天雨水，性轻清，味甘淡，诸水之上也。四时俱可用，而夏日尤佳。大旱之后得雨，必
须收
贮，饮之可以却病。
或问《本草》载天雨水性寒，而君曰性轻清，何也？曰∶凡水性皆寒，独汤泉性热。然流出
于外，温亦变寒，何独于天雨之水性独寒耶。是水皆寒，予所以不言其寒也。天之气最清，
故天气属阳。阴气重而阳气清，理也。天之雨水，虽地气所化，然天气不交于地，则地之气
终不能化雨。是雨水仍是天气所生，而非地气也。既得天之气为多，安得不轻且清哉。
或问立春节雨水，夫妇饮之，易于得孕，验乎不验乎？曰∶春为阳气之首，立春之雨水，
似
乎得发育之义。然而，男女媾精，始能生子，未闻媾水而可以得男者也。此说尚在可信不可
信之间，未可全恃饮立春之水，便为种子奇方也。
或问梅雨水，何以有毒也？曰∶梅雨水，味甘性平，安得有毒。因天气郁蒸，水易化物。
凡
不变之物，得之变化，故水浆则易热也，沾水则易斑也。造酒醋则改味也，浣衣则去垢也。
其实，何尝有毒哉。倘久贮之，不特无毒，并能化毒耳。
或问芒种后逢壬为入梅，小暑后逢壬为出梅，立冬后十日为入液，至小雪为出液，有之
乎？
曰∶此《月令》载之，余何敢辨其非。但谓百虫饮液内之水，尽皆伏蛰，宜制杀虫药饵，此
则铎所不信也。倘液内无雨，虫不饮水，即不蛰乎。虫既不蛰，而修合药饵，岂皆不效乎？
大约百虫交冬则俯，俯即蛰也，安在必饮液内之雨水哉。
或问腊雪水藏物，则不蛀不坏，岂亦有义乎？曰∶安得无义哉。冬气收藏，乃乾坤不交
之时
也。冬日天雨，则乾坤不交而交也。不交而交，似乎冬气之不藏矣。然而，天雨则天气交于
地，
天雨而变为雪，则地气交于天，而天气仍不交于地也。天气既不交于地，则雪之气，纯是孤
阴而无阳。孤阴不长，不长则不化，故藏物而虫不生而味亦不变也。岂惟不生虫哉，且能杀
虫。盖阴主杀也。所以冬至后之水为腊水，密封阴处，亦能藏物，正取其纯阴不阳，而又居
于至阴之地也。一过冬交春天所雨，虽变为雪，藏物未有不生虫而败坏者，正以其阴中藏阳
耳。
或问雪与冰之性味同乎？曰∶不同也。雪味淡而性寒，冰味甘而性寒。淡而寒者，可以
涤冬
日之热邪；甘而寒者，可以解夏日之暑邪。然而二味虽解冬夏之邪，而多饮反致助邪。盖寒
热相激，久而从邪，邪不去而相留于腹中，转难速愈。故只可暂解其热，而不可久恃其寒也
。
或问露水，亦天一之水也。服之必能益人？曰∶露水可内治，而亦可外治也。外治者取
七夕
之水，洗目最佳。然不可取凌霄花上之露，反致损目矣。内治者，最善解肺金之燥，然必须
五更之时，取之百草头上者为佳。古人取秋露以造酒，名曰秋露白。亦取其解肺气之干涸也
。秋露大能入五脏之阴，用药欲入阴分者，必须用之为引经之味，非秋露之竟能益五脏也。
得补阴药同用，实奏奇功。
或问半天河水，得毋有毒乎？曰∶在枯竹梢内取之者，无毒。若空树中取之者，防有蛇、
蝎
之毒。半天河水，取其水未入于地也。愚意用半天河水，不若取天雨水而不落地者为佳。恐
取水之时，正值无雨之候，不得已取半天河水可也。
或问檐下雨水与屋漏水，何殊乎？然人饮之，有病、有不病者，何也？曰∶屋漏水，则
同尘而
下，不洁亦甚矣。难免百虫之秽，不特味苦性寒，而且有大毒，故食之杀人。若檐下之水，
瓦
片之中，久雨冲淋，即有虫秽，得雨而化，故饮之无恙。若初雨之时，虫秽犹存，毒难尽解
，饮之虽不杀人，安得免于疾病乎。
或问冬霜亦雪之类，雪可能解冬日之热邪，不识冬霜亦能解之乎？曰∶冬霜味甘性寒，
与雪
相同，然而功用实别。霜可外治，而不可内服，外治热毒最效，随扫随干，随干随轻矣。若
