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(From *Bencao Shayi* [Supplement to Materia Medica])
**Names:** Ling (Líng, falling tone). Li Shizhen said: Ice is the essence of Taiyin (Great Yin). When water reaches its extreme, it resembles earth; it transforms from soft to hard. This is what is meant by "when things reach an extreme, they transform into their opposite." Therefore, the character for ice consists of the radical for water and the component representing ice (仌). The *Rites of Zhou* records: The Lingren (Ice Keeper) was in charge of collecting ice to supply sacrifices and guests. The *Zuo Zhuan* records: In ancient times, ice was stored when the sun entered the Northern Land constellation and taken out when it appeared in the Western Land constellation. When storing it, deep mountains and valleys were used because they were dark and freezing cold; when using it, it was for receiving guests, funerals, and sacrifices. Lang Yi said: If ice is stored according to the proper season, thunder will occur without causing damage; if ice is discarded and not used, thunder will rumble without being heard. Nowadays, people store ice in cellars during winter and cover it with salt, which is correct. The *Huainan Wanbi Shu* mentions a method of making ice using "water-condensing stone," but this is not real ice.
**Flavor and Nature:** Sweet, cold, non-toxic.
**Indications:** Removes heat and irritability; applies externally to treat breast inflammation and swelling caused by Shi Yao (Stone Medicine) toxicity (Chen Cangqi). Relieves thirst and vexation, clears summer-heat toxins (Wang Rui). For Yang-Toxin Shanghan (Cold Damage), where heat is excessive and causes coma, placing a piece of ice on the Danzhong (CV17) acupoint is effective; it also detoxifies alcohol poisoning (Li Shizhen).
**Elucidation:** Chen Cangqi said: Eating ice during the peak of summer heat contradicts the climate and is not beneficial to the body. One must fear that the clash between cold and hot inside the abdomen will induce various diseases. The *Shipu* states: Water used in summer should only be used to cool food and drinks, not consumed directly. Although it may feel refreshing temporarily, long-term consumption leads to illness. Li Shizhen said: Emperor Huizong of Song ate too much ice and suffered from spleen disease. Imperial physicians were ineffective, so Yang Jie was summoned. Yang Jie prescribed Dali Zhong Wan (Great Earth Middle Pill). The Emperor said, "I have taken it many times." Yang Jie replied, "The disease originated from eating ice; therefore, I decocted this medicine using ice, targeting the root cause of the illness." The patient recovered after taking it. Such a physician can be described as eloquent and skilled.
**Attached Prescriptions:** New prescription 1. Eliminate scars: Frequently apply frozen ice to the affected area for good results. (*Qianjin Fang*)

(From the main text of *Bencao Gangmu*)
**Collected Explanations:** Li Shizhen said: The *Jinmen Ji* records: On the fifth day of the fifth lunar month at noon, if there is rain, one should hastily chop bamboo poles; inside, there will certainly be "Divine Water," which can be collected and used as medicine.
**Flavor and Nature:** Sweet, cold, non-toxic.
**Indications:** Treats accumulations and masses in the heart and abdomen, as well as parasitic worms; combined with otter liver and formed into pills for oral administration. Drinking it also clears heat, resolves phlegm, calms fright, and soothes the spirit (Li Shizhen).