浮生散策

Many fruits and plants familiar in our daily lives transform into medicinal herbs with specific therapeutic effects in traditional Chinese medicine after undergoing specific drying and processing procedures. This phenomenon of 'medicine and food having the same origin' is very common. Here are some of the most common examples: 🍊 Fruits Transformed into Medicine • Orange Peel ➡️ Chen Pi (Aged Tangerine Peel): Regulates Qi, strengthens the spleen, dries dampness, and resolves phlegm. • Longan Pulp ➡️ Gui Yuan Rou (Dried Longan): Tonifies the heart and spleen, nourishes the blood, and calms the spirit. • Grapes ➡️ Raisins: In TCM perspective, can tonify Qi and blood, and strengthen tendons and bones. • Green Plum ➡️ Wu Mei (Smoked Plum): Made through smoking and drying, it can astringe the lungs to stop cough and astringe the intestines to stop diarrhea. • Hawthorn ➡️ Shan Zha Gan (Dried Hawthorn): Aids digestion and resolves food stagnation, particularly effective for digesting meat-related stagnation. 🌿 Plants and Vegetables Transformed into Medicine • Lotus Seed ➡️ Lian Zi (Lotus Seed): Tonifies the spleen, stops diarrhea, nourishes the heart and spirit, and calms the mind. • Lotus Seed Germ ➡️ Lian Zi Xin (Lotus Plumule): Clears the heart and calms the spirit, and harmonizes the heart and kidneys. • Okra/Hollyhock ➡️ Shu Kui Hua (Hollyhock Flower): When dried, it can be used to clear heat and detoxify. • Chrysanthemum ➡️ Hang Ju/Tai Ju (Chrysanthemum Buds): Disperses wind-heat, calms the liver, and brightens the eyes. • Dandelion ➡️ Pu Gong Ying (Dandelion): The whole plant is dried and used as medicine, capable of clearing heat, detoxifying, reducing swelling, and dissipating nodules. 👄 The Key Difference Between Edible vs. Medicinal Lies in 'Aging' and 'Processing' Taking orange peel as an example: Fresh orange peel has high volatile oil content and is easily irritating. It needs to be aged for over three years to increase flavonoid content before becoming Chen Pi. Furthermore, traditional Chinese medicine often uses processing techniques like steaming and stir-frying to reduce toxicity and enhance therapeutic effects.

To smartly recycle used batteries, the first step is to recognize their types! Different batteries have varying recycling values and disposal methods due to differences in materials and uses. ➤ Single-use batteries Batteries that cannot be recharged after use, including zinc-carbon batteries and cylindrical alkaline manganese batteries: sizes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 9V rectangular batteries, as well as cylindrical lithium batteries and button cells. ➤ Rechargeable batteries Batteries that can be used again after charging, such as rechargeable lithium batteries commonly found in mobile phones and laptops, as well as nickel-metal hydride and nickel-cadmium batteries. Reminder: Industrial and automotive batteries are still non-recyclable items. Additionally, recycling locations may have different policies on the types of batteries they accept. Therefore, before recycling, be sure to carefully check the labels on the batteries and confirm their types. Then, sort and dispose of them according to the regulations of the specific recycling point to effectively prevent environmental pollution. ⚠️⚠️ Recycling policies at various channels may be adjusted over time. It is recommended to call or check the official website or app of the channel before going to recycle for the latest information.⚠️⚠️ 🔴Recycle your mobile phone during the annual 'Mobile Phone Recycling Month'. During the 'Mobile Phone Recycling Month' in October each year, the Environmental Protection Administration offers additional incentives such as lucky draws, gifts, or bonus rewards for recycling old mobile phones. ✴️Convenience stores accept not only dry batteries but also tablets, mobile phones, and laptops. If you find it troublesome to find a place to sell them, you can take them to a convenience store to exchange for cash. Although the amount isn't much, it's an extra little bit of happiness♥️

A famous ancient Chinese Taoist myth and legend, originating from the "Records of Strange Tales" written by Ren Fang of the Liang Dynasty in the Southern Dynasties. This anecdote not only explains the origin of Go's alias "Lan Ke" (Rotten Axe Handle) but also gave rise to the idiom "A day in the mountains is a thousand years in the world." 📰 Origin of the Anecdote Legend has it that during the Jin Dynasty, a woodcutter named Wang Zhi went up a mountain to chop wood. When he reached Shishi Mountain in Xin'an Commandery, Zhejiang (now Lan Ke Mountain in Quzhou City, Zhejiang Province), he saw several children playing Go and singing. Wang Zhi put his axe aside, stopped to watch, and became engrossed in listening. The children gave Wang Zhi something like a date pit to eat, and after he put it in his mouth, he didn't feel hungry. After a while, the children said to Wang Zhi, "You should go back now." When Wang Zhi got up to retrieve his axe, he was shocked to find that the handle (Ke) of his woodcutting axe had completely rotted away. When he returned to his village, he found that time had flown by, and his peers were long gone. 🪵 Literal Meaning of the Name Lan (爛): Rotten, worn out. Ke (柯): Wooden axe handle. Lan Ke (爛柯): Means "a rotten axe handle."

