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Salty in flavor, cold in nature. Non-toxic. It is a necessity for culinary seasoning, produced in areas near the sea. There are salt ponds and wells; brine is drawn and boiled to form it. Regarding its color and quality, that from Hedong (modern southwestern Shanxi) is superior; when used in prescriptions, *Ludou Lu* (Atractylodes lancea root, 漏芦) serves as a guiding herb. If used alone, it should be fried until melted and dissolved in decoction water. It is suitable for washing sores in the lower body and can induce vomiting of phlegm-stagnation in the middle jiao. It relieves sudden severe pain in the heart and abdomen and stops bleeding from the gum margins. It expels leech venom injuries and kills toxins from ghosts, gu-poison, and epidemic pestilence. In small doses, it guides medicines into the Kidney (Kidney organ system). (When taking *Buyin Wan* [Yin-Nourishing Pill], it is advisable to swallow with salted water.) In excess, it tends to cause coughing and damage the Metal element (Lung/Large Intestine system). It scatters blood, damages sinews, darkens the skin, and causes loss of luster. Those managing kitchens must use it appropriately. Patients with edema and cough must strictly avoid consuming it. (*Qiushi Dan* [Autumn Stone Pill] may be used as a substitute.)

*Rongyan* (Rong Salt) resembles stone and originates from the Xiqiang region. Also known as *Qingyan* (Green Salt), the white variety is more effective. It benefits Qi, removes Qi-gu poison, brightens the eyes, and alleviates eye pain. It can be added to treat hematemesis and epistaxis, and is suitable for strengthening bones and joints.

*Luxian* (Brine Alkali) is alkali (pronounced "jian"). It is also produced in Hedong. Salt-bearing soil is dug up, leached with water, and boiled dry, forming blocks resembling bricks. When ground fine and used, it can soften hard accumulations. It primarily treats excessive heat causing thirst, polydipsia, mania, and restlessness; it eliminates chronic masses and fixed painful stasis. It clears damp-heat, resolves phlegm-stagnation, purges gu-poison, and softens the skin. It is effective in washing away dirt and grease and is essential in paste-making workshops.

*Taiyin Xuanjingshi* (Taiyin Black Crystal Stone) also originates from places where salt accumulates. The ancients said: "In large salt fields, Yin Jing Stone is generated." That from Jie County (belonging to Shandong) is the best; those resembling turtle shells are of good quality. Also known as *Guijing* (Ghost Essence), it can be collected at any time. It can expel heart and abdominal accumulations and remove wind-cold pathogenic factors. It regulates male Yin-pattern Cold Damage (Shanghan) and stops chronic cold-induced leukorrhea or metrorrhagia in women.

It inherits the Qi of Tianyi (One Water/Heavenly One) and stands prior to the Five Elements. Plants rely on it for growth and development, and people depend on it for nourishment. Under the whole heaven, water is the most abundant. Large bodies become seas, rivers, and streams; small ones become pools, creeks, and ravines. Towns and markets have ponds and wells; cliffs and valleys have flowing water and springs. Their flavors differ naturally among sweet, pungent, salty, and bland; their natures vary in movement, stillness, slowness, and urgency. When used to cook medicinal herbs, each has its suitability. If not carefully understood, how can efficacy be sought?

There is one called *Changliushui* (Long-flowing Water), similar to *Qianli Shui* (Thousand-li Water). It takes the meaning of passing through many dangers and having a long source and flow. For diseases of the hands, feet, arms, and legs, no other water can treat them effectively.

There is one called *Shunliushui* (Smooth-flowing Water), similar to eastward-flowing water. It is named so because it flows east without obstruction and directly downward without hindrance. For stagnation of urination and defecation, using this water promotes unblocking.

*Niliushui* (Counter-flowing Water) refers to water that swirls backward and flows upstream. It can induce vomiting of wind-phlegm in the upper jiao chest and diaphragm, facilitating upward surging.

*Jiliushui* (Rapid-flowing Water) refers to water rushing rapidly down steep rapids. It can eliminate damp-pain in the lower body legs and hips, relying on its natural downward flow.

