Library

Sweet and bitter in flavor, slightly warm in nature. Non-toxic. Its consistency is thick and sticky like porridge, hence the name Yitang (Maltose). It is made by boiling glutinous rice or millet. Entering the Spleen channel, it can tonify deficiency and fatigue. Because its color is purple resembling amber, it is also referred to as Jiaoyi (Glutinous Maltose) in prescriptions. When dry and hard, it is called Xing, and is not used for decoctions. It harmonizes the Spleen and moistens the Lungs, relieves thirst, and eliminates phlegm. It is used in Jianzhong Tang (Middle-Jian Decoction), presumably to take advantage of its sweet and緩 (gentle/moderating) property. It treats fish bones stuck in the throat and remedies the accidental swallowing of coins or rings. It should not be added when there is abdominal fullness, and is strictly contraindicated in vomiting. Excessive consumption by children damages teeth and causes worms. In Danxi's writings, it was stated that it can vigorously disperse heat within dampness.

Sweet and sour in flavor, slightly warm in nature. Non-toxic. The method of preparation is detailed in the book "Xian" by Prince Ning (Zhu Quan). Select the Qingming solar term, cook millet rice thoroughly. While hot, pour into a ceramic vat, and soak in cold water for five or six days. The taste gradually becomes sour and white foam appears; because the color resembles liquid mash, it is named Jiangshui (Fermented Rice Water). It can be drunk as tea during intense heat, or consumed as porridge at dusk. It promotes wakefulness and sleep, removes irritability, aids digestion, and relieves thirst. It harmonizes the Zang-Fu organs and makes the skin smooth and fair. For Huoluan (Cholera-like disease), it establishes miraculous effects immediately; for Xieli (Diarrhea and Dysentery), it achieves rapid results. Shuijiang (Water sauce that freezes in winter) is extremely cold, and pregnant women are advised to avoid tasting it.

Dongkuizi (Winter Okra Seed)
It is the seed of the Malva plant. Sweet in flavor, cold in nature. Its nature is slippery and purgative. Non-toxic. It primarily treats cold and heat disorders of the five Zang and six Fu organs, emaciation, and the five types of stranguria (Wu Long); it promotes urination. It treats difficulty in lactation and internal closure in women. Long-term use strengthens bones and builds muscle. It lightens the body and prolongs longevity. It grows on Mount Shaoshi. It is now found everywhere. Harvested in the twelfth lunar month. Huangqin (Scutellariae Radix) serves as its guiding herb. Tao Hongjing stated: Its seeds come from Malva plants sown in autumn, covered and nurtured, producing seeds after passing through winter into spring. These are called Dongkuizi (Winter Okra Seeds). They are used most frequently in ancient prescriptions, while the seedlings and leaves are even more delicious as vegetables. Generally, its nature is slippery and purgative, capable of promoting the discharge of accumulated stagnation. It is particularly suitable for those taking mineral pills (Dan Shi). Boiling it into juice and drinking it alone is also good, and it benefits the Small Intestine. Pregnant women eating boiled leaves near delivery facilitate easy birth due to the slippery nature. Dried leaves and ash, ground together, treat metal wounds. Drinking the decoction treats epidemic jaundice. Fresh Malva leaf juice taken in small amounts treats infantial exanthems and disperses malignant toxic vapors. The root treats Xiaoke (Diabetes-like syndrome) and perioral ulcers; applied as ash, it is effective for postpartum and malignant sores. If a child swallows a coin, drinking the decoction expels it immediately. For any unruptured carbuncles or abscesses, swallow one Dongkuizi seed with fresh well water; it will rupture in an instant. If multiple ruptures are needed, add doses sequentially. For women with breech presentation, cold limbs, and trismus, stir-fry Dongkuizi until yellow, grind into powder (2 qian), and take with wine to ensure normal delivery. For pregnant women suffering from stranguria, use one sheng of Dongkuizi with three sheng of water, boil down to two sheng, and divide into two doses. If Dongkuizi is unavailable, a handful of Malva root is also effective. For sudden Guan Ge (Obstruction Syndrome with inability to urinate or defecate), severe abdominal distension, and impending death, use two sheng of Dongkuizi with four sheng of water, boil down to one sheng, and take in one dose. For dead fetus in utero in children, administer Dongkuizi powder mixed with wine. If trismus prevents opening the mouth, pry it open and灌 (pour/administer); upon ingestion, life is restored.