Rapeseed, also known as cole, hucai, hancai, and taicai, is the subject of a legend. It is said that the renowned Tang dynasty physician Sun Simiao once had a growth on his head that caused excruciating pain. Suddenly, he recalled an ancient text mentioning that rapeseed could treat "wind-induced wandering erythema and swelling." He immediately crushed rapeseed leaves and applied them as a poultice. The swelling and pain subsided quickly, and subsequently, people followed his example.
In China, rapeseed is divided by geographical region into winter rapeseed areas and spring rapeseed areas. The middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River and the Sichuan Basin are winter rapeseed areas, accounting for over 80% of the national planting area. The Qinghai Plateau is a spring rapeseed area. When the rapeseed flowers bloom, the yellow flowers and blue-green waters of the Qinghai Lake shore create a spectacular sight.
According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, rapeseed is pungent and cool in nature, and it affects the liver, lung, and spleen meridians. The book *Sui Xi Ju Yin Shi Pu* states that rapeseed, when cooked, "is delicious, dispels blood to reduce swelling, breaks up accumulations and unblocks the bowels. Its seeds can be pressed for oil, hence its name rapeseed." In folk medicine, rapeseed is often eaten for habitual constipation, heat-toxin scabies, and other ailments, utilizing its properties of dispelling blood and reducing swelling.
Among all vegetables, rapeseed is a standout for its calcium content, containing about 140 milligrams per 100 grams. Its abundant fiber can reduce fat absorption, promote intestinal peristalsis, and is beneficial for alleviating constipation and preventing colorectal cancer. Studies have shown that rapeseed also contains phytoestrogens, which can, to a certain extent, inhibit the formation of malignant tumors. Furthermore, eating more rapeseed has a certain health benefit for oral ulcers and gum bleeding caused by excessive heat in the upper jiao. It should be noted that rapeseed should not be eaten with animal liver, cucumber, or carrots, as the components in these foods may destroy the vitamins in rapeseed.
Recipe for Moistening the Intestines and Promoting Bowel Movement: Suitable for constipation caused by intestinal heat and habitual constipation in the elderly. Wash and cut 100 grams of rapeseed. Wash and slice 50 grams of rehydrated shiitake mushrooms. Heat vegetable oil until it is 60% hot, then stir-fry scallions and ginger until fragrant, followed by an appropriate amount of minced lean pork. Add the rapeseed and shiitake mushrooms and stir-fry until cooked. Season with salt and a small amount of sesame oil.
Recipe for Reducing Swelling and Dissolving Masses: Suitable for carbuncles, sores, and pain, as well as hyperplasia of the breast. Wash 200 grams of fresh rapeseed, blanch it in boiling water, then cut into sections. Shred 100 grams of kelp, blanch it in boiling water, and mix with the rapeseed. Toss with sesame paste, monosodium glutamate, salt, and minced garlic.