Well-bottom mud, a name in traditional Chinese medicine. It refers to the grayish-black mud deposited at the bottom of wells. It is distributed throughout the country. It has the effects of clearing heat, detoxifying, and stabilizing the fetus. It is commonly used for febrile illnesses during pregnancy, fetal restlessness, wind-heat headaches, pemphigus, heat-induced boils, and scalds and burns.
Well-Bottom Mud
Well-bottom mud, a name in traditional Chinese medicine. It refers to the grayish-black mud deposited at the bottom of wells. It is distributed throughout the country. It has the effects of clearing heat, detoxifying, and stabilizing the fetus. It is commonly used for febrile illnesses during pregnancy, fetal restlessness, wind-heat headaches, pemphigus, heat-induced boils, and scalds and burns.
Chinese Name : 井底泥
Aliases : Well-Bottom Sand
Nature, Flavor & Meridian Tropism : Cold in nature, bland in taste. Entering the Heart and Liver meridians
Benefits & Efficacy
Benefits
Clears heat and detoxifies; stabilizes the fetus.
Indications
Fever during pregnancy, fetal restlessness, wind-heat headaches, pemphigus, heat-induced boils, scalds and burns.
Usage and Dosage
External use: Apply an appropriate amount topically.
Precautions
Not suitable for internal use.
Relevant Discussions
*Essentials of Materia Medica*: “Well-bottom sand is the mud found at the bottom of a well; it embodies the nature of the Earth (Kun) and is the ultimate Yin. The water in a well is still and does not flow, making it Yin water. This is unlike the water of rivers and lakes, which flows day and night, exposed to sunlight, and is thus Yang water. Therefore, when it becomes mud through prolonged immersion, its nature becomes even colder, enabling it to dispel the toxins caused by intense heat and burns.”
*Commentary on the Classic of Materia Medica*: “Well-bottom mud is imbued with the most Yin energy from the earth; it is sweet in taste and extremely cold in nature. Therefore, the *Classic of Materia Medica* prescribes its use for treating burns from scalding liquids and fire.”
Applications
Related Compatibility
1. To treat epidemic diseases contracted during pregnancy without harming the fetus: Apply well-bottom mud to the area below the heart. (*Formulas for Emergency Care*)
2. To treat heat-induced headaches: Apply a paste of well-bottom mud mixed with powdered rhubarb and mirabilite. (*Essential Formulas Worth a Thousand Pieces*)
3. To treat heat-induced boils in children: Apply well-bottom mud around the affected area. (*Experimental Formulas by Tan Yeweng*)
4. To treat scorpion venom: Apply well-bottom mud to the affected area; treatment is more effective when the mud is warm. (*Essential Prescriptions Worth a Thousand Gold*)
Processing & Preparation
Harvesting & Processing
This product consists of grayish-black mud accumulated at the bottom of a well. After collection, impurities and sand or stones are removed, and it is sun-dried.
Crude Drug Identification
Properties of Crude Drugs
This product is a fine, grayish-black mud. It has a faint odor and a bland taste.
Botanical Information
Distribution Area
Found throughout the country.