典藏书目

(Originates from Zhongshan County, Shenzhou. It resembles Chishizhi (Red Halloysite), but the one that does not stick to the tongue when licked is this substance.)

[Flavor and Nature]
Sweet in flavor, warm in nature, non-toxic.

[Indications]
Cold-type dysentery with pus and blood in the large intestine. Long-term consumption makes the person plump, radiant, and increases appetite.

(This stone is broken into pieces like chessmen. It is fired red-hot in charcoal fire, then immersed in rice vinegar. This process is repeated ten times. Then it is ground into powder and sifted finely. Put it into a mortar, add a few drops of milk, and grind again for five to seven days. It must be extremely fine, like flour, to be effective. If not fine enough, applying it externally will cause severe pain.)

[Flavor and Nature]
Sweet in flavor, warm in nature, non-toxic.

[Indications]
All types of carbuncles, sores, and back abscesses (Fabei).

[Flavor and Nature]
Salty in flavor, warm in nature, non-toxic.

[Indications]
Xuanjingshi (Mira Salt) inherits the essence of Taiyin (Great Yin). It shares the same nature as salt. Its qi is cold rather than warm; its flavor is sweet and salty, and it has a descending action. Combined with Huangqi (Sulfur) and Xiaoshi (Saltpeter), it treats conditions of excess above and deficiency below, rescuing yin and assisting yang, possessing the merit of supporting critical cases and reversing adverse conditions. Therefore, Mr. Shen Tie-weng uses it in Laifudan (Return to Life Pill). This precisely utilizes its cold nature to counterbalance the heat of saltpeter and sulfur. Kaibao Bencao states its nature is warm, which is an error. Thus, it is rarely seen in ancient formulas, but is frequently used in modern tonics and treatments for Shanghan (Cold Damage). A notable example is Zhengyangdan (True Yang Pill) for treating Shanghan, using it to induce sweating.

[Flavor and Nature]
Bitter and pungent in flavor, warm in nature, non-toxic.

[Indications]
Pingsha (Borax) is sweet and slightly salty in flavor, cool in nature, white in color, and light in texture. Therefore, it can clear heat from the chest, diaphragm, and upper jiao. Suwen states: "When heat dominates internally, treat it with salty-cold substances, and use sweet flavors to moderate it." This refers to that principle. Its property can soften metals and remove greasy filth. Hence, it is used to treat dysphagia (Yege), accumulations, hard bones, tubercles, malignant flesh, and ulcerations of the yin organs, taking advantage of its softening property. It is used to treat eye cataracts caused by phlegm-heat, taking advantage of its ability to remove filth.

[Flavor and Nature]
Pungent and sweet in flavor, non-toxic. It sinks and belongs to Yin.

[Indications]
Heart heat with irritability, as well as stagnation and nodules formed by long-standing retention in the five zang organs. Brightens the eyes, clears deficient heat above the diaphragm, and reduces swelling and toxicity. Generally speaking, Xuanmingfen (Mirabilite Plaster) has two main uses: clearing excess heat in the stomach and sweeping away old fecal accumulation in the intestines. It is used to replace Puxiao (Raw Mirabilite). Shennong Bencao says that refined Puxiao taken orally can lighten the body and lead to immortality. Xuanning Zhuan claims: "Yin contains Yang, capable of curing 120 diseases." These are likely interpolations by Daoist alchemists. Later generations thus processed it into Xuanmingfen. If calcined excessively, it becomes biased; adding Gancao (Licorice Root) removes its salty-cold toxicity. For those with excess heat and accumulation in the three jiao and gastrointestinal tract, especially young people with strong qi, administering it in appropriate doses yields rapid effects. However, for those with spleen-stomach deficiency-cold or yin deficiency with fire hyperactivity, taking it would accelerate disaster.