冬葵考

Explanation of the Malva Verticillata L.

马王堆汉墓帛书《五十二病方》,"癃病"条目有"葵"及"烹葵"等语。根据相关文献所载,古代的"葵"当指"冬葵",是一种先民长期种植和食用的药类蔬菜,"烹煮"则是炮制冬葵的方法。又据中医临床经验可知,冬葵主治膀胱不利,与帛书中的"癃病"相合。

In Mawangdui Silk Book ＂Prescriptions for Fifty-two Diseases＂, the prescription of ＂Long＂disease has terms of＂Kui＂and ＂cooking Kui＂. According to the relevant literature, the ancients used ＂Kui＂to represent Malva verticillata L.. It is a kind of medicine herb planted and used by our ancestors. ＂Cooking＂is the most commonly used method. According to TCM clinical experience, Malva verticillata L. can cure disease of bladder. It is consistent with the contents of Mawangdui Silk Book.