内治热症，下喉少快，一入腹内则腹痛矣。盖冬霜肃杀，其气太刚。五脏之热，乃假热居多
，一遇真寒，其假立破，不敢争斗，反觅路逃遁，有不可入之路亦入矣，故不可轻用也。
或问冰雹之水，亦霜雪之类，亦可入药乎？曰∶冰雹乃天地乖戾之气，降之以灾害世人也。
乖戾之气，乌可入药乎。人误吞之，必有奇灾。盖其味咸而气腥，乃毒龙取海水而变者也，
切忌用药。
或问流水亦有分别乎？曰∶流水不同，有江水、有河水、有溪水、有涧水。而水之中，
又分
逆流水、顺流水。大约以源长顺流者为佳，而顺流者，又以东流者为更佳，取其流入生方也
。然病有顺逆，有时取逆流者，欲因其逆而逆之，正取其逆而仍顺也。劳水者，即取流水而
扬之千万遍，后以入药，乃炼生为熟之法也。
或问井水与流水异乎？曰∶性寒则同，味之甘咸淡则异也。用井水，不若用流水为佳。
然有
时入药，有必用井水，而不可用流水者，取其静也。井水得地气俱多。取平旦之井华水者，
为天一之水，又取其地中而得天气也，故井水在屋内者有小毒，正以其纯阴而无阳耳。古人
投入丹砂者，化其阴气也。井水沸溢，亦不可饮，此纯阴欲变也。变而未化，饮之腹胀也。
投管仲二枚亦佳。一年投两次足矣，有毒尽化。
或问山岩泉水亦各不同乎？曰∶不同。岩水从石壁上堕下者可饮，余不可轻用。恐黑土
毒木
恶草之中，有蛇虫伏之则有毒，饮之杀人。山中泉水，尤好者，乳泉也。乳泉亦有不同，有
从沙中出者，有从石骨中出者。石骨为上，沙中次之，其味甘温，不比他水皆寒也。然乳泉
初取之时，其气微腥，其色少浊，隔宿则澄清香冽，饮之可以却病，久服难老，取其为石中
之液也。倘隔宿而腥且浊者，又不可用。盖山质不佳也。
或问水性寒，彼温泉之水为热而不可饮者，何也？曰∶温泉非不可饮，且有不可浴者。
盖亢
阳之水也，纯阳无阴，故水寒变热耳。凡人阳旺而阴衰者，为多饮水，所以济阳也。饮温泉
反去助阳，自然无益。况所助者，又邪阳而非真阳乎，故不可饮也。
或问人身之精，应海中之水，宜海中为补阴之味，何以食盐则有益，而服海水则无功，
且多
饮盐卤，竟至丧命耶？曰∶肾水虽应海水，言其气味也，非言海水即肾水也。肾水乃先天之
水，无形之水也。海水乃后天之水，有形之水也。有形乌能补无形哉。食盐有益于肾水者，
以水经火化也。火亦无形，故能入于无形之中。然多食则过助火矣。亦必无功，犹之多饮海
水□□□□□纯是火化而成。今无阴气，且味又大苦，苦先入□□□□□膜，使不得入，而
心之气不通，盐卤见心不受，乃下犯于□□□因其味大苦，又坚闭不受，肾之气亦不通矣。
于是流入□□□收缩其气，必至肠结而死矣，何能助肾而受益乎？
或问阴水既无益于人，何故医家又用地浆之水耶？曰∶病□□阳无阴者，不得不用地浆
之水
，掘地作坑，以新汲井水，投入搅浊，澄清服之。取其纯阴而又得土气，与井水又不同耳
。凡水有土气，皆不伤脾胃之气，毒物遇之解，邪热得之去也。
或问西北人好饮酸浆水，亦有益乎？曰∶浆水亦能解渴，行路困乏，人得而饮之亦有益，
但
久则有损。盖酸浆水，□炊饮投入韭菜之中，久则菜与饭皆败。南方三日尚可饮，北方七日
尚可啜。南方过三日，北方过七日，俱不可用矣。用则无益有损，以此过于酸，则必伐肝。
气过于臭，则反败脾。妇人服之，必至绝经。孕妇服之，必至胎瘦，不可不慎也。
或问百沸汤古人所尚，愚以为太热而无生气矣。曰∶□□□□凡饮茶汤，亦不可过沸。
过沸
则其性太急，五脏□□□□□□气，然又不可不沸而即饮，饮之往往腹胀，以□□□□□□
□