The hot weather causes rapid water loss, making blood thicker. If you don't replenish fluids properly, even young people are at risk of 'blood clots.' 'Thirst' is how most people judge if they need to drink water, but it's not the only indicator. When your body is dehydrated, it sends various signals to remind you that 'your body is lacking water.' 🔴 Less Frequent Urination The human bladder can store about 200-400CC of urine. Normally, people urinate about 6-7 times in 24 hours. If it's less than this, you might need to pay attention to whether you're not consuming enough fluids. 🔴 Difficulty Concentrating and Forgetfulness Hydration benefits the brain's complex cognitive functions and memory, improving focus and alleviating anxiety and low mood. 🔴 Increased Body Odor Adequate fluid intake helps detoxify and dilute sweat gland secretions, reducing the chance of strong body odor. 🔴 Poor Sleep Quality During sleep, the body's water content still metabolizes and evaporates. When the body is dehydrated, metabolism slows down, making you feel hot and affecting sleep quality. Therefore, dehydration is one of the causes of light or interrupted sleep. 🔴 Frequent Asthma and Allergy Flare-ups Clinical medical research suggests that drinking plenty of water helps improve allergy symptoms. When the body is dehydrated, the immune system produces a large amount of histamine, signaling thirst. If histamine enters the lungs, the bronchi can spasm and contract abnormally, leading to difficulty breathing or asthma-like symptoms. To reduce the risk of 'blood clots,' drink water frequently and move around once in a while!

I saw this on Star Party's FB, but I think it's okay to post and discuss it here 🙂 ♦️ '是' (Shì) is a surname held by very few people in Taiwan. For example, there was a report in the Yilan area about only about 3 people in the entire family having this special surname. ♦️ '乳' (Rǔ), is concentrated solely in the Jibeizhai area (Siraya indigenous village) of Dongshan District, Tainan City, throughout Taiwan. It's almost an "exclusive, no other branches" single family. ♦️ '黑' (Hēi), there are only about a hundred people with this surname in Taiwan. This surname originated from ancient ethnic minorities, including the Turkic Tuchish tribe, Hui, and Mongolians. In Taiwan, it's mostly passed down through descendants of ethnic minorities who migrated early or came with the Nationalist government. ♦️ '神' (Shén) is extremely rare in Taiwan (early reports mentioned only a few or a dozen people). ♦️ '毒' (Dú) is an extremely rare surname in Taiwan, with only over a hundred people, spread across about 4 families in Changhua, Miaoli, Puli (Nantou), Yunlin, Chiayi, Tainan, and Kaohsiung. In the past, the Ministry of the Interior proactively notified them about changing their surnames, but most descendants chose to keep them, proud to be part of a "minority group." 🔵 In Taiwan, only 1 person has the surname '赫連' (Hèlián), 6 people have '第五' (Dìwǔ), 9 people nationwide have '益' (Yì), 18 people in total have '令狐' (Lìnghú), and 20 people have '介' (Jiè). Other special rare surnames in Taiwan: Besides the ones mentioned above, although uncommon, they can still be occasionally seen in various professions or household registration data in Taiwan ➡️ 死 (Sǐ), 雞 (Jī), 仇 (Chóu), 卜 (Bǔ), 操 (Cāo). This is data from AI 😆, but there have indeed been news reports. Although some data is a bit old 😌, I'm curious what names these people have. There was a news report in mainland China recently about a child being named '死不了' (Sǐbùliǎo - Can't Die) 🌝

An ancient survival mechanism that the brain automatically activates when humans face threats or extreme stress. It rapidly mobilizes the body's resources, enabling us to fight back or quickly escape danger. 🧠 How it Works 1. Threat Detection: The amygdala in the brain detects danger (e.g., wild animals, hazardous situations, or psychological stress). 2. Signal Transmission: The amygdala alerts the hypothalamus, activating the sympathetic nervous system. 3. Hormone Release: Stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol are rapidly released, injecting a surge of energy into the body. ⚡ Typical Physiological and Psychological Changes When the response is triggered, the body undergoes the following changes to prepare for 'fight' or 'flight': • Increased heart rate, elevated blood pressure: To speed up the delivery of blood and oxygen to muscles. • Rapid breathing: To provide more oxygen and sharpen senses. Dilated pupils: To absorb more light and see the surroundings clearly. • Temporary shutdown of digestion and immune functions: To concentrate energy on survival and temporarily halt non-essential digestive processes. • Muscle tension: Ready to exert force at any moment. Impact in Modern Society In ancient times, this mechanism could save humans from animal attacks. However, in modern society, stressors often stem from work deadlines, interpersonal conflicts, or financial anxiety. • If the brain misinterprets these modern stressors as life-threatening, it can easily lead to an overreaction. • Chronic stress can keep the body in a prolonged state of high alert, leading to psychosomatic symptoms such as anxiety, insomnia, neck and shoulder tension, and gastrointestinal discomfort.

