Chinese Materia Dietetica, Ming: Brine

Illustration of brine from Shiwu bencao (Materia dietetica), a dietetic herbal in four volumes dating from the Ming period (1368-1644). The identity of the author and artists is unknown. It contains entries on over 300 medicinal substances and is illustrated by almost 500 paintings in colour. This illustration shows the preparation of brine. Brine (lushui or yan lushui), is a synonym of salt gall water (danyan shui) - See Image L0039373. The text states: Brine (lushui) is bitter and salty in sapor, and non-poisonous. It can be used to treat high fever (da re, lit. great heat), wasting thirst (xiaoke, diabetes), mania and distress (kuangfan), parasitic toxins (gudu), etc. It also removes dirt and grease from clothing. It is harmful if drunk to excess.

Brine (lushui)