Stories About Chinese Herbal Medicine(29)

1. A long time ago, there was a lonely old lady who had no sons or daughters. Every day she went picking wild herbs to exchange for money to support herself.

2. The old lady was very generous to others, so she had not saved even a little money for herself. When she grew too old to climb the mountains, she had no choice but to sit by the side of the road and beg.

3. She wanted to find someone she could trust, to whom she could pass on her knowledge of how to distinguish plants and use them.

4. "Whoever is willing to act as my son, I will teach how to recognize plants," she said.

5. A businessman heard her comment.

6. "That's not a bad idea," he thought. "I could make a lot of money selling medicinal ingredients."

7. "I'm willing to be your son," he told her.

8. In this way the old lady came to live in the businessman's house.

9. The businessman politely took care of the old lady for nearly a month.

10. Then he finally said to her, "I've already waited a long time. Can you start teaching me?"

11. "Just wait a little while longer," she replied, testing him.

12. "You old bag!" he screamed "How dare you use me like this? Go on, get out of here!"

13. For the longest time she could find no one that she could trust. One day during the winter she stumbled and fell.

14. "Are you injured? Where does it hurt?" a lumberjack asked as he helped her.

15. "I'm fine," the old lady replied. "It's only that I'm hungry...."

16. "I'm sorry we don't have anything better to offer you. You'd better eat this up before it gets cold. Where are you going on such a cold day?"

17. "I don't have a single relative," said she. "What can I do besides beg?"

18. "You're getting on in years. It's too hard on you to have to beg on the road on such a cold winter's day. My family is very poor, but if you don't mind, you're welcome to stay at our house."

19. The old lady lived in the lumberjack's house. Winter passed, spring arrived, and the flowers began to blossom.

20. Then she said to him, "I'm truly a burden living in your house for so long. I really have overstayed my welcome. The weather has already turned warm, and I should be leaving."

21. "Oh, no," he replied. "You have no son, and I have no parents. Isn't it nice for the three of us to spend our days together? Please stay here with us ."

22. The old lady said, "I'll tell you honestly. In the past I was a gatherer of herbs. I don't know how many people's lives I have saved. I've always wanted to find a foster son to inherit my profession, but I've never met a suitable person.

23. "My memory is getting weaker and weaker. Pretty soon I'll forget all I know about medicinal herbs. You've taken care of me without any ulterior motives. I don't know how to thank you...."

24. The lumberjack answered, "We haven't taken care of you for any repayment. As long as this household has anything to eat, we certainly won't let you go hungry. So stay right here!"

25. "Thank you so much," she said. "I shall pretend I'm living in my son's home! "

26. After three happy years, one day the old lady asked the lumberjack to carry her up into the mountains.

27. She taught the lumberjack how to recognize all the medicinal herbs.

28. She told him, "This is an herb that specially cures coughing and fatigue resulting from overheating of the lungs. Do you know why I've waited until today to teach you about herbs?

29. "For so many years I was unable to find a hard-working and good-hearted person. But I finally found you. You truly understand my heart and mind, so I will name this plant Chih Mu ('Knowing Mother')."

30. From that day on, the old lady taught the lumberjack many details about medicinal herbs.

31. Ever since that day the lumberjack quit chopping wood and concentrated on studying herbs. And he always obeyed the old lady's instructions to heal ailing people.

[Picture Caption]

p.126

Wind Weed Rhizome

Appearance: Shap similar to Japanese rhodea rhizome; has fibrous roots.

Properties: Sweet taste, warm in nature, non-toxic.

Efficacy: Cooling and soothing, decreases pulmonary heat, eases heartburn, reduces swelling.