Collected Illustrations of the Three Realms: Plants and Trees

Page Eight

Bitter Mustard Seed

The Bitter Mustard Seed original: Ku Jie Zi (苦芥子). While related to common mustard, this variety is specifically noted for its medicinal applications in cooling the body. grows in the region of Qinzhou A historical prefecture located in modern-day Gansu Province, China.. The seedlings reach a height of one foot or more. Its stems and stalks are green in color, and its leaves resemble those of a willow tree indicating long, slender leaves. It produces white flowers that resemble elm pods referring to the shape of the seed siliques.

The seeds themselves are black and have a bitter taste. In terms of medicinal energy, the plant is classified as "Great Cold" Da Han: A classification in Traditional Chinese Medicine indicating a potent cooling effect, used to counteract high fever or intense internal heat. and is non-toxic.

It is used to brighten the eyes improve vision or treat eye inflammation and is effective in treating "blood-wind" Xue Feng: A traditional diagnostic term for conditions involving itchy skin eruptions or rashes thought to be caused by "wind" and "heat" in the blood. and restlessness original: fanzao (煩躁), referring to a state of irritability or mental agitation often associated with internal heat..