One of the distinctive aspects of Jing Medicine lies in its adept use of marine pharmaceuticals for treating diseases, unlike traditional treatment approaches. When addressing diseases related to wind pathogens, such as cough, Jing Medicine selects marine-based remedies like sandworm. Sandworm is characterized by its sweet taste, neutral nature, and warming properties. It has the functions of nourishing Yin, reducing fire, clearing the lungs, supplementing deficiency, strengthening the spleen, and invigorating Qi. It is particularly effective in cases of excessive phlegm and persistent cough. For conditions like rheumatic back pain, squid can be used to promote blood circulation and dispel cold and dampness. Sea snakes and catfish tails can also be employed to treat diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and joint pain.

In the case of digestive system disorders, such as stomach pain, mud clam is a suitable choice. According to the “Bencao Jing Shu,” clam has a sweet and warm nature that can invigorate Qi, nourish the middle, and harmonize the five viscera, promoting the health of the stomach. Cuttlefish ink, on the other hand, is effective for promoting blood circulation, resolving stasis, and stopping bleeding. It is especially useful in the treatment of gastrointestinal bleeding. Modern research has shown that cuttlefish ink contains active substances such as polysaccharides, proteins, and peptides, which exhibit anti-tumor and antioxidant properties [8] .

For stone-related diseases like gallstones and kidney stones, conch, which has a salty taste and neutral nature, can be used to soften and disperse the stones. It has the ability to clear heat and dampness, resulting in significant effects. In cases of schistosomiasis, sea anemone can be employed to dry dampness and kill parasites. Modern pharmacological studies have also indicated that sea anemone polypeptide toxins possess insecticidal, anti-tumor, blood pressure-reducing, antibacterial, analgesic, and neuroinhibitory effects [9] [10] [11] [12] .

According to statistics, there are a total of 16 species from 12 families of true mangrove and mangrove-associated plants thriving within the “Jing Ethnic Group Three Islands” region. Research indicates that among these, ten species possess medicinal value. These species are Acanthus ilicifolius (mouse thorn), Cerbera manghas (Cerbera manghas), Excoecaria agallocha (blinding tree), Avicennia marina (grey mangrove), Aegiceras corniculatum (river mangrove), Sonneratia caseolaris (crabapple mangrove), Excoecaria agallocha (sea poison tree), Barringtonia racemosa (powderpuff tree), Hibiscus tiliaceus (beach hibiscus), and Bridelia micrantha (small-leafed bridelia) [13] .

In preliminary investigations of Jing Medicine conducted by Yang Zengyan and others, it was found that in the Jing ethnic region, Acanthus ilicifolius is widely used to prepare decoctions or stews for the treatment of conditions such as acute and chronic hepatitis, hepatosplenomegaly, neuralgia, and lumbar muscle strain. It is also used topically for treating scrofula and extended to address skin diseases. The root decoction of Cerbera manghas is administered orally and is effective for treating rheumatoid arthritis. White bridelia leaves, when mashed into a paste, can be applied externally to treat abscesses. A decoction of the bark of Avicennia marina can be consumed internally to control hematuria, and its seeds are used as a nourishing tonic. A decoction of Aegiceras corniculatum is employed for treating diarrhea, spleen deficiency, and kidney deficiency.

Additionally, for pediatric conditions such as childhood diarrhea with abdominal heat, Jing Medicine combines fish scale fern with immature duck eggs and seasonings for consumption. Fish scale fern has a sour and cold taste, with the ability to eliminate dampness, clear heat, and detoxify. For injuries and bruises, treatment may involve the use of Ficus microcarpa, longan fruit, sour cane, Gentiana scabra, and Lagerstroemia indica. In cases of gynecological disorders like menorrhagia, a water decoction containing sprouted ragleaf, Imperata cylindrica, and Achyranthes bidentata is administered to control bleeding [14] .