或问半滚汤既不可用，何以阴阳水医家用□□□□□□□阳水非可常用之物也。因病阴
阳反
覆，故用□□□□□□□合以灌之，取其不阴不阳。因其乱而乱之，以动其吐□□□□阴，
阳各归阳也。倘无病而妄吐之，则反乱阴阳矣。乌□□□□。
或问泽中池塘之水亦可饮乎？曰∶凡不流动之水，皆不□□□五六月间尤忌。恐蛇、虫、
鱼
、鳖之交，而流精于水中，误饮□□□秋冬亦无害，然总不若饮井水之为得也。
或问水不可饮止此乎？曰∶吾就日用之所需者言之耳。若推其变，则忌饮者甚多，如浸花之
水、铜器贮水、经宿水而有五色之光者、古井之水、混浊之水，皆不可饮也。
天降之雨水，性质轻扬清透，味道甘淡，在所有水源中居于首位。四季皆可饮用，而夏季饮用效果最佳。在大旱之后得到的雨水，必须收集储存，饮用它可以祛除疾病。
有人问：《本草》记载天雨水性寒，而您却说它性质轻清，这是为什么？我说：凡是水的性质都是寒的，唯独温泉的性质是热的。然而温泉流出地面后，温度也会变冷，为什么偏偏认为只有天雨水的性质是独寒呢？既然所有水都是寒性的，所以我就不特别强调它的寒性了。天的气息最为清透，所以天气归属于阳。阴气重浊而阳气清透，这是自然之理。天上的雨水，虽然是由地气变化而来，但如果天气不与地气相交，那么地气终究不能化生为雨。所以雨水仍然是由天气所生成，而不是地气。既然雨水多得自于天的气息，怎么能不轻扬且清透呢？
有人问：立春时的雨水，夫妻饮用后容易受孕，这有验证吗？我说：春季是阳气之首，立春的雨水，似乎蕴含着生长发育的意义。然而，男女交合精气，才能生育子女，没听说过通过饮水就能生出男孩的道理。这种说法还在可信与不可信之间，不能完全依赖饮用立春的水作为助孕的奇方。
有人问：梅雨季节的雨水，为什么会有毒性？我说：梅雨水，味道甘平，怎么会有毒呢？因为天气闷热潮湿，水容易使物体发生变质。凡是不易变化的物品，遇到梅雨就会发生变化，所以水浆容易变热，沾上水容易长斑。酿造酒醋会改变味道，洗衣服能去污。其实，哪里有毒呢？如果长时间储存，不仅没有毒，反而能化解毒素。
有人问：芒种后遇到壬日为入梅，小暑后遇到壬日为出梅，立冬后十日为入液，直到小雪为出液，有这样的说法吗？
我说：这是《月令》中记载的，我怎敢辩驳其错误。但如果说百虫在“液”期间饮用的水，都潜伏冬眠，应该制作杀虫药饵，这是我陈士铎所不信的。如果“液”期内没有雨，虫子不喝水，它们就不冬眠了吗？虫子如果不冬眠，那么制作的药饵，难道都不见效吗？大概百虫到了冬天就俯身不动，俯身就是冬眠，何必一定要喝“液”期内的雨水呢。
有人问：腊月雪水储藏物品，不会生虫也不会腐烂，难道也有道理吗？我说：怎么会没有道理呢。冬季气候收藏，是天地之气不相交的时候。冬日下雨，则是天地之气不相交中的相交。看似不相交却相交，似乎是冬季收藏之气的消散。然而，下雨时天气交于地，雨变为雪，则是地气交于天，而天气仍不交于地。天气既然不交于地，那么雪的气息，纯粹是孤阴而没有阳。孤阴不能生长，不能生长就不能化育，所以储藏物品时虫子不生，味道也不变。岂止是不生虫，还能杀虫。因为阴主杀伐。所以冬至后的水称为腊水，密封存放在阴凉处，也能储藏物品，正是取其纯阴无阳，又处于至阴之地。一旦过了冬，进入春天所下的雨，即使变成雪，储藏物品也难免生虫败坏，正是因为其中藏有阳气。
有人问：雪和冰的性质味道相同吗？我说：不同。雪味道淡而性寒，冰味道甘而性寒。淡而寒的雪，可以清除冬季的热邪；甘而寒的冰，可以解除夏季的暑邪。然而这两者虽然能解冬夏之邪，但多喝反而会助长邪气。因为寒热相互激荡，时间久了就会顺从邪气，邪气不去而滞留腹中，反而难以快速痊愈。所以只能暂时缓解热症，而不能长期依赖其寒性。
