Imperial Collection of the Four Treasuries, Volume 5

When the wind brushes against moisture, it becomes frost. Frost is the means by which the myriad things are brought to an end Literally "killed," referring to the natural cycle where frost ends the growing season and by which evil vapors are dispersed. When frost should fall but does not, or when it should end growth but does not, these are signs of a government that is lax and negligent. When it falls when it should not, killing plants prematurely, these are signs of a government that is harsh and cruel. Xu Shen’s Analytical Dictionary of Characters original: "Shuowen Jiezi", the first dictionary to analyze Chinese characters, 2nd century CE states: Early frost is called mao original: "皃"; white frost is called kai original: "暟". There is also a variety known as Black Frost. Chen Cheng says: To collect frost, sweep it up using a chicken feather and seal it tightly in a bottle stored in a shaded place; it will remain preserved for a long time.

Its flavor is sweet, its nature is cold, and it is non-toxic. It is primarily used to resolve heat from alcohol consumption, nasal congestion from cold damage disorders original: "shanghan", a broad category of external febrile illnesses, and facial redness in those suffering from various heats after drinking. Chen Cangqi Mix it with clam powder to apply to heat rashes during the summer months and to swelling under the armpits; it heals immediately.

Supplemental Prescriptions One new entry

Malaria with alternating chills and fever: Take one and a half mace mace: a traditional Chinese unit of weight, approximately 3.75 grams of frost collected after the start of autumn and ingest it with hot wine. From the Collection of Mysterious Prescriptions.

Winter Solstice Snow Song Dynasty, Jiayou Era

This entry discusses "La Snow" (臘雪), specifically snow that falls during the third "La" period after the winter solstice, traditionally considered to have the highest medicinal potency.