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Triticum aestivum (Xiaomai Mi)

The flavor is sweet. Wheat with bran has a cold nature; wheat without bran has a hot nature. It is cultivated everywhere and possesses the characteristics of all four seasons. This is because it is sown in autumn, grows in winter, flowers in spring, and fruits in summer. In northern regions, there are more frosts and snows, and less toxicity; in southern regions, there are fewer frosts and snows and more toxicity. Flour from northern wheat can be consumed regularly, whereas flour from southern wheat is only suitable for temporary use. (Another view states: Northern and southern lands are low and damp, causing wheat to absorb heavy moisture; consuming too much flour made from such wheat leads to poisoning.) When preparing food and drink, it promotes urination to relieve strangury, clears heat, and relieves thirst and irritability. Soaking floating grains to make thin pancakes eliminates retained food and reduces bloating. Making noodles is indeed excellent and satisfying for meals. It assists the five Zang organs, increases Qi and strength, thickens the intestines and stomach, smooths the skin, and whitens the complexion. Its hot nature may inevitably stir wind; taking radish juice can resolve this toxicity. (Because radishes are good at resolving the toxicity of wheat products.) Mixed with Gardenia jasminoides fruit (Shanzhizi Zi) pounded with vinegar and applied as a compress to fractured or bruised areas, it is very effective. Hanshi mian (Cold Food Noodles) eliminates scars; Feiluo mian (Feiluo Noodles) resolves phlegm and saliva. Bran fried with vinegar treats burns and scalds with redness and ulceration, disperses blood, and alleviates pain; Zhengbing (Steamed Buns, i.e., steamed buns peeled and soaked in water) beaten into paste is used to mix upper Jiao medicines into pills that dissolve immediately upon swallowing. Mainu (referring to the black moldy parts on the seedlings that wither first, named Xiaomai Nu) dispels epidemic heat toxins; Maiwen (i.e., stems and leaves) removes jaundice caused by alcohol and yellowing of the eyes. Both are decocted to form an emulsion, filtered, and the liquid taken frequently. Dae-barley grains are longer and denser, hence its name; the flavor is sweet and salty, the nature is neutral and slightly cold, so it is suitable for long-term consumption. Guided by honey, it enters the body to clear heat. It solidifies the intestines and stomach, tonifies deficiency and weakness, strengthens blood vessels, and beautifies the face. Combined with Myrobalan (Moshizi) and iron filings (Zhensha), it turns white hair and beard black. Da-mai mian (Barley Flour) lacks dry-heat properties (superior to wheat flour); it soothes the Stomach and relieves thirst with remarkable efficacy; Da-mai fu (Barley Bran) has a salty and warm flavor, effectively transforming food stagnation and resolving phlegm. (Currently, physicians often use this.) Pregnant women should avoid eating it, lest it cause miscarriage. Those who are deficient should consume less decoction to prevent depletion of Kidney Water. (Chen Jiamo) Commentary: Barley is a grain that connects extinction and continues life during famine. At the beginning of early summer, old grains are exhausted, and new grains have not yet been harvested; people at this time are indeed lacking food. The two types of barley ripen first, ensuring continuity without worry. Therefore, the *Spring and Autumn Annals* does not record other grains, but records "no barley, no millet." This shows that among the five cereals, the Sages valued barley and millet above all else. If it were not related to the livelihood of the people, how could it warrant mention?