Body lacks water → Antidiuretic hormone (vasopressin) increases → It signals the liver to release more sugar into the blood and interferes with blood sugar regulation → Blood sugar consequently rises. A 9-year French study: People who drank 0.5 to 1 liter of plain water daily had about a 30% lower risk of developing high blood sugar later compared to those who drank almost no water. Another intervention: Those who were drinking too little were asked to drink an extra 1.5 liters daily for 6 consecutive weeks, and their fasting blood sugar and vasopressin levels both decreased. Don't wait until you're thirsty: When you feel thirsty, your brain's central nervous system has actually already sent out signals of dehydration, and your body might already be in a state of mild dehydration. Replenish regularly and quantitatively: It's recommended to drink a glass of water (about 300-500c.c.) before each of the three meals. This not only naturally meets the daily basic water intake but also helps increase satiety and stabilize post-meal blood sugar. Plain water is fine; sugary drinks are counterproductive! Plain water is fine; sugary drinks are counterproductive! Plain water is fine; sugary drinks are counterproductive! About half of the world's population does not meet the minimum recommended daily fluid intake of 6 cups (1.5 liters). Women should consume 9 cups (2.2 liters) of water daily, and men should consume up to 12 cups (2-3 liters). Fluids can come from water, juice, coffee, tea, vegetables, and fruits. Also, carefully check your medications, as some have a dehydrating effect! OMG, I only drink tea and no water 🤣, okay, I'll at least drink a bowl of water after meals from now on!

Fusen Sansaku (Floating Life Stroll): 'Sansaku' means to stroll or wander, representing leisurely walks and chats about daily life amidst a busy schedule. So, as long as you don't violate the few community rules mentioned above, you're free to share your daily life or any knowledge you have. There are no content restrictions.

It's a psychological phenomenon where people tend to believe vague, general, and universally applicable personality descriptions are specifically 'tailored' for them. Three Core Characteristics: • Vague and General: Descriptions are mostly ambiguous. • Positive Affirmation: People are more inclined to believe flattering evaluations. • Subjective Validation: The brain automatically searches for matching memories and ignores discrepancies. 🔮 Common Life Applications: • Astrology: Uses general statements to create the illusion of 'spot-on' accuracy. • Online Quizzes: Some unscientific personality tests often rely on this effect. • Marketing Tactics: Advertisements use vague compliments (e.g., 'You deserve better') to build rapport. 📜 Classic Experiment: In 1948, psychologist Bertram Forer gave students a personality test and then distributed the 'exact same' vague analysis report (e.g., 'Externally disciplined but internally anxious') to everyone. Students rated the report an average of 4.26 out of 5, proving people tend to relate descriptions to themselves. 🛡️ How to Respond Rationally: • Seek Concrete Evidence: Check if the analysis points out 'specific weaknesses and ways to improve,' rather than using generic terms. • Test the Opposite Hypothesis: Apply the description to others. If it applies equally well, it means the description isn't unique to you.

🔴 The normal blood pressure standard for adults is systolic less than 120 mmHg and diastolic less than 80 mmHg. 🔵 Systolic Pressure: This is the maximum pressure the large blood vessels withstand when the heart 'forcefully pumps out blood'. 🔵 Diastolic Pressure: This is the baseline pressure remaining in the peripheral microvasculature (like capillaries in muscles and organs) when the heart 'relaxes and rests'. If your diastolic pressure reaches 85-90+, according to Taiwan's latest hypertension guidelines, you are already considered hypertensive! In clinics, patients with isolated high diastolic pressure often share common traits: middle-aged (30-50 years old), overweight (especially with abdominal fat), enjoy heavy-tasting food, high stress, frequent late nights, and lack of exercise. These unhealthy lifestyle habits can lead to sustained sympathetic nervous system overactivity and cause excess sodium to accumulate in the body, obstructing blood flow and causing congestion in the periphery. Chronically high diastolic pressure disproportionately harms organs rich in microvasculature! The first to suffer is the 'kidney's filtering system,' followed by the 'heart muscle (leading to ventricular hypertrophy).' If left untreated, after a few years when the large blood vessels also harden, it will develop into a more difficult-to-control 'systolic/diastolic dual high hypertension.' Diastolic pressure of 85-90+ is a serious bodily warning sign. Give yourself a few months to reverse it through weight loss, exercise, and dietary changes! If you still don't see improvement after trying, don't hesitate to consider medication. I also only ever looked at systolic pressure 😲, I'll remember to check diastolic from now on too 🫡