有人问：露水，也是来自天一之水。服用它一定能对人有益吗？我说：露水既可以内服，也可以外用。外用时取七夕的露水，洗眼睛效果最好。但不能取凌霄花上的露水，反而损伤眼睛。内服时，最善于解除肺金的燥气，但必须在五更时分，采集百草叶尖上的露水为佳。古人采集秋露来酿酒，名叫“秋露白”，也是取其解除肺气干涸的作用。秋露大能进入五脏的阴分，用药想要进入阴分时，必须用它作为引经药，并不是秋露本身竟能补益五脏。与补阴药同用，确实能奏效奇功。
有人问：半天河水，莫非有毒吗？我说：从枯竹梢内取得的，无毒。若从空树中取得的，要防备有蛇、蝎的毒性。半天河水，是指水尚未落入地面的水。我的意见是使用半天河水，不如取天雨水而不落地者为佳。恐怕取水时正值无雨之时，不得已才取半天河水。
有人问：屋檐下的雨水与屋顶漏下来的水，有什么不同？然而人喝了有的生病，有的不生病，为什么呢？我说：屋顶漏下的水，混杂着灰尘落下，非常不洁净。难免沾染百虫的秽物，不仅味道苦性寒，而且有大毒，所以食用它会杀人。若是屋檐下的水，瓦片之中，经过久雨冲刷淋洗，即使有虫秽，遇雨也会化解，所以饮用安然无恙。若是初雨之时，虫秽尚存，毒素难以完全解除，饮用虽不致死，怎能免于疾病呢。
有人问：冬霜也是雪的一类，雪可能解除冬季的热邪，不知冬霜也能解除吗？我说：冬霜味道甘性寒，与雪相同，然而功效确实不同。霜可以外用，不可以内服，外用治疗热毒最有效，随扫随干，随干症状减轻。若内服治疗热症，刚下喉稍感爽快，一进入腹内就会腹痛。因为冬霜肃杀，气势太刚烈。五脏的热症，大多是假热，一旦遇到真寒，假热立刻破除，不敢争斗，反而寻找路径逃遁，甚至侵入原本不可进入的地方，所以不可轻易使用。
有人问：冰雹的水，也是霜雪一类，也可以入药吗？我说：冰雹是天地乖戾之气，降下来是为了灾害世人。乖戾之气，怎么可以入药呢？人误吞食它，必定遭遇奇灾。因为它的味道咸而气息腥，是毒龙吸取海水变化而成的，切忌用药。
有人问：流动的水也有区别吗？我说：流动的水不同，有江水、河水、溪水、涧水。而在这些水中，又分为逆流水、顺流水。大致以源头长远、顺流而下的为佳，而在顺流中，又以向东流的更佳，取其流入东方（木方，生机所在）的缘故。然而病情有顺逆之分，有时取逆流之水，是想顺着它的逆势而逆转病势，正是取其逆势而达到顺治的效果。劳水，即取流动的水千万次扬起，然后再入药，这是炼生为熟的方法。
有人问：井水与流动的水不同吗？我说：性质寒凉是相同的，味道的甘、咸、淡则不同。用井水，不如用流动的水为佳。然而有时入药，必须用井水而不能用流动的水，是取其静止的特性。井水得地气较多。取清晨的井华水，是天一之水，又取其在地中而得到天气，所以屋内的井水有小毒，正是因为它纯阴而无阳。古人投入丹砂，是为了化解其阴气。井水沸腾溢出，也不可饮用，这是纯阴想要变化的表现。变化而未完全转化，饮用会导致腹胀。投入管仲二枚也很好。一年投两次就够了，毒性完全化解。
有人问：山岩泉水也都各不相同吗？我说：不同。岩石壁面滴落的水可以饮用，其余的不可以轻易使用。恐怕在黑土、毒木、恶草之中，有蛇虫潜伏其中则有剧毒，饮用会杀人。山中泉水，尤其好的，是乳泉。乳泉也有不同，有从沙中涌出的，有从石骨中渗出的。石骨中的为上品，沙中的次之，味道甘温，不像其他水都是寒性的。然而乳泉刚取出时，气息微腥，颜色稍浊，隔一夜则澄清清香凛冽，饮用可以祛除疾病，长期服用使人难老，是取其为石中之液的缘故。如果隔一夜仍然腥浊，又不可使用。这是因为山质不佳。
