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Slight toxicity. It primarily treats *jia* (abdominal masses) and qi stagnation, various *jia* accumulations, evil insects entering the abdomen, and sores caused by insect bites. This water is drawn from small springs in marshy areas where red snakes reside. People sometimes encounter it; after rainfall, the water is collected for consumption or bathing. Since snakes possess great toxicity, this substance is utilized medicinally.

Taste: pungent; Nature: neutral; Slight toxicity. It treats *gui qi* (ghostly qi, referring to sudden mental abnormalities or infectious diseases), *zhong e* (sudden affliction by foul pathogenic factors), *zhu wu* (infectious and lingering diseases), heart and abdominal pain, and nightmares involving ghosts or deities. Consuming one *ge* (a traditional unit of volume) may cause mental oppression if taken in excess. Another claim states that washing the eyes with it allows one to see ghosts, but this has not been tested. It can harm *gu* poison. The clear,澄澈 (clear/pure), and long-stored water is superior. *Gu Zhong Wen* records: "Sugarcane leaves residual nodes, melon toxins erode corpses," implying that while sugarcane remnants and rotting melons resist decomposition, other substances dissolve into water in this medium. Northerners refer to grain jars as *shi ying*.

It promotes hair growth. By collecting condensed steam during cooking using a vessel for head washing, hair becomes longer, denser, black, and lustrous. If large quantities cannot be obtained, combing children's heads daily will gradually yield beneficial effects.

Taste: sweet; Nature: neutral; Non-toxic. It treats *huo luan* (cholera-like syndrome) characterized by vexation, vomiting, abdominal emptiness, and muscle cramps (*zhuan jin*). There is concern regarding its entry into the abdomen or prolonged use, termed *xi chang* (washing the intestines). Although people fear this, trials have shown efficacy. One should not take it on an empty stomach; if the stomach is already empty, it may be taken again. However, if weakness and coldness occur, it is feared that the zang-fu organs and stomach will become excessively cold, leading to inability to sustain bodily functions. Dosage should be adjusted according to circumstances. Concurrently, moxibustion of 30-50 moxa cones on the spine should be applied immediately to penetrate warmth internally and tonify stomach qi; otherwise, the condition may become critical. It also treats *xiao ke* (wasting-thirst syndrome), regurgitation, heat dysentery, *lin* syndrome (dysuria), red and astringent urination, and aids in dispersing *qi chuang* (lacquer dermatitis) and *she gong* abscesses through washing. Long-term use harmonizes the middle jiao, descends heat qi, but may damage stomach qi, promoting bowel and urinary movements. It is recommended to drink abundantly, allowing the liquid to reach the throat before swallowing.

If husband and wife each drink one cup and then engage in intercourse, conception is likely to occur, demonstrating miraculous efficacy.

Taste: salty; Non-toxic. Adding hot salt and drinking it induces vomiting of retained food, toxins, and foul matter. For those experiencing limb distension and impending *huo luan*, feeling internal abdominal instability, consuming one to two sheng (units of volume) immediately induces complete vomiting, leading to recovery. It also treats phlegm-malaria, requiring the expulsion of phlegm and retained food to harmonize the middle jiao and digest food. Furthermore, for severe drunkenness or excessive consumption of wild rice (*jiao*) and fruits, immersing the body in raw-cooked soup causes the water to acquire the smell of wine and wild rice. *Bao Wu Zhi* records: Immersion up to the waist allows consumption of up to fifty wild rice shoots; immersion up to the calves or neck imposes no limit.