《修真祕籙》

Plain Language Interpretation of "Secret Records of Cultivating Truth"

(This text was compiled by Fu Duren, Magistrate of Fengyang County in Shangzhou during the Tang Dynasty)

Chapter on Nourishing Life Through Diet

The Seeker of Immortality asked: "What foods should cultivation practitioners consume to satisfy hunger without harming their bodies?"

The Perfected One replied: "Foods with sour, salty, sweet, or bitter flavors each correspond to different seasons. One must follow seasonal patterns in spring, summer, autumn and winter without violating them. Overindulgence in any flavor causes illness, while moderation prolongs life. The harms of improper diet have been discussed previously—now focus on these essential principles of beneficial nourishment and commit them to memory."

The Eight Fundamental Principles (of Daoist health preservation) state:

• Spring favors pungent flavors (which promote dispersion)
• Summer favors salty flavors (which promote moistening)
• Late summer (transition between summer and autumn) favors sour flavors (which promote astringency)
• Autumn favors bitter flavors (which promote firmness)
• Winter favors sweet and rich flavors (sweetness soothes the middle burner and builds muscle; richness fortifies the skin and supplements central Qi)

These seasonal flavors all nourish the five viscera and dispel pathogenic factors. Adapting one's diet to the four seasons nurtures the organs and eliminates disease—this is the fundamental principle of life cultivation.

The "Book of Rites: Internal Regulations" records: emphasize sour in spring, bitter in summer, pungent in autumn, and salty in winter, balanced with smooth and sweet flavors. This strengthens the seasonal dominant flavor to regulate primordial Qi. However, the classics also warn against excessive sour in spring or bitter in summer, advising moderation of seasonal flavors—this applies to those with robust Qi. The "Internal Regulations" recommendation for emphasizing seasonal flavors addresses those with deficient Qi requiring nourishment.

Specific seasonal dietary recommendations:

• Spring: prefer lamb and suckling pig, cooked with beef fat (spring belongs to Wood; cattle belong to central Earth; Wood conquers Earth, hence beef fat harmonizes)
• Summer: prefer dried pheasant and dried fish, cooked with dog fat (dog belongs to western Metal; summer belongs to Fire; Fire conquers Metal, hence dog fat harmonizes)
• Autumn: prefer veal and venison, cooked with chicken fat (chicken belongs to eastern Wood; autumn belongs to Metal; Metal conquers Wood, hence chicken fat harmonizes)

(Note: "Fat" refers to animal fats; "preparation" refers to cooking methods)

This scripture primarily expounds on the ancient wisdom of health-preserving dietary therapy, integrating the theory of the Five Phases (Wuxing) with food properties. Let me interpret it for you:

【Seasonal Dietary Guidelines】

Winter is suitable for consuming poultry (fresh feathers) and mutton fat (greasy aroma), because winter corresponds to the Water phase, which overcomes Fire (sheep belong to Fire phase). Therefore, "resting and discarded" animal fats are used for harmonization. The ancients believed that eight types of animals including lambs and calves absorbed the essence of all four seasons, and foods cooked with their fats were most nourishing.

【Grain Pairings】

Beef pairs with rice, mutton with broomcorn millet, pork with foxtail millet, dog meat with sorghum, and fish with melons - these combinations create harmonious flavors.

【Seasonal Food Temperatures】

Spring foods should be warm (like cooked rice), summer soups should be hot, autumn sauces should be cool, and winter beverages should be cold.

【Organ-Specific Dietary Therapy】

According to Five Phases correspondences:

• Green Liver: Sweet flavors (japonica rice, beef, dates)
• Red Heart: Sour flavors (hemp, dog meat, plums)
• Yellow Spleen: Salty flavors (soybeans, pork, chestnuts)
• White Lungs: Bitter flavors (wheat, mutton, apricots)
• Black Kidneys: Pungent flavors (yellow millet, chicken, peaches)

【Specific Condition Therapies】

For example, liver disease patients benefit from sesame, wheat, dog meat, plums and leeks; kidney disease patients benefit from soybeans, millet, pork, chestnuts and bean leaves.

【Health Preservation Summary】

Harmonizing the five flavors makes bones straight, tendons supple, and Qi-blood circulation smooth. Following these principles leads to abundant Jing-Qi (essence-energy) and longevity.

