Apricot Kernel Wine Formula
Apricot Kernel Wine Formula
[Drug Composition] Apricot kernels, three dou; glutinous rice, one shi; wheat yeast, twenty jin
[Function and Indications] Treat leg wind, limb flaccidity, inability to control limbs, aphonia, and mutism.
[Dosage and Administration] Five he each time, at any time, continuously consumed, maintaining a mild intoxication without excessive drunkenness or vomiting.
[Preparation Method] Apricot kernels (blanched, soaked, skin and tip removed, double kernel removed), glutinous rice (winnowed to remove bran), wheat yeast (dried, ground into powder). These three ingredients: first crush two dou of apricot kernels, then place in a mortar and grind thoroughly, gradually adding eight dou of water, squeezing juice continuously until all juice is extracted. Remove residue, boil down to four dou. If the taste is fragrant and smooth, it is ready. Pour into an unsoaked jar, seal properly. Prepare three batches of wine: First batch uses six dou of glutinous rice cooked into rice, mixed with twelve jin of yeast powder. Then add four sheng of crushed apricot kernels, gradually adding one shi six sheng of water, boil down to eight sheng, cool to suitable temperature, pour into the previous jar and ferment until rice becomes mushy. Second batch uses two dou of glutinous rice cooked into rice, mixed with four jin of yeast powder. Add three sheng of crushed apricot kernels, gradually adding one shi one sheng of water, boil down to six sheng, cool to suitable temperature, pour into the previous jar. Third batch follows the same method as the second batch. After completing the three fermentation stages, seal with wax paper, ensuring no air leakage, store in a clean place until fragrance matures.
[Precautions] Overconsumption of bitter apricot kernels may cause poisoning, presenting symptoms such as dizziness, palpitations, headache, nausea, vomiting, coma, and cyanosis. Poisoned individuals can be treated by orally administering decoction of apricot tree bark or root.
[Source] Song Dynasty, "Comprehensive Record of Holy Remedies"
[Appendix] "Comprehensive Record of Holy Remedies" recommends crushing apricot kernels raw, without removing skin and tips, three jin, steamed for one mealtime duration, then ground extremely fine, mixed with three sheng of wine, squeezed for juice. Take five he each time, three times daily, once at night, treating traumatic wind injury with sweating, which leads to recovery.
Comment: Apricot kernels have a bitter, warm nature; clinically commonly used for expectorant, cough relief, asthma treatment, intestinal lubrication, and treating external pathogenic cough, shortness of breath, sore throat, and constipation due to dry intestines. This formula treats hemiplegia due to stroke, a condition rarely addressed by ancient physicians. This indicates many prescriptions in medicinal wines merit further clinical and research exploration for broader application.