乌芋·慈姑·荸荠考

Textual Research on Wuyu,Arrowhead and Water Chestnut

为厘清古籍中乌芋、慈姑与荸荠的关系,给深入开展相关研究提供文献依据,作者通过音韵、植物、文化和文字学考证,认为汉魏时期乌芋即指慈姑,明清时期乌芋改称荸荠原因,主要系对乌字理解从鸟类象形本义向黑色引申义转移结果。由于乌芋物名变化,原属慈姑功效部分移到荸荠;因生境和根部特征相近,原属山慈菇毒性和副作用又转嫁慈姑,从食品安全角度考量应予澄清。慈姑兼具清热补虚等功效,营养成分全面,保健价值较高。

This paper aimed to clarify the relationships among Wuyu, Arrowhead, and Water Chestnut in ancient works and give a theo- retical support for subsequent relevant studies. We studied the phonology, botany, cuhurology, and philology, and believed that Wuyu in Han and Wci dynasties refered to Arrowhead. The reason for the name of Wuyu changed to Water Chestnut was mainly due to under- standing of ＂Wu＂ character whose original meaning indicating bird has been transferred to color of black. Because of changes in name, some effects pertaining to Arrowhead had been shifted onto Water Chestnut. What＇ s worse, due to similar ecological environment and root character, toxicity or/and side effect in Iphigenia indiea had been meant to Arrowhead. As far as food safety considered, it is neces- sary to set their relationships straight. It is said that Arrowhead has a great effect on clearing heat and tonifying with its rich nutritive components and great health -keeping value.