【Meat Properties】

• Mutton is highly warming; sheep head meat is neutral and treats dizziness; sheep stomach nourishes the stomach; sheep milk nourishes lungs
• Dog meat is warming and nourishes all five organs, but shouldn't be roasted
• Beef is neutral; cow milk is sweet-cold and strengthens weakness; cheese dispels cold

(Note: These dietary methods reflect ancient medical concepts - modern applications should follow medical advice)

This passage from the Secret Records of Cultivating Perfection (Xiuzhen Milu) documents the medicinal properties of various animal meats and fruits. Let me explain them systematically:

Regarding animal meats:

• Ox butter (niurou) can clear heat, quench thirst, and alleviate chest congestion
• Different deer parts have distinct effects: deer head meat treats diabetes and excessive dreaming; venison strengthens the middle burner and boosts qi; deer hoof meat relieves bone marrow pain; deer fat enhances cold resistance
• Musk deer meat (best consumed August to November) nourishes all five viscera, proving more effective than mutton
• Donkey meat treats manic depression and stabilizes the spirit (shen)
• Badger meat (tuanrou) shows remarkable efficacy against critical edema cases, ideal for making medicinal soups
• Leopard meat strengthens tendons and bones while fortifying willpower
• Hedgehog meat supplements the lower burner (kidney-bladder region) and improves stomach function
• Rooster meat directs qi downward, expels pathogens, calms the viscera, and treats diabetes
• Goose meat, when consumed long-term, boosts qi, lightens the body, darkens hair, and resists aging
• Among duck meats: white duck nourishes deficiency and clears heat (black duck is inedible); wild duck (best after September) kills parasites and strengthens the stomach
• Quail meat warmly nourishes the viscera, but should be avoided from April to August

Regarding fruits:

• Dried jujubes calm the spirit (shen), strengthen the spleen, unblock meridians, replenish fluids, and promote longevity with prolonged use
• Raw chestnuts tonify kidneys and strengthen the waist, though steaming diminishes their efficacy
• Persimmons replenish consumptive fatigue: dried ones fortify spleen-stomach function, while red varieties particularly nourish the lungs
• Tangerines transform phlegm and quench thirst, with aged peel being most effective
• Dark plums (smoked green plums) clear heat, calm the spirit, and alleviate limb pain

These records reflect the Daoist medical principle of "medicinal food homology," using daily nutrition for bodily regulation. Note that some mentioned animals are now protected species—we must observe modern wildlife protection laws.

This scripture primarily discusses the medicinal properties of various plants, which I'll explain in modern terms:

【Therapeutic Applications】

For treating hemiplegia, numbness, diarrhea, excessive sleepiness, dry mouth, and similar symptoms.

【Warming and Tonifying Herbs】

Ku wood dispels cold, strengthens heart function, and nourishes spleen-stomach deficiency.

Cherries are neutral in nature, regulate spleen-stomach function, can be consumed liberally without harm, and improve complexion.

Grapes (putao) are sweet and neutral, boost physical strength, increase cold and hunger tolerance, benefit intestinal function, and promote longevity with prolonged use.

Lotus seeds are cold-natured, nourish all five organs, unblock meridians, replenish qi and blood, eliminate various ailments, and extend lifespan with long-term consumption.

Lotus root (ou) is cold-natured, fortifies middle qi, nourishes spirit, treats eye disorders, and resists aging with prolonged use.

Foxnut (qianshi) supplements middle qi, treats various illnesses, enhances essence and willpower, and improves vision.

【Other Benefits】

Apples (linqin) are warm-natured and treat diabetes, but should not be overconsumed.

Raspberries are sweet and neutral, boost qi, lighten the body, and darken hair.

Sugarcane nourishes the spleen, quenches thirst, and benefits the large intestine.

Cardamom is pungent and warm, warms the stomach, stops vomiting, and eliminates bad breath.

Water chestnut (lingshi) is neutral, calms and nourishes organs, and alleviates hunger.

Taro is neutral, soothes and moistens the stomach and intestines, and improves complexion.

Mulberries are cold-natured, nourish the five organs, improve vision, unblock blood vessels, and darken hair with prolonged consumption.

Wolfberries are bitter and cold, clear heat, brighten eyes, strengthen bones, and benefit intestinal function.

【Vegetables】

Winter greens (kui) are sweet and cold; long-term consumption strengthens bones and muscles—they are considered the king of vegetables.

