典藏书目

Melon (Cucumis melo)
Taste: Bitter. Nature: Cold. Slightly toxic. Grown everywhere in villages and gardens. Those with two peduncles, two navel ends, or those that sink in water are fatal if ingested; overconsumption causes abdominal distension, which is resolved by soaking in water. Adding a small amount of salt and dissolving it in water also alleviates symptoms. Consuming a small amount stops thirst and promotes urination, unblocking the Qi stagnation in the Triple Burner (San Jiao). Overeating generates phlegm, triggers dampness-related itching, and leads to risks of tinea pedis (Hong Kong foot), diarrhea, and dysentery. Leaf juice applied topically is a quick remedy for alopecia areata recurrence; taken with wine, it resolves blood stasis from falls and blows. Seed oil is a key medicine for internal gastrointestinal obstruction; decocted in water, it breaks up accumulations and pus. The stem treats nasal carbuncles; the flower treats heart pain. The peduncle attached to the vine is considered superior; wrap it in *Ficus pumila* leaves and hang it in a windy place to dry. Commonly called "Bitter Dingleberry" (Ku Ding Xiang), (very bitter in taste), it serves as an emetic. It reduces edema and fluid retention in the body and face, and expels wind-phlegm obstructing the throat. For sudden acute jaundice, mix with Mother Clove (Ding Mu) and Red Adzuki Bean (Chi Xiao Dou), grind into powder, and insufflate into the nose; after just one application, yellow fluid will drain out. For nasal polyps, mash with sheep fat and apply to the affected area three times daily; gradually, it will dissolve. It expels cold from the chest and eliminates hemianopia (one-sided headache). It kills gu poison and ghost consumption (chronic wasting diseases), and stops hiccups with rebellious Qi. Also mixed with millet and clove, ground into powder (Take 14 melon peduncles, 49 millet grains, 1 clove, grind into fine powder, hold in mouth, insufflate a 'yi' measure into the nose, to induce vomiting of phlegm), it is particularly effective for long-term loss of smell and taste. However, its nature is harsh and easily damages Stomach Qi; those with weak stomachs must strictly avoid decocting and tasting it. Even when emesis is indicated, Ginseng Rhizome (Renshen Lu) should be used as a substitute. Mature Watermelon has a warm nature and is not cold; it is most effective in resolving summer heatstroke and heat toxins, earning the title "Natural White Tiger Decoction" (Tian Sheng Bai Hu Tang). It still treats sore throat (Hou Bi) and further relieves thirst and irritability.

White Winter Melon (Benincasa hispida)
Taste: Sweet. Nature: Slightly cold. Non-toxic. Cultivated in gardens, available everywhere. The fruit grows under the vines, elongated in shape with thick skin and hairs. Initially tender green, it turns old white after frost. Sliced and sun-dried, it becomes dry and soft for storage. Those desiring to become thin and agile should eat more; those hoping to gain weight should eat less. [Text fragment missing/obscure regarding Yin deficiency chronic illness]... reason. It suppresses toxicity from mineral pills (Dan Shi), and promotes urination and defecation. It eliminates water swelling below the umbilicus causing strangury, stops chest discomfort and heat, and calms scattered toxic Qi. In summer, for prickly heat, wash blackened areas with ash water; leaf juice kills bee stings. Peel added to facial creams makes pills; pulp can be used for rinsing or wiping with wet cloth. Seeds shelled and ground into paste also serve as facial cream, beautifying and nourishing the complexion. Used freely in pills or powders, it benefits longevity and lightens the body. Yue Gua is another name for Shao Gua, with white color, sweet taste, and cold nature, identical in properties. Head and tail are similar, large ones over a chi long. People from Yue region eat it as fruit; it effectively resolves alcohol toxicity and clears heat. It easily relieves irritability and thirst, and prolongs urination. However, it induces cold diarrhea and cold middle-jiao syndrome; children should not eat it in summer. Cucumber is less beneficial and should not be eaten in excess. Accumulated stasis-heat forms sores; moving cold-heat triggers malaria. It triggers tinea pedis and generates intestinal parasites. Avoid mixing with vinegar; do not violate this rule. Luffa has a cold nature and detoxifies; it also treats chickenpox sores and foot abscesses. Burn a large amount to ash, apply topically for immediate effect. Pulp is suitable for washing vessels; dried ones are preferable.