有人问：水性寒，那温泉的水是热的且不可饮用，为什么呢？我说：温泉并非不可饮用，且有不可洗澡的。那是亢盛之阳的水，纯阳无阴，所以水由寒变热罢了。凡是人体阳气旺盛而阴气衰弱的人，多饮水，是为了济助阳气。饮用温泉反而助长阳气，自然无益。何况所助长的，又是邪阳而非真阳呢，所以不可饮用。
有人问：人体的精，对应海中的水，应该海中水是补阴之物，为什么食盐有益，而服海水则无功，且多饮盐卤，竟然导致丧命呢？我说：肾水虽然对应海水，是说其气味相应，不是说海水就是肾水。肾水是先天之水，无形之水。海水是后天之水，有形之水。有形怎么能补无形呢？食盐有益于肾水，是因为水经过火化（烧制）。火也是无形的，所以能进入无形之中。然而多吃则会过助火气。也必然无功，就像多喝海水一样，□□□□□纯是火化而成。现在没有阴气，且味道又大苦，苦先入□□□□□膜，使其不得进入，而心的气机不通，盐卤见心不受纳，于是向下侵犯□□□因其味道大苦，又坚闭不受，肾的气机也不通了。于是流入□□□收缩其气，必定导致肠结而死，怎么能助肾而受益呢？
有人问：阴水既然对人无益，为什么医家又用地浆水呢？我说：患□□□阳无阴的病，不得不用地浆水，挖掘地作坑，用新汲取的井水投入搅浑，澄清后服用。取其纯阴而又得土气，与井水又不同。凡是带有土气的水，都不伤脾胃之气，毒物遇到它可解，邪热遇到它可去。
有人问：西北人喜欢饮用酸浆水，也有益处吗？我说：浆水也能解渴，行路困乏时，人喝了也有益处，但久了则有损害。因为酸浆水，□炊饮投入韭菜之中，久了菜与饭都会腐败。南方三天还可以饮用，北方七天还可以啜饮。南方超过三天，北方超过七天，都不可使用了。使用则无益有害，因为过于酸，则必克伐肝气。气味过于臭腐，则反败脾。妇人服用，必定导致绝经。孕妇服用，必定导致胎儿消瘦，不可不慎。
有人问：百沸汤是古人所崇尚的，我认为太热而没有生气。我说：□□□□凡饮用茶汤，也不可以过度沸腾。过度沸腾则其性太急，五脏□□□□□□气，然而又不可以不沸即饮，饮用往往腹胀，以□□□□□□□
有人问：半滚汤既然不可用，为什么阴阳水医家用□□□□□□□阳水不是可常用的东西。因为病情阴阳反复，所以用□□□□□□□合以灌之，取其不阴不阳。因其乱而乱之，以动其吐□□□□阴，阳各归阳也。倘若无病而妄吐之，则反而扰乱阴阳了。乌□□□□。
有人问：沼泽池塘的水也可以饮用吗？我说：凡是不流动的水，皆不□□□五六月间尤其忌讳。恐怕蛇、虫、鱼、鳖交配，将精液排入水中，误饮□□□秋冬也无害，但总不如饮用井水来得好。
有人问：水不可饮的就这些吗？我说：我是就日常所需而言的。若推究其变化，则忌饮的很多，如浸花的水、铜器贮水、隔夜而有五色光泽的水、古井水、浑浊的水，都不可饮用。
Rainwater, being light and clear in nature, has a sweet and bland taste, ranking supreme among all waters. It can be used in all four seasons, but is particularly excellent in summer. Rainfall obtained after a severe drought must be collected and stored; drinking it can dispel diseases.
