葒草 여뀌 (홍초)

Original, read line by line 東醫寶鑑 · Tangaek — Decoctions vol. 3

1. 性微寒, 味醎, 無毒.

   It is slightly cold in nature, salty in taste, and non-toxic, so it can be used safely to gently cool the body.

2. 主消渴, 療脚氣.

   It treats excessive thirst and remedies beriberi, helping with conditions like diabetic thirst and lower-body swelling.

3. 處處有之, 生水傍.

   It grows everywhere, especially by the water, so you can easily find it along streams or ditches.

4. 似蓼而葉大有毛, 花紅白色.

   It resembles smartweed but with larger, hairy leaves and reddish-white flowers that beautifully tint the waterside.

5. 五月採實. 《本草》

   The fruit is gathered in the fifth lunar month, when early-summer sunlight ripens the seeds used as medicine. Recorded in the Bencao.