Compendium of Materia Medica: Illustrated Volume Middle of Middle

Your servant from the Golden Gate ? original: "Jinmen chen." The "Golden Gate" is a classical literary reference to the Hanlin Academy, the elite imperial institution. "Chen" (servant/official) indicates the text was prepared for the Emperor's review.

Grains, Section Three

Millet and Small Grain varieties original: "Jisu lei." This category includes common millet, foxtail millet, and other small-seeded grasses that were staples of the ancient Chinese diet.

Beans and Legume varieties original: "Shudou lei." This encompasses a wide range of soy, mung, and kidney beans, which were essential sources of protein.

Vegetables, Section One

Pungent and Acrid varieties Pungent and Acrid (Hunxin): A category of strong-smelling vegetables including the "five pungent spices" (garlic, leeks, scallions, onions, and chives). In traditional medicine, these were believed to move energy (Qi) but were often restricted in religious diets due to their stimulating effects.

Vegetables, Section Two

Tender and Mucilaginous varieties original: "Rouhua lei." These are plants with soft, succulent leaves or those that produce a "slippery" or mucilaginous texture when cooked, such as mallow or certain lilies.

Vegetables, Section Three