神农本草经米谷（下品）

Shennong Bencao Jing: Grains (Lower Grade)

Overall Paraphrase

The Shennong Bencao Jing, Grains section, Lower Grade, records: Fufei (腐婢), acrid in flavor, neutral in nature. The ancients believed it primarily treated jiēnuè (a type of malaria-like illness with alternating chills and fever) , alternating chills and fever, external pathogenic invasion, diarrhea and dysentery, yin bù qǐ (an ancient description of sexual dysfunction or impotence) , bìng jiǔ (physical discomfort caused by excessive alcohol consumption) , and headache. Fufei is produced in Hanzhong.

Wu Pu's commentary states: Fufei is the flower of the small bean (xiǎodòu huā) , also known as Fufei; the old edition mistakenly wrote "fù yuè" (付月), which is an error. Within the Shennong herbal system, it is recorded as sweet in flavor and toxic; harvested in the seventh month, dried in the shade, and set aside for forty days. It is said to treat headache and quench thirst.

Famous physicians also record: Fufei is produced in Hanzhong; it is the flower of the small bean, picked in the seventh month, and dried in the shade. This concludes the one entry in the Grains section, Lower Grade; the old edition is identical to this.

🧠 Deep Understanding

Core Principle 💡

Fufei is classified under the Lower Grade in the Shennong Bencao Jing, indicating that the ancients regarded it as primarily for dispelling pathogens and attacking illness, rather than for daily nourishment. Its flavor and nature are recorded as acrid and neutral (xīn píng) . Acridity disperses, moves qi, and penetrates pathogens; neutrality means the medicinal nature is relatively gentle. Therefore, the ancients applied it to:

• Jiēnüè, alternating chills and fever, pathogenic qi: Acrid-flavored substances were believed to dispel external pathogens and harmonize the exterior and interior, making them suitable for malaria-like syndromes with alternating chills and fever.
• Diarrhea and dysentery: Acrid and neutral products can assist the ascent of clear qi, awaken the spleen, and transform dampness, thereby improving diarrhea caused by turbid dampness sinking downward.
• Yin bù qǐ: The ancients believed that alcohol toxicity, damp-heat, and pathogenic qi obstructing the lower burner could impair the ascent and effusion of yang qi; acrid dispersing properties can unblock qi movement.
• Bìng jiǔ and headache: Fufei, as the flower of the small bean, was thought to clear alcohol toxicity, raise the clear and lower the turbid, thus alleviating post-alcohol headache and drowsiness.

The overall principle reflects a strategy of "acrid dispersion to penetrate pathogens, raising the clear and draining the turbid," rather than a single tonifying action targeted at one specific organ.

Modern Understanding 🌟

Fufei refers to the flower of the small bean, and in modern terms, it is generally understood to refer to the flower of adzuki bean (chìxiǎo dòu) or similar small-bean plants. From a compositional perspective, bean flowers contain flavonoid compounds, phenolic acids, and other phytochemicals that may possess certain antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and diuretic effects. However, existing evidence is insufficient to support their use as a reliable remedy for malaria, sexual dysfunction, or headache.

It should be noted specifically that the main text of the Bencao Jing states "acrid and neutral," while Wu Pu, citing Shennong, says "sweet and toxic," reflecting differences among textual transmissions. The ancients' notion of "toxicity" does not necessarily equate to toxicity in the modern toxicological sense; rather, it is more a classificatory reminder that Lower Grade substances "should not be taken for prolonged periods and require caution." Descriptions such as "yin bù qǐ" should be viewed as ancient observations of syndrome patterns and should not replace modern medical diagnosis.

Health Insights ⚡

• Temperance in alcohol consumption: The ancients listed "bìng jiǔ" as a distinct indication for Fufei, suggesting that excessive alcohol consumption depletes qi and blood and generates damp-heat. In daily life, one should avoid heavy drinking on an empty stomach, and after drinking, adequately replenish fluids and rest.
• Light diet: Small-bean flowers, adzuki beans, and other legumes are traditionally associated with draining dampness and clearing heat in dietary culture. Moderate incorporation of legumes into the daily diet is reasonable, but self-medication according to ancient texts is not advisable.
• Heed the body's signals: If alternating chills and fever, diarrhea, headache, or sexual dysfunction recurs, seek proper medical attention rather than self-treating according to classical texts.

📚 Related Knowledge

• Related concepts: Jiēnüè、alternating chills and fever、pathogenic qi、diarrhea and dysentery、yin bù qǐ、bìng jiǔ、Lower Grade medicinals.
• Further reading: Relevant entries on adzuki bean flowers in the Bencao Gangmu; discussions on the chills and fever of malaria in the Suwen: Nue Lun; other entries in the Grains section of the Shennong Bencao Jing.

Puguā Study Notes · This content is based on classical Chinese medical texts and is provided solely for the study and exploration of traditional culture. It does not constitute any medical diagnosis, medication, or treatment advice. Please consult a qualified physician if you experience any discomfort.