Library

Lu Lijing, in *Yilin Xinlun* (New Theories of the Medical Forest), stated that those who wander during the hot summer months yet maintain clarity of mind and physical comfort rely on "Wuqi" (a state where qi is unimpeded or robust) to overcome the pathogen. The common people often take Xiangru Yin (Elsholtzia Decoction) in summer, unaware that Xiangru (Moslae Herba) has a pungent and warm nature, which scatters true qi; Houpo (Magnoliae Officinalis Cortex) has a fierce pungent power that destroys primordial yang, inviting summerheat and pathogens, with no greater harm than this. Furthermore, some take Liuyi San (Six-Ingredient Powder with Talcum), not knowing that although Gancao (Licorice Root) is mild and harmonious, it is unsuitable for those who already have middle-jiao fullness, wheezing, and distension, or excessive stagnation in the chest; Huashi (Talcum) opens orifices, but for those with exterior deficiency (weak defensive qi), taking it leads to insecure defensive qi, and for those with spermatorrhea or seminal emission, it causes loss of control over the essence gate. These situations must be carefully examined.

Sun Simiao believed that weak individuals should take Shengmai San (Generate the Pulse Powder) during the summer. He also said: Taking Wuweizi (Schisandrae Fructus) regularly in summer can tonify the qi of the five zang organs. I, however, believe that for daily soups and drinks, one should use Wumei Bantang (Smoked Plum and Rock Sugar Soup); for daily water, one should use Meijiang Shui (Plum Juice Water). This both tonifies primordial qi and clears summerheat, and moreover, it is refreshing, making it accessible even to the poor. I have also seen people offering tea leaves in summer. Tea has a cold and cooling nature that consumes and attacks yang qi. People in summer already have damaged primordial qi, and due to labor and injury, they are exhausted and in need of support; instead, drinking tea further depletes the deficient, causing cold frozen beverages to lead to abdominal pain and diarrhea, while hot drinks cause sweating by opening the exterior. Once stomach qi becomes deficient, summerheat penetrates unnoticed, leading to sudden fainting during long journeys, with sha-men (summerheat obstruction) symptoms arising suddenly, changes occurring in an instant. All these result from improper dietary choices, yet people are unaware.

For future charitable offerings of drinks, hot soup should be mixed with a little rock sugar, and cold water with a little plum juice. If plum juice is available, a little rock sugar can also be added. This converges true qi and greatly assists primordial spirit. After drinking, the eyes become bright and clear, energy surges in the legs, hunger is temporarily alleviated, and thirst generates fluids. This is verifiable. Otherwise, it is better to use plain boiled water or clean water. Zhu Danxi said: Light diet can provide great nourishment. Indeed, Tai Geng (ancient unseasoned meat broth) and Yuan Jiu (unfiltered wine) consider flavorlessness as the ultimate flavor, so one should understand its benefits. I hope benevolent elders will quickly change this practice and spread it widely. I assert that Xiangru Yin must absolutely not be taken. Liuyi San may be effective after traveling far in summer heat if there is chest stuffiness and aversion to food, to resolve summerheat, but it is not a regular tonic. Rock sugar and plum juice are indeed superior to tea, but once summerheat has entered, taking them will likely worsen the condition. How can one ask every passerby when distributing such remedies? I privately suggest that while health-preservers can adopt their methods for personal consumption, for public distribution, plain boiled water is more beneficial and less harmful.

Note: Zhang Xingyun in *Yinshi Bian* (Differentiation of Diet and Drink) stated: Those engaged in hard labor or suffering from "Zhu Xia" (Summer Exhaustion/Lethargy) in summer should frequently drink Nuomi Tang (Glutinous Rice Soup; Shumi [Sorghum] is also good) instead of tea, which protects lung qi and consolidates defensive yang. This is suitable for everyone and superior to rock sugar and plum juice.

Medical texts state: For sudden death due to summerheat stroke, Jiang Tang (Ginger Decoction) and Tongbian (Child's Urine) can be administered while hot. One must absolutely avoid drinking cold water or lying on cold ground, lest it become incurable. However, examining summerheat patterns, ginger is contraindicated. I once encountered a patient with summerheat who developed Gan Huoluan (Dry Huoluan - a condition characterized by severe abdominal pain, inability to vomit or defecate). After drinking one cup of ginger decoction, he died immediately. For treating sudden death from internal heat/summerheat, the ancient formula of Garlic Paste and Well Water is best. My fellow townsman Kong Yaliu, a learned scholar (Kong Xiancai), recounted seeing an old woman collapse in intense heat, with eyes and mouth closed and no breath. He urgently had two garlic cloves crushed, mixed with hot earth from the road (pure soil from sun-dried areas, not mud), and a bowl of fresh well water. Using chopsticks to pry open her teeth, he administered the mixture. After five spoonfuls, she began to accept the medicine and vomit. After finishing the dose, she vomited loudly, regained breath, and her limbs gradually moved. She revived at dusk, stating she had walked over ten miles in the scorching sun, felt vexed and dry-mouthed, ate wheat cakes, fainted, and lost consciousness without realizing it. The administration of this formula expelled both summerheat and food, and she recovered. Subsequent treatments of summerheat patients with this method were all effective.