Bamboo shoots are cold-natured, quench thirst and promote urination, but shouldn't be consumed long-term.

Alfalfa is bitter and cold, benefits the five organs, but prolonged use may cause weight loss.

Shepherd's purse is warm-natured, benefits the liver and eyesight, but should be avoided by those taking elixirs.

Turnips (wujing) are bitter and warm, aid digestion, and benefit the five organs.

Radishes are cold-natured, benefit the five organs, and their roots aid digestion.

Note: The term "lighten the body" refers to achieving a healthy, buoyant physical state; "fortify the middle" means strengthening spleen-stomach function; "elixir practitioners" (danshiren) denotes Daoists consuming mineral-based alchemical preparations. These ingredients largely belong to Daoist dietary therapy, emphasizing long-term health maintenance effects.

This passage from the Secret Manual of Cultivation documents various plants with health-preserving properties and their effects:

1. White lettuce (similar to romaine): Bitter in taste and cold in nature, it strengthens tendons and bones, regulates the five viscera, unblocks meridians, whitens teeth, clears the mind, and reduces sleep needs. It also counteracts toxins from wheat-based foods.

2. Scallions: Best consumed in winter but should not be overeaten. The leaves are warm in nature, benefiting liver function, stabilizing internal organs, improving eyesight, and detoxifying.

3. Chinese scallion (Allium chinense): Suitable for long-term use by cultivators, it dispels cold-dampness, strengthens bones, enhances constitution, slows aging, and is said to calm the Shen (spirit) and sharpen wisdom.

4. Chives: Appropriate for regular consumption to nourish the heart and liver, though unsuitable for the ill.

5. Aromatic herbs like perilla and mint: Each has distinct properties—perilla expels cold and regulates Qi, while mint relieves fatigue (though the ill should use caution).

6. Bitter herbs: Long-term consumption regulates the five viscera, calms the Shen, supplements Qi, reduces sleep requirements, and retards aging.

7. Cabbage (possibly referring to kale): Strengthens bones, regulates organ systems and meridians, brightens vision, and refreshes the mind.

8. Ginger: Dissolves phlegm, regulates Qi, stimulates appetite, aids digestion, and sharpens mental clarity.

9. Water celery: Calms the Shen, supplements Qi, strengthens the body, and counteracts medicinal toxins.

10. Artemisia (qinghao/white wormwood): Fortifies central Qi, nourishes the five viscera, darkens hair, and with prolonged use may lighten the body and prevent aging.

11. Small jì root (unidentified): Sweet and warm, it nourishes Jing (essence) and supplements Qi.

12. Wild beans: Regular consumption lightens the body, reduces sleep needs, and regulates meridians.

The text particularly emphasizes these plants' benefits for cultivators—regulating the body, enhancing Yuan Qi (primordial energy), calming the Shen, and nurturing the heart—while cautioning about moderation based on individual constitution and certain contraindications. These records reflect the Daoist health-preservation principle of "medicinal food sharing common origins," using daily diet to support cultivation practice.

This scripture primarily introduces the medicinal values and health-preserving effects of various ingredients, which in modern terms can be considered an ancient dietary therapy guide:

Wuqin (a fragrant herb) has a warm nature, capable of relieving abdominal distension, aiding digestion, harmonizing food flavors, with a sweet and aromatic taste.

Yangming (likely a certain plant) has a neutral nature that can improve eyesight, lighten the body (making it more agile), and benefit the five viscera.

Burdock has a cold nature that clears heat and dispels wind, treating discomfort in the head and face while improving limb mobility. It unblocks the body's meridians, and long-term consumption can make the body lighter.

Spinach has a cold nature that regulates the five viscera and promotes gastrointestinal function, being particularly suitable for those taking elixirs.

Zhujunda (a certain plant) has a neutral nature that supplements middle qi and regulates the five viscera.

White glutinous millet has a sweet-pungent, warm nature that benefits the lungs and supplements middle qi.

Non-glutinous rice has a sweet-bitter-pungent flavor that alleviates heart vexation and thirst, supplements qi to stop diarrhea, harmonizes stomach qi, and promotes muscle growth. Eating it supplements middle qi, strengthens tendons and bones, and unblocks blood vessels. Rice soaked in water until sour can relax visceral qi.

White sorghum has a sweet, cold nature that clears chest heat, regulates the viscera, connects tendons and bones, and suits long-term consumption.

