In traditional Chinese layout, "to the right" refers to the text that precedes this statement. This indicates that for the section concluding above, there is one historical medical recipe and three added by Li Shizhen.

Water, Part Two

Category of Ground Waters (Thirty Varieties)

Flowing Water from the Supplement to the Materia Medica
original: 流水 (Liushui). This refers to running water from rivers or streams. In traditional pharmacology, the speed and direction of the flow (e.g., eastward flowing) changed its perceived therapeutic "energy."

Well and Spring Water from the Jiayou Materia Medica
original: 井泉水 (Jingquanshui). A staple source for both daily use and decocting medicines, valued for its stability and mineral content.

Solar Term Water from the Compendium
original: 節氣水 (Jieqishui). This refers to water collected on specific days of the twenty-four solar terms of the traditional calendar, such as the "Beginning of Spring" or "Summer Solstice." It was believed that water captured the unique "Qi" or essence of that specific seasonal transition.

Sweet Spring Water from the Supplement to the Materia Medica
original: 醴泉 (Liquan). Literally "Liqueur Spring." A legendary or exceptionally pure, sweet-tasting spring water often regarded in ancient texts as a sign of virtuous governance or a miraculous source of health.

Jade Well Water from the Supplement to the Materia Medica
original: 玉井水 (Yujingshui). Water from wells found in regions rich in jade or quartz. It was believed that the water absorbed the "virtue" and medicinal minerals of the stone over centuries.

Stalactite Cave Water from the Supplement to the Materia Medica
original: 乳穴水 (Ruxueshui). Literally "Milk Hole Water." This refers to water dripping from stalactites in limestone caves. Because stalactites were known as "stone milk," the water was thought to be highly restorative and rich in concentrated earth essence.