Library

(Compendium of Materia Medica)

[Names] Li Shizhen said: Rainwater that falls and accumulates is called "Liao" (accumulated rainwater), and continuous heavy rain is also referred to as "Liao". Han Yu's poem states, "The accumulated water has no source; what is poured in the morning is gone by evening," which describes this phenomenon.

[Properties and Flavor] Sweet, neutral, non-toxic.

[Indications] Used for decocting medicines that regulate the Spleen and Stomach and eliminate damp-heat (Li Shizhen).

[Elucidation] Cheng Wuji stated: When Zhang Zhongjing treated Shaoyang disease with stagnant heat accumulating internally, resulting in jaundice, he used Mahuang Lianqiao Chixiaodou Decoction (Ephedra, Forsythia, and Red Bean Decoction) and prescribed Liao water for decoction because its thin flavor does not assist in retaining dampness.

(Collectanea on Materia Medica)

[Names] Li Shizhen said: Dew is the fluid of Yin Qi; it is moisture from the night air that adheres to objects, making the roadside damp and glossy.

[Properties and Flavor] Sweet, neutral, non-toxic.

[Indications] During times of abundant autumn dew, collect it with plates, boil it down until thick like malt syrup, to prolong life and prevent hunger (Meng Shen). Dew inherits the qi of austerity and killing; it is suitable for decocting medicines that moisten the Lungs and dispel malevolent influences, as well as for mixing various powders treating tinea, scabies, parasites, and leprosy (Yu Tuan). Autumn dew on the tips of hundred herbs, collected before 1 PM (Wei hour), can cure myriad diseases, stop polydipsia (wasting-thirst syndrome), make the body feel light and free from hunger, and render the flesh plump and lustrous. There is another method mentioned by Meng Shen for converting Yunmu (Mica) into powder for consumption. Collect dew on the first day of the eighth lunar month; apply it to the Taiyang acupoint (GB-20) to stop headache; apply it to the Gaohuang acupoint (BL-43) to treat Laozai (consumptive disease such as tuberculosis); this is called "Heavenly Moxibustion" (Li Shizhen). Dew on hundred flowers: improves complexion and beauty (Meng Shen). Dew on Cinnamomi Cortex leaves (Baiye) and Acori Tatarinowii Rhizoma leaves (Changpu): both brighten the eyes; wash with them daily at dawn (Li Shizhen). Dew on Allii Tuberosi Herba leaves (Jiucai): removes vitiligo; apply daily at dawn (Li Shizhen). Dew on Campsis grandiflora flowers (Lingxiaohua): entering the eye damages vision (Li Shizhen).

[Elucidation] Meng Shen stated: "Xu Qixiang Ji" records: Deng Shao, an official of the Ministry of Agriculture, entered Mount Hua on the first day of August and saw a boy collecting dewdrops from under Cinnamomi Cortex leaves into a five-colored pouch. Deng Shao asked him about it. The boy replied, "Master Chisong uses this to brighten the eyes." This is why people today make "Dew Flower Pouches" on the first day of August, imitating this story. Furthermore, Guo Xian's "Dongming Ji" records: During Emperor Wu of Han's reign, there was a country named Jiyun, which produced Jiyun grass; consuming it grants immortality. When exposed to sunlight, the dew on it appears in five colors. Dongfang Shuo obtained black, cyan, and yellow dew, each containing five he, and presented them to the Emperor. The Emperor bestowed them upon his ministers to consume, curing all illnesses. Dongfang Shuo said, "Where the sun first rises, the dew is like malt syrup." Today, people boil dew until thick like syrup; long-term consumption prevents hunger. "Lüshi Chunqiu" states that the finest waters include the dew of Sanwei, which is heavier than ordinary water when converted to liquid. Li Shizhen said: Brewing wine with autumn dew yields the clearest and coldest liquor. The divine beings of Guye Mountain inhale wind and drink dew. Emperor Wu of Han constructed a golden tray to catch dew, mixing it with jade dust for ingestion. Lady Yang Guifei inhaled dew from flowers every morning to quench thirst and sober up. Foreign countries produce Rosa rugosa dew, which is highly fragrant, claimed to be dew from flowers, though its authenticity is uncertain. Meng Shen stated: Whenever autumn or spring dew settles on grass, if a person with existing sores or broken skin comes into contact with it, the sore will suddenly cease itching and hurting. This indicates contraction of wind-toxin and toxic water, causing the body to arch backward like a bowstring (opisthotonos). Immediately mix salt and fermented soybeans with flour to form a bowl-shaped mold, place it over the sore, and perform moxibustion for one hundred moxa cones. After several sheng of foul water are expelled, sensation and pain return, and the patient recovers.