Ancient folk medicines(民间药物) such as realgar(雄黄酒)are added to the food eaten on theFestival day. This is believed to prevent disease and to promote a healthy digestive system(消化器官). The drinking of realgar in wine supposedly relieves(解除) the effects of poisonsaccumulated in human bodies.
饮雄黄酒：雄黄本属矿物， 含有三硫化砷成分，与酒混合。即成雄黄酒，用以驱虫解五毒，小儿涂于头额。耳鼻，手足心。 并洒墙壁问， 以法诸毒。流传民间之《白蛇传》故事，即是以雄黄酒解蛇虺诸毒，而现白蛇原形。此种习佰，在长江流域地区的人家很盛行。