Library

Barley (Damai): Sweet and salty, slightly cold in nature. Clears heat, relieves thirst, transforms Qi, and harmonizes the middle jiao. Porridge made from barley flour is an excellent remedy for clearing summerheat. Scorched Malt (Jiao Maiya): Bitter, neutral in nature. Promotes digestion of food, increases appetite, widens the chest, and regulates Qi. Barley Flour (Damai Mian): Directs Qi downward, resolves heat, harmonizes the Stomach, and widens the chest. It does not cause the adverse effects of Qi stagnation or heat accumulation; it is suitable as a food item during the summer months.

Also known as Northern Wheat (Beimai). Sweet, slightly cold in nature. Clears the middle jiao and benefits Qi. Long-term consumption strengthens physical power.

Shumi (Glutinous Millet): Sweet, cold in nature. Resolves accumulation, promotes gastric function, directs Qi downward, and widens the chest. Contraindicated for those with Stomach deficiency without heat.

Also known as Sparrow Grass (Quemai). Sweet, neutral in nature. Satiates hunger and lubricates the intestines. Its seedlings: Expel dead fetus and placenta.

Nuomi (Glutinous Rice): Sweet, warm in nature. Enters the Spleen and Lung meridians to tonify deficiency and benefit Qi, strengthens the Stomach, and nourishes Yin. Its nature is very sticky and cloying; children should consume it sparingly, and patients are especially advised to avoid it. Nuodaogen (Root of Glutinous Rice Plant): Relieves tenesmus. Suitable for sudden dysentery in individuals with Stomach deficiency and Qi stagnation.

Jingmi (Common Rice): Jingmi from the North is cool; Jingmi from the South is warm. Red Jingmi is hot; White Jingmi is cool. New Jingmi is hot; Aged Jingmi is neutral. Early-season Jingmi is warm; Late-season Jingmi is cool. All have a slightly sweet taste. Possessing the harmonious Qi of Heaven and Earth, and obtaining the pure essence of the Sun and Moon, upon entering the Stomach, it tonifies the Spleen and benefits the Lungs, generates Qi, nourishes Blood, adds Essence, and assists Shen (Spirit). It is the imperishable staple food for daily health preservation, cherished by both rich and poor. Thick Rice Decoction (Chou Mi Yin): Benefits the Stomach and nourishes Shen; most suitable for dry thirst without fire. Clear Rice Wash Water (Qing Migao): Clears heat, stops diarrhea, and relieves irritability. Rice Husk (Guke): Mixed with vinegar, steamed, and applied externally to treat Cold Bi syndrome. Rice Straw (Daochai): Decocted into juice to help digest cow's milk.

Rice (Mi): Sweet, warm in nature. Warms the middle jiao.

Shumi (Millet): Sweet, neutral in nature. Harmonizes the Middle, benefits the Stomach, benefits Qi, and favors the Spleen. The non-glutinous variety of Shumi is called Ji (Broomcorn Millet). The stem of Ji: Treats edema; decocted for bathing.

Ji (Broomcorn Millet): Sweet, warm in nature. Tonifies the middle and benefits Qi. Long-term consumption causes irritability and heat. The glutinous variety of Ji is called Shu (Foxtail Millet). The root of Shu: Treats Heart Qi pain.

Gaoliang (Sorghum): Sweet, slightly warm in nature. Huangliang (Yellow Sorghum) is neutral; Bailiang (White Sorghum) and Qingliang (Green Sorghum) are slightly cool. All can benefit Qi and harmonize the middle. Can be used to brew wine. The larger grains of Su (Millet) are Gaoliang.

Also known as Xiaomi (Proso Millet). Salty and bland, slightly cool in nature. Tonifies deficiency, benefits damage, opens the stomach, and promotes urination. The finer grains of Liang (Millet) are Su.

Also known as Huangmi (Yellow Millet). Sweet, slightly cool in nature. Nourishes Yin and promotes bowel movements. The glutinous variety of Liangmi and Sumi is called Mo.