Someone asked: "The *Bencao* records that rainwater is cold in nature, yet you say it is light and clear. Why?" I replied: "All waters are inherently cold, with the sole exception of hot springs which are hot. However, once flowing out externally, even their warmth turns cold. Why should only rainwater be considered uniquely cold? Since all waters are cold, I do not specifically emphasize its coldness. The Qi of Heaven is the clearest, thus Heavenly Qi belongs to Yang. Yin Qi is heavy and turbid, while Yang Qi is clear; this is the principle. Although rainwater is transformed from Earthly Qi, if Heavenly Qi does not interact with Earthly Qi, Earthly Qi cannot ultimately transform into rain. Therefore, rainwater is still generated by Heavenly Qi, not Earthly Qi. Having acquired much of Heavenly Qi, how could it not be light and clear?"
Someone asked: "Regarding rainwater at the Beginning of Spring, if a couple drinks it, is it true that they are more likely to conceive?" I said: "Spring is the beginning of Yang Qi. Rainwater at the Beginning of Spring seems to embody the meaning of development and growth. However, only through the union of male and female essence can children be born; it has never been heard that drinking water can produce a son. This claim remains between credible and incredible. One cannot fully rely on drinking water from the Beginning of Spring as a miraculous prescription for conception."
Someone asked: "Why is plum rain (Meiyu) toxic?" I said: "Plum rain has a sweet taste and neutral nature; how could it be toxic? Due to the stifling heat and humidity of the weather, water easily causes substances to change. Things that do not normally change will undergo transformation when exposed to it; thus, water and gruel easily become hot, items touched by water easily develop spots, brewing wine or vinegar alters their flavor, and washing clothes removes dirt. In reality, where is the toxicity? If stored for a long time, it not only loses its toxicity but can also resolve toxins."
Someone asked: "Is it true that entering the Plum Rain season occurs on the Ren day after Mangzhong (Grain in Ear), exiting on the Ren day after Xiaoshu (Minor Heat), entering 'Ye' (fluids) ten days after Lidong (Start of Winter), and exiting at Xiaoxue (Minor Snow)?"
I said: "This is recorded in the *Yueling* (Monthly Ordinances). How dare I refute its errors? But to say that the water drunk by hundred insects during 'Ye' causes them to hibernate, and thus one should prepare insecticidal medicines, is something I, Chen Shiduo, do not believe. If there is no rain during 'Ye', and insects do not drink water, do they not hibernate? If insects do not hibernate, would the prepared medicines be ineffective? Generally, hundred insects bow down in winter; bowing down is hibernation. Why must they necessarily drink rainwater from the 'Ye' period?"
Someone asked: "When storing objects in snow water from the twelfth lunar month, they do not rot or get infested with worms. Is there a rationale for this?" I said: "How could there not be? Winter is a time of storage and concealment, when Heaven and Earth do not interact. Winter rain represents an interaction within non-interaction. It seems like the storage energy of winter dissipates. However, when it rains, Heavenly Qi interacts with Earthly Qi; when rain turns to snow, Earthly Qi interacts with Heavenly Qi, while Heavenly Qi still does not interact with Earthly Qi. Since Heavenly Qi does not interact with Earthly Qi, the Qi of snow is purely isolated Yin without Yang. Isolated Yin cannot grow; if it cannot grow, it cannot transform. Thus, when storing objects, worms do not arise, and flavors do not change. Not only does it not breed worms, but it can also kill them, for Yin governs killing. Therefore, water after the Winter Solstice, called La Shui (Winter Water), sealed and stored in yin places, can also preserve objects, precisely because it is pure Yin without Yang and resides in the most Yin location. Once winter passes and spring arrives, rain—even if it becomes snow—will inevitably cause stored objects to breed worms and spoil, precisely because it contains Yang within Yin."
Someone asked: "Do snow and ice have the same nature and taste?" I said: "No. Snow is bland and cold; ice is sweet and cold. Bland and cold snow can wash away winter heat pathogens; sweet and cold ice can resolve summer heat pathogens. However, although these two can resolve winter and summer pathogens, excessive consumption反而 (instead) aids the pathogen. Because cold and heat clash, over time one succumbs to the pathogen; the pathogen remains in the abdomen and is difficult to cure quickly. Thus, one can only temporarily relieve heat, but cannot long rely on its coldness."
