Frostbite Wine
Cherry Wine
[Drug Composition] Cherries as needed, Diluted Alcohol (30%-50%) as needed
[Function and Indication] Frostbite, rheumatic joint pain, and rheumatic paralysis.
[Usage and Dosage] For first- and second-degree frostbite: apply cherry wine to affected area gently, several times daily. For third-degree frostbite (with ulceration or necrotic tissue): remove stem and pit, split fruit flesh, or mash flesh in sterilized mortar into pulp, apply directly to wound. Frequency depends on condition.
[Preparation Method] During cherry season, select ripe, undamaged fresh cherries (known locally as "80% ripe"). Wash with cold water, place in bottle, add 30%-50% diluted alcohol until fully submerged. Seal with wax, bury in shaded, dark location 49–66cm deep. Retrieve during winter when frozen. Separate cherries and liquor (filter alcohol to clarity), bottle separately, add red dye like Sanhe Hong to achieve cherry-red color for storage.
[Source] Medical Science Bulletin, 1965, 11(9): 396; "Therapeutic and Health-Preserving Wines"
Cinnamon, Chili, Camphor, Ice Wine
[Drug Composition] Cinnamon 30g, Red Chili 15g, Camphor 9g, Ice Crystal 3g, White Spirit 250ml
[Function and Indication] Frostbite.
[Usage and Dosage] Dip cotton ball in medicated wine and apply to affected area, 3–5 times daily.
[Preparation Method] Crush cinnamon, remove chili seeds and slice, soak in white spirit for five days, filter. Grind camphor and ice crystal finely, mix into filtered liquid, bottle for later use.
[Source] New Medical & Pharmaceutical Journal, 1975, (11): 26
Frostbite Wine
[Drug Composition] White Spirit 30ml, Sichuan Pepper 15g, Fresh Ginger Juice 3ml, Glycerin 6ml
[Function and Indication] Frostbite.
[Usage and Dosage] Rub on affected area.
[Preparation Method] Soak Sichuan pepper in alcohol for one week, remove, add ginger juice and glycerin, shake well.
[Source] Chinese Dietary Therapy
Red Spirit Wine
[Drug Composition] Angelica 60g, Cinnamon 60g, Safflower 30g, Sichuan Pepper 30g, Dried Ginger 30g, Camphor 15g, Asarum 15g
[Function and Indication] Warming yang, dispelling cold, treats frostbite.
[Usage and Dosage] During summer solstice noon, apply Red Spirit wine with cotton pad to affected area for 10–20 minutes, use continuously for 30 days. Better results on sunny than cloudy days. Usually effective within one year; severe cases require two summer solstice periods.
[Preparation Method] Soak all herbs in 95% ethanol (alcohol) 1000ml for seven days, filter residue, bottle for later use.
[Source] Journal of Chinese External Treatment, 1996, (4): 47
Note: A study reported 28 out of 36 patients remained free of recurrence for two years (78%); 5 others free in same year (14%).
Red Spirit Medicinal Wine
[Drug Composition] Angelica 20g, Cinnamon 20g, Safflower 20g, Sichuan Pepper 20g, Dried Ginger 10g, Camphor 10g, Ligusticum 20g, Schizonepeta 10g
[Function and Indication] Warming meridians, activating blood, dredging collaterals, relieving pain. Used for frostbite.
[Usage and Dosage] First rub affected area with ginger frequently, then apply Red Spirit wine with cotton ball, several times daily.
[Preparation Method] Soak all herbs in 1000ml ethanol (alcohol) for one week before use.
[Precautions] Not suitable after ulceration.
[Source] National Forum of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 1989, (6): 30