*Jinghuashui* (Well Flower Water) is drawn in the early morning. It tonifies Yin deficiency and clears the head and eyes, because the true Qi of Tianyi floats and condenses on the water surface before dispersing.

*Shangu Shui* (Mountain Bone Water) is sought during midsummer. It retreats seasonal epidemics and dispels warm jaundice, due to the generation of Yin at the Summer Solstice, rising from underground and being extremely cold.

*Bantian He Shui* (Half-sky River Water) accumulates in bamboo or wooden pipes. This is the *Shangshi Zhi Shui* (Water from Above Pools) taught by Changsang Jun to Bian Que. Its quality is extremely clean and turbid-free, suitable for refining elixirs; those desiring immortality must seek it.

*Juying Shui* (Chrysanthemum Petal Water) comes from places abundant in chrysanthemums. Originally, Tao Yuanming (Tao Jingjie) liked planting chrysanthemums and soaking petals in water. Its aroma is very fragrant and taste most sweet. It can be used to brew tea buds, hoping to extend life. (The Longevity Source has many chrysanthemums at its origin; the flowing water smells of chrysanthemums all four seasons. Residents drinking it live two to three hundred years.)

*Chunyushui* (Spring Rain Water) is collected on the Day of Beginning of Spring using vessels to catch rain from the air. It acquires the ascending and generating Qi of spring. It is suitable for insufficient Middle Qi, failure of clear Yang to ascend, and for men of vigorous age who have yet to produce offspring.

At the Autumn Equinox, dew is brushed off grasses with objects. It possesses the descending and肃 (solemn/clearing) Qi of autumn. It is suitable for tuberculosis transmission, childhood malnutrition with abdominal distension, and those suffering from chronic pestilence; collecting and drinking this water is best.

*Laixue Shui* (Winter Solstice Snow Water) is stored in jars and buried in the ground. Its nature is severely cold. It treats epidemic toxins prevalent in spring and summer.

*Ganlan Shui* (Sweet Rotten Water) is prepared by filling a vessel and vigorously stirring/agitating the water. Its Qi is soft and slow. It harmonizes winter Yin-pattern Cold Damage.

*Xinji Shui* (Fresh-drawn Well Water) is water freshly drawn from wells or springs, unmixed and unpolluted (not poured into jars or urns). Nourishing the Heart Spirit indeed achieves miraculous effects.

*Wugen Shui* (Rootless Water), also known as *Liaoshui* (Rainwater). It refers to stagnant water accumulating in low depressions without flowing. Assisting the Spleen and Stomach truly performs divine functions.

There is also *Dijiang* (Earth Slurry), which is artificially made. A pit is dug, water is poured in, stirred until turbid, and taken after a moment. It can resolve malignant toxins and drive away vexation and heat. If poisonous fungi from maple trees are mistakenly ingested causing uncontrollable laughter, using this brings immediate peace; if poisonous mountain fungi are mistakenly ingested causing near-death, drinking this yields immediate effect.

(Chen Jiamo) Commentary: Although various waters are analyzed in detail, physicians often neglect them. When administering decoctions, they frequently fail to select properly. One must not ignore that using medicine is like using troops. When troops march to battle, it is crucial to choose terrain for encampment. If the geographical advantage is not obtained, even well-trained elite soldiers cannot hope for victory reports. Similarly, treating disease with medicine requires selecting water for decoction. If the water's nature does not match, even the finest formulated medicine will struggle to achieve complete cure. This principle is self-evident and needs no debate. Is the use of water not something to be cautious about? Furthermore, human health preservation is fundamentally based on grain and food. Examining the sages, they often discuss water alongside food. It is said: "When water departs, Ying (Nutritive) Qi scatters; when grain is consumed, Wei (Defensive) Qi perishes." It is said: "When water enters the meridians, blood is formed. When grain enters the Stomach, the pulse channels begin to flow." Why is water indispensable? Water's relationship with humans is profound. Lifespan longevity or brevity, and bodily plumpness or emaciation, all depend on the richness or thinness of water and soil. Observing people in the north and south today confirms this. Even those traveling far who suffer illness from不适应 (non-acclimatization) to local water and soil can be inferred from this general principle.