A Simple Guide to Herbs

[Preface] Some days back, I kept noticing several elderly women, gathered for washing clothes together, pausing briefly outside my door as they passed, yet never coming in to seek treatment. Curious, I approached and struck up conversation, and only then did I notice their fingertips, cracked and chapped. When I asked why they would not come in for a consultation, one of the grannies smiled awkwardly and said: "It's only from washing clothes in the cold river water—the skin cracks a bit, but bearing it is enough. A few copper coins spent on seeing a physician could instead buy salt enough to feed the household for a good while." My heart ached to hear it, and so I resolved to compile this modest little formulary. [Illness: Hands Cracked by Cold Water] Original Prescription: Angelica, two qian; Gromwell root, two qian; Honeysuckle vine, one qian; simmered into a paste with one jin of sesame oil. Comment: Gromwell root is costly, let alone the price of a full jin of sesame oil. Simplified Prescription: Sichuan Peppercorn, two qian; Ginger, three slices; Mugwort leaf, two qian; Angelica, one qian. Boil in two sheng of water until it comes to a boil three times, strain out the dregs, and soak the hands while still warm. Peppercorn and Angelica are somewhat costly, but one may buy the cheaper crushed remnants with no difference in effect. Ginger is found in any kitchen, and Mugwort leaf may be gathered along the riverbank. Trial: When the grannies learned I meant to test the remedy, they all laughed and held out their hands. At first I feared the medicine might prove weak, but after soaking their hands, they laughed, saying the peppercorn stung a little, yet their hands grew warm, and the pain eased noticeably. A few days later, the grannies came looking for me outside Spring's Return Hall, asking me for a few copies of the "spicy peppercorn water recipe" for them, saying they wished to bring it home for the literate younger ones to gather the herbs themselves. Another granny came seeking me again, saying that her old husband, a boatman, had endured red rashes upon his skin for many years, and could find no peaceful sleep at night. Trusting in me, she asked if there were any herbal remedy that might bring him relief. [Illness: Itching Eczema] Original Prescription: Ephedra, four qian; Cinnamon Twig, two qian; Almond, three qian; Bai Zhu, three qian; roasted Licorice, two qian. Nine bowls of water—first boil the Ephedra and skim off the foam, then add the remaining herbs, and simmer down to two and a half bowls, to be taken in three doses. Comment: This prescription is troublesome to prepare, consuming much time and effort. Boatmen labor from before dawn until after dusk—where would they find the leisure to brew and drink it daily? Moreover, the eczema lies upon the skin's surface, while a decoction taken internally acts far too slowly. Simplified Prescription: A handful of Purslane, mashed fresh for best effect; Sophora root, two qian; Sichuan Peppercorn, one qian; Mugwort leaf, two qian. Boil in three sheng of water until it comes to a boil three times, strain out the dregs, and wash the afflicted area while warm—do not scratch. Purslane and Mugwort leaf are commonly found along the embankments, and the remaining herbs may likewise be bought as cheaper crushed remnants; this method may well serve. Trial: A few days later, the granny returned to tell me that her husband's condition had eased—the itching had lessened, he could now sleep through the night undisturbed, and he had grown more vigorous at his work. I thought that perhaps soaking hemp cloth in the medicinal water for external application in spare moments might prove even more convenient, though with the hall's affairs pressing heavily upon me today, I have not yet had the chance to tell the granny so. A few days ago, I went to a teahouse for tea, and noticed the waiter running to and fro, utterly worn out. I observed some swelling about his calves, likely the early sign of a tendon knot. It occurred to me that in this city, those who toil at such trades must number far more than one or two. Struck by this thought, I turned back at once, resolved to search through old medical texts for a tried formula, and devise a remedy to relax the sinews and quicken the flow. [Illness: Swollen Legs from Prolonged Standing] Original Prescription: The Needling Jie: True and Evil Qi states: "When the sinews bend and cannot extend, and pernicious energy lodges within without retreating, a tendon knot forms." The usual treatments are bloodletting by pricking the vessels, and acupuncture. Comment: Though these methods are effective, most who suffer from this affliction are servants at various shops, laboring ceaselessly all day, with no spare coin for treatment. Better to have an herbal tea recipe that may be sipped at any spare moment, to ease the fatigue somewhat. Simplified Prescription: Tangerine seed, two qian; Motherwort, two qian; Black soybean, five qian. Boil in three sheng of water until it comes to a boil three times, strain out the dregs, and drink warm in place of tea. Tangerine seed regulates the qi and dissolves stagnation; Motherwort invigorates the blood and promotes water flow; Black soybean nourishes the kidneys and reduces swelling. All three are mild in nature and may be taken regularly. Trial: Back at the medical hall, I tried several variations before settling upon this recipe—inexpensive enough for ordinary households to drink often. Though it cannot cure the root affliction, easing the pain alone is already a fine mercy. If time allows in days to come, perhaps I might discuss with my colleagues at the hall the idea of setting up a small tea stall, brewing herbal tea to offer to passing commoners—that too would be a worthy deed.