Someone asked: "Dew is also water from Tian Yi (Heaven One). Does consuming it necessarily benefit humans?" I said: "Dew can be used internally and externally. For external use, dew collected on the seventh day of the seventh lunar month is best for washing the eyes. However, one must not collect dew from *Campsis grandiflora* (Lingxiao flower), as it damages the eyes. For internal use, it is best at resolving dryness of Lung Metal, but must be collected at dawn from the heads of hundred herbs. Ancients collected autumn dew to brew wine, named 'Autumn Dew White,' taking advantage of its ability to resolve dryness of Lung Qi. Autumn dew greatly enters the Yin of the five Zang organs. When using herbs intended to enter the Yin aspect, one must use it as a guiding substance; it is not that autumn dew alone benefits the five Zang organs. Used together with Yin-nourishing herbs, it truly achieves miraculous results."
Someone asked: "Does Ban Tian He Shui (Half-Sky River Water) contain toxicity?" I said: "Water taken from dead bamboo tips is non-toxic. If taken from hollow trees, one must guard against snake and scorpion toxicity. Ban Tian He Shui refers to water that has not yet entered the ground. My opinion is that using Ban Tian He Shui is inferior to collecting rainwater before it hits the ground. If one must collect water when it is not raining, then collecting Ban Tian He Shui is acceptable out of necessity."
Someone asked: "What is the difference between rainwater under eaves and roof leakage water? Yet some people who drink it get sick, while others do not. Why?" I said: "Roof leakage water falls mixed with dust and is extremely unclean. It inevitably carries filth from hundred insects. Not only is it bitter and cold, but it also has great toxicity, so consuming it kills. Water under eaves, washed by prolonged rain through tiles, dissolves any insect filth upon contact with rain, so drinking it leaves one unharmed. However, during initial rainfall, insect filth remains, and toxins are not fully resolved. Drinking it may not kill, but how can one avoid disease?"
Someone asked: "Winter frost is similar to snow. If snow can resolve winter heat pathogens, can winter frost do so too?" I said: "Winter frost is sweet and cold, similar to snow, but its function differs. Frost can be used externally but not internally. It is most effective for treating external heat toxins; symptoms subside as it dries. If used internally for heat syndromes, one feels slightly relieved upon swallowing, but abdominal pain ensues upon entering the stomach. This is because winter frost is austere and killing, its Qi too rigid. Heat in the five Zang organs is mostly false heat; encountering true cold breaks the false heat instantly. The false heat dares not struggle and flees, invading paths it normally would not, hence it should not be used lightly."
Someone asked: "Hailwater is also like frost and snow; can it be used in medicine?" I said: "Hail is the Qi of heaven and earth in discord, sent to plague humanity. How can such discordant Qi enter medicine? If swallowed by mistake, it brings disaster. Its taste is salty and odor fishy, believed to be transformed by venomous dragons from seawater. Medication is strictly contraindicated."
Someone asked: "Are there distinctions among flowing waters?" I said: "Flowing waters differ: there are river waters, stream waters, creek waters, and ravine waters. Among these, there are逆流 (counter-flowing) and 顺流 (downstream) waters. Generally, those with long sources and smooth downstream flow are best. Among downstream flows, eastward-flowing ones are superior, as they flow into the East (Wood direction, representing life). However, diseases have favorable and unfavorable courses. Sometimes counter-flowing water is taken to reverse the disease's course by utilizing its counter-flow, achieving harmony through opposition. Lao Shui (Labor Water) is made by taking flowing water and tossing it thousands of times before adding to medicine, a method of refining raw to cooked."
Someone asked: "Are well water and flowing waters different?" I said: "Their cold nature is the same, but their tastes (sweet, salty, bland) differ. Using flowing water is generally better than well water. However, sometimes medicine requires well water and cannot use flowing water, due to its stillness. Well water absorbs much Earthly Qi. Jing Hua Shui (Well Flower Water) collected at dawn is Tian Yi water, obtaining Heavenly Qi from within the earth. Thus, well water indoors has slight toxicity because it is pure Yin without Yang. Ancients added cinnabar to dissolve its Yin Qi. Boiling well water is undrinkable, indicating pure Yin attempting to transform. Untransformed, it causes abdominal distension. Adding two pieces of *Gastrodia elata* (Guan Zhong) is good. Twice a year is sufficient to eliminate toxicity."
