Compendium of Materia Medica, Volumes 5-6

, Volume Five

Bright Water

from the Supplement to the Materia Medica
original: 明水 (Mingshui). Also known as "Lunar Water," this refers to the pure water condensed on a bronze mirror or a specific ritual vessel (called a fangzhu) when exposed to the moonlight on a clear night. It was historically used in ancient rituals and for its cooling properties.

Winter Frost

from the Supplement to the Materia Medica

Twelfth-Month Snow

from the Jiayou Materia Medica
original: 臘雪 (Laxue). This refers specifically to snow falling during the twelfth lunar month (the "La" month). In traditional Chinese medicine, this snow was considered to have superior "cold" energy and was often collected and stored in jars buried underground to be used as a treatment for heat-related illnesses in the summer.

Hail

from the Supplement to the Materia Medica

Summer Ice

from the Supplement to the Materia Medica

Divine Water

from the Compendium
original: 神水 (Shenshui). A general term for waters believed to have extraordinary spiritual or curative properties, often associated with specific seasonal dews or alchemical processes.

Mid-Sky River Water

from the Additional Records
original: 半天河 (Bantianhe). A poetic name for rainwater that has accumulated in the hollows of old trees. Because it has not touched the ground, it was believed to possess unique properties for treating mental illness or internal parasites.

Roof Leak Water

from the Supplement to the Materia Medica
original: 屋漏水 (Wuloushui). Specifically rainwater that has dripped from the eaves of a house or through a thatched roof. While often considered toxic if it touches certain household items, it was occasionally used in specific topical formulas.