张仲景《伤寒论》“凡用甘草皆禁菘菜”者,是此菘菜也。叶如芜菁,绿色差淡。其
味微苦,叶嫩稍阔。不益中虚人,食之觉冷。
似芜菁,叶上纹皱起,色尤深绿为异。子与苗皆辛,子尤甚。多食动风。一品紫芥与此
无异,紫色可爱,人多食之,然亦动风。又,白芥子比诸芥稍大,其色白,入药用。
唐李白诗云∶“天马常衔苜蓿花”,是此。陕西甚多,饲牛马,嫩时人兼食之。微甘
淡,不可多食,利大小肠。有宿根,刈讫又生。
即《神农本经》第十一卷中“水蓼”之子也。彼言蓼,则用茎;此言实,即用子。故
此复论子之功,故分为二条。春初,以葫芦盛水浸湿,高挂于火上,昼夜使暖,遂生红芽,
取以为蔬,以备五辛盘。又一种水红,与此相类,但苗茎高及丈。取子微炒,碾为细末,薄
酒调二三钱服,治瘰 。久则效,效则已。
葱,初生名葱针,至夏,则有花。于秋月植,作高沟 ,旋壅起,以备冬用,曰冬葱
,其实一也。又有龙角葱,每茎上出歧如角。皮赤者名楼葱,可煎汤,渫下部。子皆辛,黑
色,有皱纹,作三瓣。此物大抵以发散为功,多食昏人神。
叶如金灯叶,差狭而更光,故古人言薤露者,以其光滑难 之义。《千金》治肺气喘
急,用薤白。亦取其滑泄也。与蜜同捣,涂汤火伤,效甚速。
Zhang Zhongjing, in the *Shanghan Lun* (Treatise on Cold Pathogenic Diseases), stated that "whenever Gancao (Licorice Root) is used, Songcai (Chinese Cabbage) must be avoided," referring to this specific type of Songcai. Its leaves resemble those of Brassica rapa var. parachinensis (Wujing), but are slightly paler in color. The taste is slightly bitter, and the tender leaves are somewhat broad. It is not beneficial for individuals with deficiency of the Middle Jiao (Spleen and Stomach Qi); consuming it may induce a sensation of coldness.
(Similarly resembling Wujing), its leaves have wrinkled veins and are notably darker green, which distinguishes it from common varieties. Both its seeds and seedlings possess a pungent flavor, with the seeds being particularly spicy. Excessive consumption may stir up Wind. A variety known as Zijie (Purple Mustard) is identical in nature; although its purple appearance is attractive and widely consumed, it also has the potential to stir up Wind. Additionally, Baijiezi (White Mustard Seed) is slightly larger than other mustard seeds, white in color, and suitable for medicinal use.
The Tang Dynasty poet Li Bai wrote, "Heavenly horses often carry sprigs of Medicago sativa (Muxu)," referring to this plant. It is abundant in Shaanxi province, where it is fed to cattle and horses; when tender, humans also consume it. It has a slightly sweet and bland taste and should not be eaten in excess, as it promotes the free flow of the Large and Small Intestines. It possesses perennial roots and regenerates after harvesting.
This refers to the seeds of Shuiliao (Polygonum hydropiper / Water Pepper) recorded in Volume XI of the *Shennong Bencao Jing*. When the text mentions Liao, it refers to the stem; here, mentioning "fruit" (seed) refers specifically to the seed. Therefore, the efficacy of the seed is discussed separately, leading to its classification into two distinct entries. In early spring, water is placed in a gourd vessel to moisten the seeds, which are then hung high near a fire to maintain warmth day and night, causing red shoots to sprout. These shoots are harvested as vegetables for inclusion in the Five Pungent Herbs Plate (Wuxin Pan). Another variety, called Shuihong, is similar but grows stems up to one zhang (approx. 3.3 meters) high. The seeds are lightly roasted, ground into a fine powder, and taken with thin wine (2-3 qian) to treat Luoli (Scrofula/Tuberculous lymphadenitis). Long-term administration yields results; once effective, treatment should cease.
Cong (Allium fistulosum / Scallion) is called Congzhen when first sprouting, and produces flowers by summer. Planted in autumn or winter, it is grown in raised furrows and hilled up with soil for winter use, known as Dongcong (Winter Onion), though botanically identical. There is also Longjiaocong (Dragon Horn Onion), where each stem branches like a horn. Those with reddish skin are called Loucong and can be decocted to wash the lower part of the body. The seeds are pungent, black, wrinkled, and divided into three lobes. Generally, this herb functions by dispersing and releasing the exterior; excessive consumption may cloud the spirit and cause mental dullness.
The leaves resemble those of the Golden Lantern flower (Physalis alkekengi) but are narrower and shinier. Hence, ancient poets referred to "Xielu" (Onion Dew), implying that the smooth surface makes dew difficult to retain. The *Qianjin Fang* uses Xiebai (Bulbus Allii Macrostemonis / Garlic Bulb) to treat Lung Qi rebellion manifesting as wheezing and急促 breathing, utilizing its slippery and purgative properties. When mashed together with honey and applied to burns or scalds, it yields very rapid therapeutic effects.