Someone asked: "Are mountain spring waters all different?" I said: "Yes. Water falling from rock walls is drinkable; others should not be used lightly. Fear of black soil, toxic woods, and evil grasses harboring snakes and insects causing toxicity that kills. Among mountain springs, the best is Ru Quan (Milk Spring). Milk springs vary: those emerging from sand are secondary; those from stone bones are superior. They taste sweet and warm, unlike other cold waters. Freshly drawn milk spring water smells slightly fishy and is slightly turbid; after overnight settling, it becomes clear, fragrant, and crisp. Drinking it dispels disease and prolongs life, as it is the fluid of stones. If still fishy and turbid overnight, do not use it, indicating poor mountain quality."
Someone asked: "Water is cold; why is hot spring water hot and undrinkable?" I said: "Hot springs are not undrinkable, nor are baths forbidden. They are waters of hyperactive Yang, pure Yang without Yin, hence changing from cold to hot. People with strong Yang and weak Yin drink water to nourish Yang. Drinking hot springs further aids Yang, which is unbeneficial. Moreover, what is aided is pathogenic Yang, not true Yang, so it is undrinkable."
Someone asked: "Human essence corresponds to sea water; shouldn't the sea be a Yin-nourishing substance? Why is salt beneficial, but seawater useless, and brine fatal?" I said: "Kidney water corresponds to sea water in terms of flavor and nature, but sea water is not Kidney water. Kidney water is congenital, formless. Sea water is acquired, formed. Formed cannot nourish formless. Salt benefits Kidney water because water is transformed by fire. Fire is formless, entering the formless. However, excess salt over-aids Fire, yielding no benefit, just as drinking seawater □□□□□ is purely fire-transformed. Now lacking Yin Qi, and tasting very bitter, bitterness first enters □□□□□ membrane, blocking entry. Heart Qi does not circulate; brine finds Heart rejection, descends to invade □□□. Due to extreme bitterness and closure, Kidney Qi also stagnates. Flowing into □□□, it contracts Qi, leading to intestinal constipation and death. How can it aid the Kidneys?"
Someone asked: "If Yin water is unbeneficial, why do physicians use Di Jiang Shui (Earth Slurry)?" I said: "For patients suffering from □□□ Yang deficiency without Yin, Di Jiang Shui is necessary. Dig a pit, pour fresh well water, stir until turbid, let settle, and drink. It is pure Yin yet obtains Earth Qi, differing from well water. Waters with Earth Qi do not damage Spleen and Stomach Qi; toxins are resolved, and pathogenic heat is removed."
Someone asked: "Northwesterners like sour Jiang Shui (fermented rice water); is it beneficial?" I said: "Jiang Shui quenches thirst and helps fatigue, beneficial initially, but harmful long-term. Sour Jiang Shui, □ cooked rice/tea thrown into chives, spoils over time. Acceptable for three days in the South, seven in the North. Beyond these limits, it is unusable. Excessive acid injures Liver Qi; foul odor damages Spleen. Women consuming it may cease menstruation; pregnant women risk fetal emaciation. Caution is advised."
Someone asked: "Boiled water (Bai Fei Tang) was esteemed by ancients, but I think it lacks vital Qi due to excessive heat." I said: "□□□□ Tea and broth should not be boiled excessively. Over-boiling makes nature too urgent, affecting Five Zang □□□□□□ Qi. Yet, drinking immediately after boiling causes abdominal distension due to □□□□□□□"
Someone asked: "If half-boiled water is unusable, why do physicians use Yin-Yang Water □□□□□□□ Yang water is not commonly used. For alternating Yin-Yang conditions, □□□□□□□ is mixed and administered to induce vomiting, seeking neither Yin nor Yang. Using chaos to create chaos, stimulating vomit □□□□ Yin and Yang return to their respective poles. Vomiting without illness disrupts Yin-Yang. Wu □□□□."
Someone asked: "Can pond water in marshes be drunk?" I said: "Stagnant water is □□□ especially dangerous in May-June. Fear of sperm release from snakes, insects, fish, and turtles contaminating the water. Accidental ingestion □□□ Harmless in autumn/winter, but well water is still preferable."
Someone asked: "Are these all the waters one should avoid drinking?" I said: "I spoke of daily necessities. Considering variations, many are avoided: water soaking flowers, water stored in copper vessels, overnight water with five-colored luster, ancient well water, and turbid water are all undrinkable."