Brewing Medicinal Liquor in the Southern Region: Adapting to Local Conditions for Health and Healing

Chinese herbal liquor has a history of thousands of years in China. Medicinal liquor not only has the effect of health preservation, but also can prevent and treat diseases. However, the brewing of medicinal liquor also depends on regional differences. The northern part of China is mostly cold, the southern part is mostly hot, the western part is mostly dry, and the eastern part is mostly humid. Therefore, it is necessary to adapt to the local conditions in order to achieve better results.

Southern Region: Focus on Activating Blood Circulation and Dispelling Dampness

The southern region of China mainly includes Guangdong, Guangxi, Hunan, Hubei, Jiangxi and other areas. This area has more water and humidity, and the hot season is relatively long. There is less rainy and snowy weather in winter. The skin of people in this area is more loose and susceptible to external evils. Commonly seen diseases include viral infectious diseases, rheumatoid arthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis.

In the southern region, in addition to using drugs with the effects of warming yang, nourishing kidneys, strengthening bones, relaxing tendons, and replenishing qi and blood, it is also common to use drugs that dispel wind and dampness, promote blood circulation, and relieve pain, such as the famous Shiguo Gong Medicinal Liquor, Yishe Liquor, Sanshe Liquor, Tianma Liquor, and Papaya Liquor. Here are two commonly used formulas for brewing liquor in the southern region.

Kidney-strengthening and Waist-strengthening Liquor: Take 30g of Epimedium, 30g of Sangjisheng, 30g of Cistanche, 10g of Papaya, 10g of Eucommia, 30g of Achyranthes, 30g of Rhizoma Cyathulae, 30g of Saposhnikovia, 30g of Angelica sinensis, 18g of Chuanxiong, 30g of Mulberry Branch, 20g of Prepared Rehmannia, 45g of Poria, 30g of Roasted Licorice. Wash them quickly with cold water and drain, then put the herbs into a glass bottle or porcelain bottle, soak them in 2,500ml of white wine, add 50g of rock sugar, seal the bottle and place it in a cool and dark place. The liquor can be taken after 30 days. Take 30ml each time, twice a day. Regular consumption can nourish the liver and kidneys, strengthen the waist and knees, and is suitable for diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, lumbago and leg pain with liver and kidney deficiency and rheumatism.

Blood-nourishing and Beauty-retaining Liquor: Take 45g of Goji berries, 15g of American ginseng, 60g of Longan flesh, 45g of Angelica sinensis, 60g of Chinese yam, 45g of red dates. After washing them, put them in a suitable container for soaking, add 1,500 to 2,000ml of 54-degree distilled liquor, seal and soak for 30 days. Take 30ml each time, twice a day. The function is to nourish and activate blood circulation, and retain beauty. It is especially suitable for women to drink and can prevent and treat conditions such as blood deficiency, weak qi, and sallow complexion.

It is generally not advisable to drink medicinal liquor in the summer in the southern region. It can be consumed 1 hour before or after meals, and should not be consumed before bedtime.