Efficacy

Suitable for decocting medicines that release to the exterior and those that tonify the middle and benefit QiThis refers to a major therapeutic principle in Chinese medicine aimed at strengthening the digestive system—the "Middle"—and boosting the body’s vital energy.

Shizhen

Innovations

Shizhen says: I have previously consulted Yu Tuan’s Orthodox Transmission of Medicine, which states that rain falling on the Beginning of SpringLichun, the first of the twenty-four solar terms, marking the start of the traditional Chinese year. is Gui Wateroriginal: 癸水 (Guishui). In the system of the Ten Heavenly Stems, "Gui" represents the final stem, associated with Yin Water and the essence of life.. Its nature represents the very beginning of the rising and generative energy of spring. Therefore, this water can be used to boil medicines for patients whose "Middle Qi" is insufficient and whose "Clear Qi" The light, pure energy that should rise to the head and lungs. fails to rise. An ancient prescription for childless women suggests that on this day, the husband and wife should each drink one cup of rainwater before returning to the bedroom to conceive; this is also based on the concept of this water being the "source of beginnings" that fosters the growth of all living things.

Plum Rain Water

Mainly indicated for washing sores and scabies, and for removing scars. It also makes beans in soy sauce cook easily.

Zangqi

Innovations

Zangqi says: In the regions south of the Yangtze and Huai rivers, the land is low and the atmosphere is damp. This is especially severe from the first ten days to the last ten days of the fifth lunar month. The Monthly Ordinances An ancient ritual calendar. states that "the earth is moist and the weather is sweltering" during the mid-point of the fifth month. After this period, books and paintings must be aired in the sun. If "Plum Rain" soaks into clothing, it will rot or turn black. If washed with a lye-like ash solution, the grime may be removed in a way that is different from other water. However, if clothes are washed with a decoction of plum leaves, the stains will come out; otherwise, they will not. Shizhen says: "Plum Rain" original: 梅雨 (Meiyu) is sometimes written as "Mold Rain" original: 黴雨 (Meiyu) because it causes clothes and objects to grow black mold. The "Entering the Plum" period The start of the rainy season. begins on the first RenOne of the Ten Heavenly Stems used in the traditional calendar. day after Grain in EarMangzhong, a solar term beginning around June 5th., and the "Leaving the Plum" period ends on the first Ren day after Minor HeatXiaoshu, a solar term beginning around July 7th.. Furthermore, the rain in the third month is called "Early Plum Rain," while the fifth month is...