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Red Bean (Vigna umbellata)
Also known as Fubi.
Taste: Acrid, Sweet, Sour. Nature: Warm and Neutral. Category: Yang within Yin. Toxicity: Non-toxic. Grown in various soils everywhere; those with a color resembling rouge are considered superior. Donkeys eating it become light-footed, while humans become heavy-footed. It is an essential medicine praised by surgeons and a quick remedy for Hong Kong Foot (podagra/foot swelling). It dissipates carbuncles and swellings; when powdered and mixed with egg white, it can be applied externally to bind the area. It promotes water metabolism and reduces edema; when powdered and taken with Tongcao Decoction, it aids urination. For children suffering from acute jaundice and rotting sores, washing with its juice three times or less is sufficient. For adults suffering from drunkenness and dry heat, drinking one cup of its decoction suffices to resolve the condition. Decocted with Sangbaipi (Morus Alba Root Bark), it treats Bi syndrome caused by dampness leading to swelling and enlargement of hands and feet. Boiled with live carp, it treats Hong Kong Foot where pathogenic factors invade the navel and abdomen causing protrusion. However, if used solely for promoting diuresis and draining fluids, long-term consumption causes the body to become dry and rough. Red bean powder can remove oil stains adhering to clothes; red bean leaves stop frequent urination. The name "Fubi" comes from its foul odor; although considered humble, it is indeed excellent for resolving alcohol intoxication. Consumed together with Ge Hua (Puerariae Flos), one will not get drunk even after drinking heavily. Another variety is Green Bean (Mung Bean), which has small and round grains. Taste: Sweet. Skin: Cold. Flesh: Neutral. It can circulate through the twelve meridians. Decocted as soup, it resolves alcohol toxicity and eliminates irritability and heat. Made into powder and applied to swellings and carbuncles, it suppresses Erysipelas. It supplements Qi and strength, moistens skin and flesh, thickens the intestines and stomach, and nourishes the spirit. When the five Zang organs are harmonized, regular consumption requires no restriction. Using it as a pillow for night sleep brightens the eyes and disperses wind. Flowers are harvested, sun-dried, and stored; they are also used in Tang for resolving hangovers.
White Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris var. albus) is white in color, with a neutral taste and salty nature. Because it enters the Kidney Meridian, it is called the Grain of the Kidney. (Sun Simiao said: This is the grain of the Kidney, suitable for consumption in Kidney diseases.) It expels ghostly qi and benefits the Kidneys, warms the intestines and stomach, and regulates the Middle Jiao. Leaves descend Qi and harmonize the five Zang organs particularly effectively; young leaves eaten raw as vegetables are especially beneficial. Peas are another name for Broad Beans (Vicia faba), which benefit the Middle Jiao and harmonize both Ying and Wei. They make excellent sauce, but one must remember that they may cause the dispersion of Qi.
Knife Bean (Canavalia gladiata) grows about a foot long and is also suitable for making sauce. There are also Jin Dou, Meimei Dou, Huzhao Dou, Yangyan Dou, and Cowpeas (Vigna unguiculata subsp. sesquipedalis), which are only suitable for tea-time snacks and have no other uses.