Library

Non-toxic.
Lao Shui (Rainwater collected from flowing surface runoff) is mainly used to decoct medicines that regulate the Spleen and Stomach and eliminate damp-heat (*Bencao Gangmu*). [Name] (Li Shizhen states) Rainwater descending from high places is called Lao; continuous heavy rain is also called Lao. (Han Yu's poem says) "Puddles in the ditches have no source, poured in the morning, removed by evening," which is correct. [Origin] (The *Book of Songs · Xiao Ya* says) "There, the running puddles" (The *Book of Songs · Da Ya* says) "Scoop from those running puddles" (The *Zuo Zhuan* says) "Stagnant water and running puddles," this is its origin. [Usage] (The *Book of Songs · Da Ya* says) "Scoop from here and pour into there" (The *Zuo Zhuan* says) "Can be offered to ghosts and spirits, can be served as food for kings and nobles," this is its usage. [Taste] Sweet. [Nature] Neutral. [Indications] (Cheng Wuji states) Zhang Zhongjing treats Shaoyang disease (Taiyang disease transforming into heat) with stasis-heat in the interior causing yellowing of the body, must use Lao Shui to decoct Mahuang Lianyao Chixiaodou Tang (Ephedra, Cistanche Seed, and Red Bean Decoction), taking advantage of its thin taste not to assist dampness and to promote heat elimination.

Non-toxic.
Shen Shui (Divine Water) is mainly used to treat accumulations and masses in the heart and abdomen, as well as parasitic diseases, combined with Tan Gan (Liver of the Chinese Water Otter) to make pills for ingestion (*Bencao Gangmu*). [Name] Rainwater collected on the Dragon Boat Festival (Duanwu Festival). [Origin] Rainwater stored inside bamboo stalks. [Time] (Generated) at noon on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month. (Harvested) extracted from within during the noon hour. [Storage] (The *Jinmen Ji* says) When it rains at noon on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month, quickly cut down the bamboo stalks; they must contain Shen Shui, collect it immediately. [Usage] Drip and extract for medicinal use. [Taste] Sweet. [Nature] Cold. [Indications] (Li Shizhen says) Drinking Shen Shui can clear heat, resolve phlegm, calm fright, and tranquilize the spirit. This kind of rain is rare, alas, difficult to obtain.

Non-toxic.
Chen Jing Shui (Aged Well Water) is mainly used to descend turbidity below the diaphragm, unblock phlegm, and stop vomiting (*Bencao Gangmu*). [Origin] (Li Shizhen says) A Jing (Well) is located in Yanggu County, Yanzhou Prefecture today, which was ancient Dong'e County. [Usage] (Shen Kuo's *Brush Talks* says) Ancient texts state that the Ji River flows underground as a subterranean stream; now in Lixia, whatever is dug underground reveals flowing water. Dong'e is also where the Ji River passes; taking well water to boil glue is called Ejiao (Donkey-hide Gelatin). Also, the Fangong Spring in Qingzhou is fed by the Ji River; using this water to make Bai Wanzi (White Pills) benefits the diaphragm and resolves phlegm. [Quality] Its nature tends downward, clear and heavy; stirring turbid water vigorously makes it clear. [Color] (The *Guanzi* says) The water of Qi is clear and white; its people are robust and strong, rarely suffering from scabies or itching, and never suffering from Xiao Ke (Wasting-thirst) or drunkenness. Thus, the differences in water nature are such. [Taste] Sweet, Salty. [Nature] Neutral. [Indications] Wu Jing Shui (Water from Wu Well) has a heavy nature, thus it can treat stasis-turbidity and rebellious phlegm. [Counterfeits] (Li Shizhen says) Lu Yu, when brewing tea, still distinguished the merits and demerits of water sources across the world; why do those decocting medicine fail to distinguish them? Would this not be a mistake?