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[Kelp]
Salty, cold, non-toxic. Indicated for twelve types of edema, goiter (enlargement of the thyroid gland) with qi stagnation and accumulation, and sores. Grows in the East Sea.
Currently, it is only produced in Goryeo. It is bundled with ropes like rolled hemp, appearing yellowish-black, soft, tough, and edible. The *Erya* states: "Lun resembles Lun, Zu resembles Zu," and mentions its presence in the East Sea. Currently, green algae and purple laver resemble Lun; this kelp resembles Zu, so it is likely that they are the same. All marine vegetables can treat goiter and qi stagnation; green algae and purple laver are similar in this regard. Dried algae has a hot nature, while fresh algae is very cold. (*Daguan Bencao*, Vol. 9; *Zhenghe Bencao*, p. 222)

[Red Smartweed]
Salty, slightly cold, non-toxic. Indicated for thirst-quenching (Xiao Ke), clearing heat, brightening the eyes, and benefiting qi. Also known as Hong Cao. It resembles Polygonum orientale but is larger, grows near water, and its fruits are harvested in May.
There are many such plants. Those currently growing in low, wet areas closely resemble Polygonum orientale and grow quite large. The *Classic of Poetry* mentions "Youlong in the marshes," with annotations identifying it as Hong Cao. Guo Jingchun stated: "This is Longgu." (*Daguan Bencao*, Vol. 9; *Zhenghe Bencao*, p. 234)

[Paper]
Sweet, greatly warm, non-toxic. Indicated for severe cold in the heart and abdomen, warming the middle to digest food, strengthening stomach qi, and stopping dysentery. Grows in ponds and marshes in Jiangnan.
This is the material used by southerners for making paper. Physicians use it only in combination with purgative formulas. (*Daguan Bencao*, Vol. 9; *Zhenghe Bencao*, p. 237)

[Hui Grass]
Sweet, neutral, non-toxic. Indicated for brightening the eyes, stopping tearing, treating seminal emission, removing foul odors, headache due to Cold Damage (Shang Han), upward rebellious qi, and lower back pain. Also known as Hui Cao. Grows in low, wet areas, harvested in March, dried in shade; those with detached joints are superior.
People commonly refer to grass resembling reed but fragrant as Xun Cao, which is widely planted in households. The *Yaolu* states: "Leaves resemble hemp leaves, opposite each other." The *Classic of Mountains and Seas*... Incorrect. Currently, scholars of poetry and books often use the term Hui, yet do not know what plant it refers to. Revering the name while being confused about the substance is typical of such cases. (*Xinxiu Bencao*, p. 359; *Daguan Bencao*, Vol. 30; *Zhenghe Bencao*, p. 545)

[Ginger / Dried Ginger]
Pungent, warm, greatly hot, non-toxic. Indicated for chest fullness, coughing and wheezing with upward rebellious qi, warming the middle, stopping bleeding, inducing sweating, expelling wind-damp bi syndrome, intestinal dysentery. Cold abdominal pain, sudden evil attack, cholera-like disorder, distension and fullness, various toxins from wind pathogens. Qi stagnation in the skin, stopping hemoptysis; fresh usage is particularly effective.
Fresh Ginger: Pungent, slightly warm. Indicated for headache and nasal congestion due to Cold Damage, coughing and wheezing with upward rebellious qi, and stopping vomiting. Long-term consumption removes foul odors and clarifies the spirit. Grows in Jianwei Changu and Jingzhou, Yangzhou; harvested in September. (Qinjiao acts as an assistant; it neutralizes the toxicity of Banxia and Langdang; incompatible with Huangqin, Huanglian, and Tianshushi.)
Dried Ginger is currently only produced in Linhai and Zhang'an, where only two or three villages know how to process it. Ginger from Shu and Han was historically excellent, and Jingzhou produces good ginger, but neither can be processed into dried ginger.
The method for making dried ginger is as follows: soak in water for three days, remove the skin, place in flowing water for six days, remove the skin again, then sun-dry, and store in earthenware jars, a process called "brewing" (niang). (*