Also known as rapeseed, hucai, hancai, and taicai, it is said that the renowned Tang Dynasty physician Sun Simiao once had a swelling on his head that caused him excruciating pain. Suddenly, he recalled a record in an ancient book stating that rapeseed could treat wind-induced wandering erysipelas and swelling. He immediately took rapeseed leaves, pounded them into a paste, and applied it externally. The swelling and pain subsided quickly, and later generations followed suit.
In China, rapeseed is divided into winter rapeseed and spring rapeseed areas based on geographical regions. 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 shores of Qinghai Lake present a spectacular sight of yellow flowers and green water.
Traditional Chinese medicine considers rapeseed to be acrid and cool in nature, and it affects the Liver, Lung, and Spleen meridians.
According to "Sui Xi Ju Yin Shi Pu," rapeseed "is tasty when cooked, dispels blood stasis and reduces swelling, breaks up accumulations and unblocks the bowels. Its seeds can be pressed for oil, hence its name." In folk medicine, it is also customary to eat more rapeseed for habitual constipation, heat-toxin scabies, and other conditions, utilizing its blood-dispersing and swelling-reducing properties.
Among all vegetables, rapeseed is a leader in calcium content, containing about 140 milligrams per 100 grams. Its rich fiber can reduce fat absorption, promote gastrointestinal motility, and is beneficial for alleviating constipation and preventing colorectal cancer. Studies have shown that rapeseed also contains phytoestrogens, which can reduce the formation of malignant tumors to a certain extent. Furthermore, consuming more rapeseed has a certain health-preserving effect on oral ulcers and gum bleeding caused by excessive heat in the upper energizer. 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 Bowels and Promoting Defecation: Suitable for constipation caused by stomach 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 moderately hot, sauté scallions and ginger until fragrant, then stir-fry an appropriate amount of lean pork mince. Add the rapeseed and mushrooms and stir-fry until cooked. Season with salt and a small amount of sesame oil.
Recipe for Reducing Swelling and Dispersing Accumulations: Suitable for carbuncles, sores, swelling, pain, and hyperplasia of the mammary glands. Wash 200 grams of fresh rapeseed, blanch in boiling water, then cut into sections. Shred 100 grams of kelp, blanch in boiling water. Mix with the rapeseed and dress with sesame paste, MSG, salt, and minced garlic.