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Dan Shumi (Red Broomcorn Millet)

Bitter in taste, slightly warm in nature, non-toxic. It primarily treats cough with reverse flow of Qi (Ke Ni), cholera, stops diarrhea, clears heat, and relieves irritability and thirst.

Tao Hongjing states: This is Red Broomcorn Millet (Chi Shumi). It also grows in the northern regions. Occasionally planted in Jiangdong, but not suitable for the local soil; it is mostly used in preparing divine medicines. Additionally, Black Broomcorn Millet, known as Ju (Black Millet), is used for brewing wine and sacrifices. Ministers Yuxi et al. carefully examined the *Erya*, stating: Pi (Pi Millet) is Black Broomcorn Millet; Qi (Qi Millet) has one husk containing two grains. The explanation says: According to the *Book of Songs · Sheng Min*, "Heaven sent down fine seeds, including Pi and Qi." Li Xun said: Black Broomcorn Millet is also named Pi Shu. Pi is the general name for Mo Shu. Ju is a type of Black Broomcorn Millet. If so, both Pi and Ju are Black Broomcorn Millet. However, the commentary on *Chun Guan · Chang Ren* in the *Rites of Zhou* states: Brew wine from Pi, resembling Black Broomcorn Millet, where one husk contains two grains. The use of "resembling" implies that most Black Broomcorn Millet has one grain per husk, whereas Pi is the authentic one-husk-two-grain variety. Thus, variations exist within Pi, hence "resembling" clarifies there are two grades; even single-grain types can be used for juice. It further states: Ju refers to the husk/skin, and its glume is also skin. Ju and Glume are merely differences in ancient and modern terminology. During the reign of Emperor He of Han, Black Broomcorn Millet grew in Rencheng County, some bearing three or four kernels per ear, each kernel containing two grains, yielding three hu and eight dou of millet. Ri Huazi states: Red Broomcorn Millet is warm. It directs Qi downward, stops coughing, removes irritability, quenches thirst, and reduces fever. It should not be consumed together with honey or okra (Kui).

*Tujing Bencao* states: Dan Shumi's place of origin was not recorded in older texts. Tao Hongjing said it comes from the north; occasionally planted in Jiangdong but unsuitable for local soil. Currently, it is cultivated in Jingdong East/West, He, and Shaanxi regions. There are two types of millet grains: Sticky ones are Shu (Sticky Millet), suitable for brewing wine; non-sticky ones are Shu (Millet), suitable for food consumption, similar to the distinction between Indica and Japonica rice.

Su Song states: Pi is Red Seedling; Ju is Black Broomcorn Millet; Pi has one husk containing two grains. Explainers cite the *Sheng Min Poem*: "Heaven sent down fine seeds, including Pi, Qi, Mi (same as Ji), and Qi." Pi refers to the red-seedling fine grain. Li Xun said: Pi is the large-named Black Broomcorn Millet. Ju is an alias for Pi. If so, both Pi and Ju are Black Broomcorn Millet. The commentary on *Zhou Li · Chang Ren* states: One uses the one-husk-two-grain type as Pi, and the single-grain type as Black Broomcorn Millet. In the Later Han during Emperor He's reign, Black Broomcorn Millet grew in Rencheng County, some bearing three or four kernels per ear, each kernel containing two grains, yielding three hu and eight dou. Anciently, when establishing musical standards, they accumulated medium-sized Black Male Broomcorn Millet from Shangdang to generate the pitch pipe, degree, measure, and weight. Later generations attempting to use this millet for tuning never achieved harmonious music. Another theory suggests: Pi represents the medium quality of millet, specifically the one-husk-two-grain type. This millet arises from the harmonious Qi of Heaven and Earth and is rare. When present, every ear has two grains, uniform in size without variation. Only with this millet can bell pitches be accurately determined. The reason ancient and modern times failed to harmonize musical tones is the absence of this specific millet. Other millets differ; land fertility varies, harvests fluctuate yearly, causing irregular grain sizes, making it impossible to identify the "medium" standard. This theory is considered credible. In Shangdang, during good harvest years, people often obtain two-grain millets as described, but they are scarce and sporadic, thus not offered as tribute. Northerners call Shu Huangmi (Yellow Rice) or Huangnuo (Yellow Glutinous Rice); its wine quality is inferior to glutinous rice.

*Shiyi Xinjing*: Primarily treats removing irritability and heat, stopping dysentery/diarrhea and thirst. Consume Dan Shumi rice. *Shanghan Leiyao*: For post-typhoid male Yin Yi (Yin Exchange disease). Boil 3 liang of millet into thin gruel, mix with wine, and drink. Cure follows sweating; adjust dosage according to the patient. *Zimu Milu*: For infant mouth thrush refusing milk, apply juice of Dan Shumi topically.

*Yanyi* states: Dan Shumi has red husks and yellow grains. It is only suitable for making porridge, not for cooking rice. Its high stickiness makes it hard to digest, and it may stir up wind pathogens.