Supplement to the Compendium of Materia Medica, Volume 4

The leaves, when chewed, have a taste similar to bitter radish; after prolonged chewing, they become slightly pungent. Beside each large leaf grow two smaller leaflets that resemble those of an apricot tree. From the eighth to the ninth month, each leaf produces three seeds, shaped like grains of foxtail millet; within each seed is a single kernel. These kernels resemble radish seeds; they are green when young and turn black as they age. The seeds are harvested for use in medicine to treat coughs that have injured the lungs. The plant blooms with delicate purplish-red flowers from the fifth month through the tenth. It is quite common and can be found growing everywhere.

For the Treatment of Blood Disorders

According to the Collection of Proven Prescriptions, take the leaves and use them together with Giant Knotweed original: huzhang (虎杖). Known for its ability to invigorate blood and clear heat. and Agrimony original: longya (龍芽). Literally "Dragon’s Bud," a herb traditionally used to stop bleeding..

For "Blood Flooding" original: xuebeng (血崩). A term for severe, acute uterine bleeding or flooding., the Collection of Proven Prescriptions suggests: Take Yellow Jute original: huangma (黃麻) leaves along with their roots and pound them into a pulp. Decoct this with wine and leave it outdoors overnight to absorb the dew. Drink the preparation the following morning.

For Qi-Related Conditions

This remedy is used for heart pain, abdominal pain, dysentery, and internal congestion or lumps original: pijie (痞結). Refers to a sensation of fullness or a physical mass in the abdomen caused by the stagnant "binding" of vital energy or fluids..

The Seeds

The seeds are used to treat coughs that have caused injury to the lungs.

Wang Lianshi A significant Qing Dynasty medical writer known for documenting folk remedies and herbal knowledge in works like The Manual of Herb Collecting. states: "Big Hemp Seeds" are actually Yellow Jute seeds. Their nature is hot, and they serve to circulate the blood. Physicians include them in the preparation of anesthetic drugs, using them in combination with Datura original: fengqie (風茄). Also known as the "Wind Eggplant" or Thorn Apple; it was a primary ingredient in traditional Chinese anesthetics due to its sedative properties..