Millet has a salty, cold nature that supplements kidney qi, relieves joint pain, and replenishes qi and blood. Aged millet can stop diarrhea and neutralize elixir toxicity.

Sesame has a sweet flavor that enhances strength, builds muscles, enriches marrow, strengthens tendons and bones, treats external injuries for pain relief, and prolongs life with long-term consumption.

Mung beans have a sweet-sour flavor suitable for the physically weak, supplementing deficiencies in the five viscera, calming the spirit and boosting qi while unblocking meridians. Regular consumption strengthens the spleen and stomach.

Barley has a salty, cold nature that benefits the heart, quenches thirst and relieves vexation, supplements qi and regulates the middle. Long-term consumption prevents graying hair.

Hulled barley has a sweet, cold nature that lightens the body and clears heat. Prolonged consumption greatly increases strength, making it the finest among the five grains.

Wheat has a sweet, cold nature that nourishes liver qi, dispels chills and fever, quenches thirst and vexation, supplements middle qi, and harmonizes the five viscera and meridians.

Job's tears have a sweet, warm nature that treats muscle spasms, wind-damp impediment pain, directs qi downward, lightens the body and boosts qi, dispels pathogenic factors from tendons and bones, benefits intestines and stomach to reduce swelling, and increases appetite.

Barnyard millet has a sweet, neutral nature that supplements qi and middle qi while regulating the spleen and stomach.

White beans have a neutral nature that supplements the five viscera, assists meridian circulation, and suits long-term consumption.

Maltose has a sweet, warm nature that supplements deficiency damage, benefits heart strength, quenches thirst, and treats sore throat and coughing blood.

(Note: The "Monthly Appropriateness Chapter" mentioned in this scripture likely refers to seasonal dietary recommendations. Ancient Daoist health cultivation emphasized conforming to natural rhythms, consuming different ingredients according to seasonal changes to regulate the body.)

The Secret Records of Cultivating Perfection documents a health preservation method of selecting foods according to the moon's celestial positions (lunar lodges):

A seeker of immortality inquired: "I've heard that choosing foods according to the moon's positions has special effects. Could you explain in detail?"

The Perfected One replied: Each lunar position corresponds to specific beneficial foods. If people follow this principle in their dietary choices, they can prevent diseases. I shall now transmit these methods to you, that they may also be known to future generations.

The specific dietary recommendations and prohibitions for each month are as follows:

Spring:

• During the first month on mao days, eating sea bream prevents epidemics
• At the Spring Equinox (second month), eating turtle meat eliminates parasites and brings prosperous descendants
• In the third month when the moon is in the Bi lodge, eating tuna strengthens vitality and resists sensual temptations (applicable two days before and after)

During the three spring months, one should consume more meat and sour wheat-based foods, coordinated with jia and yi days, to prevent dental diseases

Summer:

• In the fourth month when the moon is in the Ang lodge, eating chicken improves eyesight
• At Summer Solstice (fifth month), eat shrike meat (two days before and after) and owl meat (ten days before and after)
• In the sixth month when the moon is in the Fang lodge, eating pheasant enhances yang energy and brings flourishing descendants

During the three summer months, consume chicken and bitter wheat-based foods, coordinated with bing and ding days, to prevent jaundice

Autumn:

• In the seventh month, eating wood borers (wood scorpions) benefits fertility (two days before and after)
• At Autumn Equinox (eighth month), eating wood borers prevents illness and commands respect (two days before and after)
• In the ninth month when the moon is in the Jian lodge, eating wild goose meat prevents jaundice and strengthens bones (two days before and after)

During the three autumn months, consume horse meat and pungent foods, coordinated with geng and xin days, to prevent cold-related illnesses

Winter:

• In the tenth month when the moon is in the Ying lodge, eating various bird meats brings joy and longevity (two days before and after)
• At Winter Solstice (eleventh month), eating rabbit meat eliminates parasites and keeps limbs agile
• In the twelfth month, standing silently by a well at night holding Sichuan pepper and dropping it into the well wards off epidemics

During the three winter months, consume pork and salty foods, coordinated with ren and gui days, to prevent foot ailments

A final special reminder: Avoid overeating during late-night meals in the last ten days of each month.

(Note: The phrase "two days before and after" refers to the applicable period surrounding each solar term; jia/yi, bing/ding, etc. refer to the celestial stem days of the calendar.)