Moxibustion with ai wool is one of the distinctive diagnostic and therapeutic methods of the Jing ethnic group. In the “Bencao Congxin,” it is noted that “Artemisia argyi leaves have a bitter and pungent taste. They possess the property of being warm in nature when fresh and hot when dried. With a pure Yang nature, they can restore waning Yang, traverse the twelve meridians, reach the three yin meridians, regulate Qi and blood, expel cold and dampness, and warm the uterus. When used to scorch, they can penetrate all meridians and dispel various ailments” [15] . Similarly, “Bian Que Xin Shu” states, “The foremost method for preserving life is scorching Artemisia argyi.” It also advises, “For diseases of seven years, seek the Artemisia argyi of three years” and “When medication falls short and acupuncture doesn’t suffice, moxibustion must be applied” [16] . Based on surveys conducted among various folk and village doctors in the Jing ethnic region [17] , it was found that the Jing people not only possess the knowledge of making moxa rolls but are also skilled in using moxibustion to treat various ailments. Specifically, they ignite strips of Artemisia argyi leaves and apply them through direct moxibustion. Most residents of the Jing Ethnic Group Three Islands use moxibustion as a preventive healthcare measure. This practice not only helps boost immunity but is also effective in managing chronic diseases. Moxibustion plays a crucial role in the three stages of preventive healthcare—preventing before illness, preventing complications after illness, and preventing recurrence after recovery [18] . Therefore, moxibustion therapy is a commonly used and effective indigenous treatment method among the Jing people. The specific moxibustion techniques employed by Jing Medicine currently include ginger-separated moxibustion, garlic-separated moxibustion, black moxibustion, and burning moxa [19] . For example, ginger-separated moxibustion is used for wind-cold type colds, while garlic-separated moxibustion is preferred for skin conditions. Black moxibustion, also known as compound moxibustion, involves blending moxa wool with appropriate amounts of musk and scorpion powder, resulting in small moxa cones. This method leaves behind black marks after moxibustion, which can be washed off with water, and hence it is referred to as black moxibustion. Burning moxa can be employed to adjust organ function, promote metabolism, and enhance immunity.

Diet is the material foundation for sustaining life. As stated in Sun Simiao’s “Qianjin Yaofang,” “The foundation of preserving life lies in sustenance. Those who do not understand proper nutrition are insufficient to sustain life.” Nutrition through diet is equally important as medication. Therefore, dietary therapy is also a commonly used method in Jing Medicine for treating diseases [20] . In their daily diet, the Jing people often use Sand ginger. Sand ginger is a type of ginger plant with a pungent taste and a cool and mild nature. It has the functions of softening hardness, reducing heat, promoting Qi circulation, and transforming phlegm. It is effective in cases of childhood fever and excessive upward Qi.

On the seventh day of the lunar month, commonly known as the Qiqiao Festival, it is believed to be the day when the Cowherd and the Weaver Girl meet. In the Jin Dynasty, Zhou Chu’s “Fengtu Ji” recorded the customs of making wishes, seeking wealth, and seeking longevity on the seventh day of the seventh lunar month, making it one of the romantic traditional festivals in China [21] . The water collected on the seventh day of the seventh lunar month, known as Qiqi Water, also reflects the cost-effective nature of traditional Jing medicine [22] . It is believed that this well water can alleviate heat, quench thirst, and treat diseases. For instance, rubbing the body with Qixi water can help reduce body temperature in cases of childhood fever. Mixing a small amount of rice vinegar with Qixi water and taking it orally multiple times can relieve sore throats and toothaches. A mixture of a small amount of table salt and Qixi water can be consumed to alleviate abdominal pain and gastric heat. For the above-mentioned diseases, Western medicine, based on modern science, conducts scientific diagnosis and treatment through etiology and pathophysiology research. However, the Qiqi Water therapy not only has remarkable effects and is well-known, but also holds an immeasurable position in traditional Jing medicine. Therefore, in diagnosis and treatment, the two can complement each other and be organically integrated. Whether it is traditional medicine or Western medicine, the significance of their diagnosis and treatment lies in the expectation of the public’s physical health.

The Jing ethnic group has lived along the coast for generations, and the belief in the sea god has become the core of their religious customs. Therefore, seawater is also considered a natural remedy for illness, with insecticidal and detoxifying properties, as well as the ability to relieve itching and treat skin diseases [23] . The concept of the efficacy of seawater is well-founded, as recorded in the “Compendium of Materia Medica”: “Boiling and bathing with seawater can treat wind, rheumatism, scabies, and psoriasis.” Modern pharmacological research also indicates that seawater has functions such as inhibiting the growth of bacteria, regulating the immune system, and modulating endocrine functions. Furthermore, the salty taste of seawater corresponds to the kidney meridian, promoting bowel movement and softening hardness. Therefore, taking seawater baths can have therapeutic effects such as relaxing muscles and tendons, promoting meridian circulation, and enhancing immunity.