Innovations

Cheng Wuyi says: When Master ZhongjingReferring to Zhang Zhongjing, the "Sage of Medicine" (c. 150–219 CE) and author of the Treatise on Cold Damage. treated Cold DamageShanghan; a category of acute febrile diseases caused by external pathogens. where the paroxysmal heat is internal and the body turns yellow (jaundice), he used the Ephedra, Forsythia, and Red Bean Decoction. He specified the use of Flood Water original: 潦水 "Laoshui," referring to rainwater that has collected in puddles or depressions on the ground. for the decoction because its flavor is "thin" (light). This lightness ensures it does not contribute to DampnessIn Chinese medicine, Dampness is a heavy, lingering pathogenic factor; using a "thin" water helps clear heat without making the body more sluggish. but instead facilitates the clearing of heat.

Dew Water

Supplemented Entry

Explanation of Names

Shizhen says: Dew is the liquid essence of Yin QiThe cool, moist, and receptive energy associated with night, the moon, and fluid. According to ancient cosmology, dew is the condensation of this atmospheric energy.. It is the nighttime atmosphere that becomes dense and settles upon objects, moistening everything along the paths.

Nature and Flavor

Sweet and neutral, non-toxic.

Main Indications: During the height of autumn, when dew is heavy, collect it using a tray and boil it down until it has the consistency of maltose syrup. Taking this allows one to prolong life and ward off hunger. From the Xian Qi

It is endowed with the cleansing energy of autumnoriginal: 肅殺 "Susha," the sharp, withering energy of the autumn season that causes plants to shed leaves. Medicinally, this energy is harnessed to "kill" or clear away pathogens.. It is suitable for decocting medicines intended to moisten the lungs or "kill malevolent influences" often referring to parasites or infectious pathogens, and for mixing powders used to treat scabies, ringworm, parasitic sores, and various types of leprosy. From the Bo Yu

Collect autumn dew from the tips of various herbs before it has evaporated. It cures a hundred diseases, stops wasting-thirstXiaoke; a traditional diagnosis characterized by excessive thirst and hunger, often corresponding to modern diabetes., and makes the person's body [light...]The text is cut off here at the edge of the page.