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Sweet in taste, warm in nature, non-toxic. Primarily functions to promote the free flow of Liver Qi and harmonize the Middle Jiao (Spleen and Stomach). Its fruit (Jishi, Fruit of Shepherd's Purse) primarily functions to brighten the eyes and treat eye pain.

Tao Hongjing stated: There are many varieties of Shepherd's Purse; this is the kind currently edible by people, and its leaves make good pickles or soup. The *Classic of Poetry* says: "Who says the sow-thistle is bitter? Its sweetness is like that of the Shepherd's Purse." This refers to this plant. Ministers Yu Xi et al., according to the *Bencao Jing Jiuzhu* (Supplement to the Divine Farmer's Materia Medica), note: Shepherd's Purse seeds, sweet in taste, neutral in nature. For those suffering from Qi disorders, consuming it may trigger cold diseases; it treats Qingmang disease (blindness or severe visual impairment) and tonifies deficiencies of the Five Zang organs. The roots and leaves, when burned to ash, can treat dysentery with red and white discharge, with excellent efficacy. Meng Shen stated: Shepherd's Purse seeds are used in formulas treating eye conditions. They should not be eaten mixed with flour. Chen Shiliang stated: The fruit is also called Ximing seeds. It treats stagnation, expels wind-toxic pathogenic factors, brightens the eyes, and clarifies vision. Harvesting the fruits on the eighth day of the fourth lunar month is beneficial. Rubbing off its flowers and placing them under mats repels insects. Ri Huazi stated: Shepherd's Purse vegetable benefits the Five Zang organs. The root treats eye pain.

The *Shenghui Fang* records: To treat sudden red eyes with pain and a gritty sensation. Apply juice from the Shepherd's Purse root into the eyes.

These three entries are supplementary materials from Chen Cangqi.

(Looks like old ferns, roots resemble Purple Comfrey Root/Zicao). According to research, Fern Fronds (Jueye), sweet in taste, cold in nature, slippery. They clear sudden heat, promote urination, induce sleep, and weaken Yang Qi. If children consume them, it leads to weakness in the legs and inability to walk. They grow in mountainous areas and are consumed as vegetables by people. The Four White-Headed Elders ate them and lived long lives, while Boyi and Shuqi died after eating ferns; thus, it is indeed not a beneficial food. The *Sou Shen Ji* records: When Xi Jian was stationed in Dantu, he went hunting in February. A soldier broke off a branch and ate it, feeling a vague discomfort that led to illness. Later, he vomited a small snake, which hung in front of the house and gradually dried into a fern shape, thereby revealing that this plant cannot be eaten raw.

The *Shiliao* records: Cold in nature. Tonifies deficiencies of the Five Zang organs. Causes Qi stagnation in the meridians, collaterals, sinews, and bones, along with toxic accumulation. Leads to leg weakness and inability to walk. Depletes sexual function, causes dim vision, nasal congestion, hair loss, and should not be consumed. Furthermore, individuals with internal cold conditions who consume it often experience abdominal distension. The *Mao Shi* poem "Ascending the Southern Mountain" states: "Climb that southern mountain, gather its fern fronds." It also says: "Gather its vetches." The hermits of Qi gathered vetches to eat; perhaps ferns are not vetches. Currently, residents in the Jiang area of Yongkang Dao mostly pickle and eat them with vinegar.