酒,酉也。酿之米曲、酉醉,久而味美也。味辛者,能散,为导引,可以通行一身之表,至极高之分;味
苦者,能下;甘者,居中而缓;淡者,利小便而速下也。陶隐居云∶大寒凝海,惟酒不冰,性热甚也。大扶
肝养脾,浓肠胃,润皮肤,散胸中郁气,活肢体滞血,破 癖。行药势,引人诸经不止,与附子同。杀百邪恶
毒瓦斯,御风寒雾露。昔有三人触雾晨行,空腹者死,食粥者病,饮酒者健。此酒之辟恶也。《东垣十书》云∶
Jiu (Alcohol/Wine) is derived from the character "You" (酉). It is brewed using rice and Qu (fermented starter), and its flavor becomes mellow and sweet after prolonged fermentation. The pungent taste allows for dispersion; it serves as a guiding agent, capable of circulating through the exterior of the entire body, reaching the highest and most distant parts. The bitter taste facilitates downward movement. The sweet taste resides in the middle and acts gently. The bland taste promotes urination and causes rapid downward action. Tao Hongjing stated: "When severe cold freezes the seas, only wine does not freeze," indicating its intense heat nature. Wine greatly supports the Liver and nourishes the Spleen, thickens the stomach and intestines, moistens the skin, disperses stagnant Qi in the chest, invigorates blood circulation to resolve stagnation in the limbs, and breaks up masses (Pi 癖). It enhances the potency of medicinal herbs, guides them into various meridians without limit, similar to Fuzi (Aconite Lateralis Radix Praeparata). It kills various evil toxins and noxious vapors, and protects against wind-cold, fog, and dew. In ancient times, three individuals walked in the morning mist; the one who was fasting died, the one who ate porridge fell ill, but the one who drank wine remained healthy. This illustrates the ability of wine to ward off evil influences. The *Dongyuan Shishu* (Ten Books of Dongyuan) states: