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White Hyacinth Bean (Bai Biandou)
Taste is sweet, nature is slightly warm. Non-toxic. Planted in gardens and fields, vines grow long. Flowers are either purple or white; fruits are either black or white. Seeds are contained within pods, harvested in late autumn. The white variety is called "Biandou" (Hyacinth Bean), the black variety is called "Que Dou" (Magpie Bean). Only the white variety is used in medicine, to direct Qi downward and harmonize the Middle Jiao. It can eliminate vomiting and regurgitation caused by Huoluan (Cholera-like syndrome with sudden vomiting and diarrhea). (Sun-dry, grind into powder, mix with rice water for oral administration.) Leaves applied externally treat snake and insect bites. (Mash with vinegar, apply to the bite site.)

White Sesame (Bai Youma)
Taste is sweet. Raw: cold nature; Stir-fried: hot nature. Non-toxic. Available everywhere, sown in summer, harvested in autumn. Moves Wind-Qi, treats floating Wind on head and face (edema due to Wind pathogen), treats deficiency-Lao (chronic wasting) and exogenous heat in the body, lubricates intestines to relieve constipation; benefits blood vessels, nourishes dryness and brittleness. Do not consume for a long time, as it consumes muscle tissue. Chewed raw, it can be applied to head sores. Leaves mashed and mixed with starchy water for hair washing can also remove Head Wind and nourish hair. Sesame oil has a cold nature; food must be seasoned appropriately. Must be cooked thoroughly after overnight storage; raw consumption may disturb Qi and cause harm. In medicine, it only benefits external diseases. Treats all kinds of malignant ulcers, clears Heat-Toxin from the Lower Jiao. Promotes uterine contraction for labor induction, applies to scabies and tinea to kill parasites. Boil strong wine, take a small amount to disperse back carbuncles. For external swelling, mix with egg and Mang Xiao (Mirabilite), stir and ingest. (1 he of oil, 2 eggs, 1 liang of Mirabilite, mix well and ingest.) Causes severe purgation to attack Heat-Toxin and internal abscesses. If a centipede enters the ear, sleeping on a pancake will make it crawl out. If it causes Zhen Tong (severe pain/spasm), drinking a full bowl induces vomiting and relief. For dry, difficult defecation, blow oil into the anus to moisten. (Hold oil in mouth, insert goose quill into anus, blow into intestine, stool becomes moist and passes naturally.) Excellent method for pediatric abdominal distension and obstruction. Aged sesame boiled into paste generates flesh and promotes healing. Stir-fried sesame eaten in small amounts is no different from fire. Contraindicated for patients with Spleen disease and dental diseases.

Hu Ma (Sesame / Black Sesame)
(Also known as Ju Sheng) Taste is sweet, nature is neutral. Non-toxic. Originally from Duanwan in Hu lands, Zhang Qian first brought seeds back. Grains are large and plump, similar to hemp. Named Hu Ma because it originated from Hu regions. Among the Eight Grains, it is superior. Also called Ju Sheng, a term of praise. This theory originates from Tao Hongjing's commentary. People say if planted by husband and wife together, growth is lush and yield doubles. Shangdang (in Zhili) orchards plant it extensively. Tender stems and leaves can be eaten as vegetables; the seed is grain. Black interior is good, white is inferior. Poetry says: "Eating Hu Ma under pine trees," refers to this. Daoist texts value it highly, suitable with Poria. Steamed, it tonifies deficiency and emaciation, resists hunger, thirst, cold, and heat. Fills marrow, strengthens bones and sinews, boosts Qi and strength, nourishes skin and flesh. Brightens eyes, lightens the body, prolongs life without aging. Raw, chewed and applied to swellings; applied to baldness, promotes hair regrowth. Effective immediately for infantile head sores and spreading malignant sores; special merit for female vulvar swelling and metal wounds/carbuncles. Burns and scalds can also be treated with application. Pressed oil is edible, lubricates intestines and assists delivery; flowers dried in shade, soaked juice makes dough very soft. Seedlings and leaves "harvested," also named Qing . Recorded in medical texts, aids treatment. Dominates Five Zang organ pathogens, expels Wind-Cold-Damp Bi syndrome; benefits Yuan Yang of the whole body, nourishes muscles, marrow, and brain. Water infused for hair washing keeps hair moist; decoction poured on sick cattle revives them.
(Mo) Commentary: Hu Ma, also known as Ju Sheng. Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing only lists it briefly, Tao's commentary already clarified. Later, Daoist recipes had two methods of consuming Hu Ma and Ju Sheng, with slight differences, causing debates among scholars. Some say: Round stem is Hu Ma; square stem is Ju Sheng. Some say: Eight-edged, purple-black color is Hu Ma; pointed ends, seven-edged, pure red color is Ju Sheng, taste is astringent and sour. Some say: Hu Ma alias Teng , Ju Sheng alias Gou Shi. Although one substance, there are two varieties. Indeed, like Tian Xiong and Fu Zi, shapes differ, treatments vary, listed separately in Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing, doctors must distinguish when using. Thus, although two names, same treatment. Different colors and shapes are normal for substances. Carefully identify species, then use. Why debate endlessly which is Ju Sheng and which is Hu Ma? Searching for a horse by its picture, what benefit is there?