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Amaranthi Fructus (Xian Shi)

The flavor is sweet, the nature is cold to great cold, and it is non-toxic. It primarily treats Qingmang (blurred vision or blindness), Baiyi (corneal opacity), brightens the eyes, eliminates pathogenic factors, promotes urination and defecation, removes chills and fever, and kills Ascaris lumbricoides (roundworm). Long-term consumption benefits Qi and strength, prevents hunger, and lightens the body. It is also known as Maxian (Horse Amaranth) and Moshí. Xixian (Fine Amaranth) has the same effects. It grows in marshes and fields of Huaiyang; its leaves resemble those of Isatis tinctoria (Indigo plant); it is harvested in the eleventh month.

Tao Hongjing stated: Yun Li refers to amaranth vegetables. The current Maxian is a different species, growing prostrate on the ground with extremely tiny fruits, commonly called Pseudostellariae Radix (Ma Chi Xian / Purslane), which is edible and slightly sour, and likely not the current Amaranthi Fructus. The true Amaranthi Fructus should be from Bai Xian (White Amaranth), hence the statement that Xixian is similar, as its leaves resemble Indigo plant. Xixian is also known as Fang Xian (Bran Amaranth), which is superior for dietary use, hence the harvest time in the eleventh month. There is also Chi Xian (Red Amaranth), with purely purple stems, which can treat Chi Li (bloody dysentery) but is inedible. In medical prescriptions, the use of Amaranthi Fructus is rare; it is used opportunistically in Duangu formulas (grain-abstaining regimens). The Commentary on the New Tang Materia Medica states: Chi Xian is also known as KT (pronounced "kui"). The current Amaranthi Fructus is also known as Moshí; there is doubt regarding the character "Mo". It is non-toxic. It treats Chi Li (bloody dysentery) and also treats Shegong (archer bug) and Shashi (sand mite) toxins; this refers to Chiyexian (Red-leaf Amaranth). Maxian, also known as Machi Cao (Purslane Herb), when crushed and applied to various swellings and verrucae (warts), and its juice drunk, treats Fanwei (regurgitation/vomiting), various Lin syndromes (dysuria), Jinchuang (traumatic wounds), bleeding, blood stasis, Zhengji (masses), and is particularly effective for children. Washing tight lips with its juice, as well as applying it to facial eruptions, horse sweat, and Shegong toxins, leads to recovery. Current research indicates: Chen Cangqi's Materia Medica states: Do not consume together with turtle meat. If finely chopped turtle meat is mixed with amaranth and placed in a damp, water-near environment, it transforms into live turtles. Zixian (Purple Amaranth) kills insect toxins. Ministers Yu Xi et al., according to the Shu Ben Commentary: Renxian (Human Amaranth), Maxian, Zixian, and Wuse Xian (Five-color Amaranth) total six types. Only the fruits of Renxian and Baixian are used medicinally. Similar to purslane, Chi Xian has a pungent flavor and possesses distinct efficacies; Zixian and Wuse Xian are not used in medicine. Meng Shen stated: Amaranth tonifies Qi and clears heat. Its seeds brighten the eyes. Harvest after frost in the ninth month. The leaves move Qi, causing irritability and damaging the spleen and stomach. Ri Huazi stated:

Tu Jing (Illustrated Classic) states: Amaranthi Fructus grows in marshes and fields of Huaiyang and is now found everywhere. It is Renxian. The Classic states that Xixian is similar, with leaves resembling Indigo plant, which is correct. Careful examination shows six types of amaranth: Renxian, Chi Xian, Baixian, Zixian, Maxian, and Wuse Xian. Maxian is Ma Chi Xian (Purslane), detailed in subsequent entries. For medicinal use, Renxian and Baixian are both Great Cold, also called Fang Xian, Hu Xian, or Xixian; they are essentially the same. They mature only after frost; the fruits are small and black, treating Yi Mu Hei Hua (eye floaters/opacities) and Gan Feng Ke Re (liver wind with guest heat). Zixian has purple stems and leaves; people in Wu use it to dye vegetables and melons; among all amaranths, this one is non-toxic and not cold, and additionally treats Qi Li (gas dysentery). Chi Xian is also called Hua Xian, with deep red stems and leaves. The roots and stems can be pickled and are delicious. However, its nature is slightly cold, so it treats Blood Li (bloody dysentery). Wuse Xian is now rare. Xixian is commonly called Ye Xian (Wild Amaranth), which pigs like to eat, also known as Zhu Xian (Pig Amaranth). Ji Yan Fang (Collected Proven Prescriptions): Treats bites from various snakes. Take Zixian, crush and squeeze juice, drink one sheng; apply the dregs mixed with water to the wound. Also, for Shegong toxin poisoning causing chills, fever, and sores localized in one area, differing from usual cases, take one sheng of Chi Xian, twice daily, until recovered.

Chen Cangqi stated: Tao Hongjing considered Machi Xian and Xian to be of the same category, and Su Gong listed the efficacy of Machi Xian under the Xian entry. Investigating these two substances, their categories differ significantly, so they should be classified separately. Regarding dietary therapy: Leaves moving Qi cause irritability and damage the spleen and stomach. Do not eat with turtle meat, as it causes the formation of turtle masses. Also, take turtle shell pieces the size of beans, cover with soil overnight, and they will transform into baby turtles. Additionally, on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month, harvest amaranth vegetables and Machi Xian, grind into powder, mix in equal proportions, and administer to pregnant women to facilitate childbirth.

Yan Yi (Explanation of Meanings) states: Amaranthi Fructus is rarely used in medicine; the seedling is also called Renxian, which people often eat. Those with tall stems and red and yellow leaves are called Hong Renxian (Red Human Amaranth), suitable for pickling.