, not exactly like taro leaves. Its root is yellowish like taro but smaller; it can be eaten after boiling.
I suspect there is another name "Wu". Currently, there is a plant called Wu, whose root is extremely similar, fine and beautiful, but the leaf shape is aberrant, with the head resembling Cyperus rotundus (nutgrass), called Fu Ci (water chestnut). I fear this is incorrect. (Xinxiu Bencao page 254, Daguan Bencao Vol. 23, Zhenghe Bencao page 469)
Sour, neutral in nature, non-toxic. Primarily treats abdominal edema, edema of the face, eyes, and limbs, and promotes urination through the urinary pathways. Root: primarily treats gingival swelling, dental caries, strengthens teeth, and removes intestinal parasites. Also known as Jue Li, also known as Che Xia Li, also known as Di. Grows in high mountains, river valleys, and hills. Harvested in the fifth and sixth lunar months; found everywhere in the wild. The fruit turns red when ripe and can also be eaten. (Xinxiu Bencao page 156, Daguan Bencao Vol. 14, Zhenghe Bencao page 345)