典藏书目

Well water from good wells and newly emerging spring water between stones and soil has a sweet taste, is neutral in nature, and non-toxic. It primarily treats Huoluan (cholera-like syndrome) characterized by restlessness, vomiting, abdominal emptiness, and muscle spasms (Zhuanjin). However, there is concern that it may enter the abdomen or cause issues if taken in excess, a condition referred to as "washing the intestines" (Xichang). People generally fear drinking this water, but trials show it is effective provided the stomach is not empty; if the stomach is already empty, it can be taken again. If the patient exhibits weakness and coldness of the body, it is feared that the stomach will become excessively cold, leading to an inability to sustain life. In such cases, one must exercise judgment based on the situation and weigh the circumstances, while also moxibustion on the spine for thirty to fifty moxa cones to allow warmth to penetrate internally and tonify Stomach Qi; otherwise, the condition becomes critical. Additionally, it treats Xiaoke (wasting-thirst syndrome), Fanwei (regurgitation), Re Li (dysentery with heat), Lin Zheng (dysuria), and red, scanty urine. It also helps dissipate Qichuang (lacquer dermatitis), Shegong Du (injuries from specific environmental toxins), and Yongzhong (carbuncles and swellings). Long-term consumption harmonizes the middle jiao and descends excessive heat, but may damage Stomach Qi and promote bowel and bladder movements. Drinking large amounts causes a cooling sensation in the throat.

Rainwater collected in the first lunar month: if husband and wife each drink one cup and then engage in intercourse, it is said to miraculously result in conception.

Shengshu Tang (Raw-and-Cooked Water Decoction) tastes salty, is non-toxic, and is prepared by adding hot salt to water. Drinking it induces vomiting of retained food, toxins, and foul odors. For those suffering from abdominal distension and impending Huoluan, if they feel instability in the abdomen, consuming one or two sheng (units of volume) immediately to induce complete vomiting brings recovery. It also treats Tan Nue (phlegm-malaria), requiring the expulsion of phlegm and retained food to harmonize the middle jiao and digest food. Furthermore, for individuals who are heavily intoxicated or have overconsumed fruits and melons, bathing in Shengshu Tang resolves alcohol and fruit flavors. *Bowuzhi* records that soaking up to the waist allows one to eat fifty melons; soaking up to the calves and neck imposes no limit. (This has not been verified.)

House leak water is used to wash dog bite wounds. Collect water dripping from eaves. Let the water moisten the soil beneath the eaves, then apply this soil to the wound. Severe poisoning from dog bites, if ingested, leads to malignant diseases.

Washing water from three households is used for stubborn ulcers that do not heal. Boil the water, add salt, and wash the affected area. Effect is immediate within three to five applications.

Crab paste mixed into lacquer transforms into "Shuixian" (a white substance), which people use to compound medicines. *Bowuzhi* also records this. Earthworms, broken open and cleaned of mud, coated with salt, transform into water. This primarily treats Tianxing Re Bing (epidemic febrile diseases), pediatric heat diseases, and epilepsy. New annotations state it is effective for applying to Dandu (erysipelas) and coating Qichuang (lacquer dermatitis).

Water from pig troughs is non-toxic and treats various Gu Du (poisoning by parasites/toxins). One cup treats snake bites, and soaking wounds is effective.

Urine pit water from public markets at city gates is non-toxic and treats severe Xiaoke. Take a small cupful without informing the patient. Recovery occurs after three doses.

Yandanshui (Salt Brine/Whey) tastes salty and bitter and is highly toxic. It treats erosive sores, tinea, insect bites, and venom from insects entering livestock flesh. Livestock consuming one ge (unit of volume) die instantly; humans are similarly affected. This is the black liquid drained from vats when salt is first refined. It is contraindicated for wounds with bleeding.

Shuiqi (Water Qi/Pathogenic Moisture) is toxic and causes Fengshi Tengbi (wind-dampness pain and obstruction), edema, yellow complexion, and abdominal distension. Initially affecting the skin and extremities, it gradually invades the six fu organs, causing difficult urination and defecation. If it attacks the five zang organs severely and suddenly strikes the Heart, death occurs rapidly without delay. As a Yin pathology, it should be treated with Yin-natured substances such as pigs, fish, snails, and turtles. Purging is suitable in spring, summer, and autumn; tonifying is suitable in winter. Especially effective when soaked in wine, following the movement of Yin and Yang. Historically, Ma Yuan carried Coix Seed (Yiyiren) during southern campaigns, and Min Shu consumed pork liver, likely recognizing their utility in treating dampness-related ailments. Miasma (Zhangqi) forms from mist in rivers and lakes; malaria arises from moisture trapped between mountains, where cold and heat clash. These three conditions are caused by dampness, inducing alternating chills and fever, wasting flesh and bone, particularly severe in southern regions. Treatment requires detailed analysis as they all belong to the category of Zhang diseases. General treatment often fails.

Tomb well water is toxic; ingestion causes immediate death. To test a tomb well, throw chicken feathers into it. Straight descent indicates non-toxicity; swirling motion indicates toxicity. Pouring several dou (units of volume) of hot vinegar into the well makes it safe to enter. Toxic vapors from tomb wells and stoves harm people from Summer Solstice to Autumn Equinox, but are non-toxic from Winter Solstice to Spring Equinox. Autumn dew and spring water on plants can also harm people, whereas winter and summer do not. Wounds exposed to toxic dew or water may become numb and painful due to wind-water pathogenesis, presenting with opisthotonos (rigid arching like a bow). Treatment involves covering the wound with a bowl made of fermented soybean paste and flour, applying large moxa cones for one hundred cones to draw out several sheng of evil fluid. The whole body itches, pain returns to the wound site, and healing occurs.

Spring water from yin-shaded areas should not be drunk in February and August while traveling, as it causes summer malaria and dampness, weakening the legs. Water from marshes in May and June should not be drunk, as consuming fish and turtle essence therein causes Bie Jia (turtle-shaped abdominal mass).

Sweat dripping from copper vessel lids onto food causes malignant ulcers and internal abscesses; dietary restrictions apply.

Using cooking water left overnight to wash the face dulls the complexion and causes tinea on the body when used for bathing. Even water not left overnight causes similar effects when washing the face.

Various waters are toxic. The dragon palace of water deities should not be disturbed. Red veins in water should not be severed. Boiling well water is inedible. All these harm humans. Wen Qiao of the Eastern Jin Dynasty angered spirits by illuminating water. The *Chu Ci* mentions "scales houses and shell palaces," dwelling of the River God. *Guoyu* records Ji Huanzi finding an earthen jar in a well; Confucius stated the monster of water is Wangliang, and the monster of earth is Yangshui. Veins and boiling in water are documented in *Baize Tu*.