（《本经》上品）
【释名】芒硝（《别录》）、苦硝（甄权）、焰硝（《土宿》）、火硝（《纲目》）、地霜（《蜀
本》）、生硝（宋本）、北帝玄珠。
志曰∶以其消化诸石，故名消石。初煎炼时有细芒，而状若朴硝，故有芒硝之号。不与
朴硝及《别录》芒硝同类。
宗 曰∶硝石是再煎炼时，取去芒硝凝结在下者，精英既去，但余滓如石而已。入药功
力亦缓，惟能发烟火。
权曰∶芒硝，一作苦硝，言其味苦也。
时珍曰∶硝石，丹炉家用制五金八石，银工家用化金银，兵家用作烽燧火药，得火即焰
起，故有诸名。狐刚子《粉图》谓之北帝玄珠。《开宝本草》重出生硝、芒硝，今并为一，
并详下文。
【集解】《别录》曰∶硝石，生益州山谷及武都、陇西、西羌。采无时。
弘景曰∶硝石疗病与朴硝相似，《仙经》用此消化诸石，今无真识此者。或云与朴硝同
出，所以朴硝一名硝石朴也。又云一名芒硝，今芒硝乃是炼朴硝作之。并未核研其验。有人
得一种物，色与朴硝大同小异， 如握盐雪不冰，烧之紫青烟起，云是真硝石也。今宕昌
以北诸山有碱土处皆有之。
志曰∶此即地霜也。所在山泽，冬月地上有霜，扫取以水淋汁，后乃煎炼而成，状如钗
脚，好者长五分以来。陶说多端，盖由不的识之故也。
又曰∶生硝生茂州西山岩石间，形块大小不定，色青白，采无时。
时珍曰∶硝石，诸卤地皆产之，而河北庆阳诸县及蜀中尤多。秋冬间遍地生白，扫取煎
炼而成。货者苟且，多不洁净，须再以水煎化，倾盆中，一夜结成。澄在下者，状如朴硝，
又名生硝，谓炼过生出之硝也。结在上者，或有锋芒如芒硝，或有圭棱如马牙硝，故硝石亦
有芒硝、牙硝之名，与朴硝之芒、牙同称，而水火之性则异也。崔 《外丹本草》云∶硝石，
阴石也。此非石类，乃碱卤煎成，今呼焰硝。河北商城及怀、卫界，沿河人家，刮卤淋汁炼
就，与朴硝小异，南地不产也。升玄子《伏汞图》云∶硝石生乌场，其色青白，用白石英炙
热点上，便消入石中者为真。其石出处，气极秽恶，飞鸟不能过其上。人或单衣过之，身上
诸虫悉化为水。能消金石，为水服之长生，以形若鹅管者佳。谨按升玄子所说，似与今之硝
石不同，而姚宽《西溪丛语》以其说为真正硝石，岂外国所产与中国异耶？抑别一种耶？当
俟博物者订正。
【正误】
弘景曰∶《神农本经》无芒硝，只有硝石，一名芒硝。《名医别录》乃出芒硝，疗与硝石
同，疑即硝石也。旧出宁州，黄白粒大，味极辛苦。今医家多用煮炼作者，色。全白粒细，
而味不甚烈。皇甫士安言∶无朴硝可用硝石。硝石生山之阴，盐之胆也。取石脾与硝石以水
煮之，一斛得三斗，正白如雪，以水投中即消，故名消石。其味苦无毒，主消渴热中，止烦
满，三月采于赤山。朴硝者，亦生山之阴，有盐咸苦之水，则朴硝生于其阳。其味苦无毒，
其色黄白，主疗热，腹中饱胀，养胃消谷，去邪气，亦得水而消，其疗与硝石小异。按如此
说，是取芒硝合煮，更成为真硝石，但不知石脾是何物也？以朴硝作芒硝者，用暖汤淋汁煮
之，着木盆中，经宿即成矣。今益州人复炼矾石作硝石，绝柔白，而味犹是矾尔。
又曰∶朴硝，今出益州北部汶山郡西川、蚕陵二县界，生山崖上，色多青白，亦杂黑斑
。土人择取白软者，以当硝石用之，当烧令汁沸出，状如矾石也。
藏器曰∶石脾、芒硝、硝石，并出西戎卤地，碱水结成。
恭曰∶朴硝有纵理、缦理二种，用之无别。其白软者，朴硝苗也，虚软少力。炼为硝石
，所得不多；以当硝石，功力大劣也。
又曰∶硝石即是芒硝，朴硝一名硝石朴。今炼粗恶朴硝，取汁煎作芒硝，即是硝石。《
别录》复出芒硝，误矣。晋宋古方，多用硝石，少用芒硝；近代诸医，但用芒硝，鲜言硝石。
理既明白，不合重出。
颂曰∶旧说朴硝、芒硝、硝石三物同种。初采得苗，以水淋汁煎成者为朴硝，一名硝石
朴。又炼朴硝或地霜而成，坚白如石者，为硝石，一名芒硝。又取朴硝淋汁炼煎结成有细芒
者，为芒硝。虽一体异名，而修炼之法既殊，则主治之功亦别。然《本经》所载，疑是二种。
今医方所用，亦不能究。但以未炼成块微青色者为朴硝；炼成盆中、有芒者为芒硝，亦谓之
盆硝；芒硝之底澄凝者，为硝石朴。硝力紧，芒硝次之，硝石更缓。未知孰是？苏恭言∶晋
宋古方，多用硝石，少用芒硝。按张仲景《伤寒论》，承气、陷胸皆用芒硝。葛洪《肘后方》，
伤寒时气亦多用芒硝，惟治食 不化云，无朴硝，用芒硝代之。是晋宋以前通用朴硝、芒硝
矣。胡洽方，十枣汤用芒硝，大五饮丸用硝石，并云无硝石用芒硝。是梁隋间通用芒硝、硝
石矣。以此言之，朴硝、硝石为精，芒硝为粗。故陶氏引皇甫士安之言为证，是硝石当时已
难得其真，故方书通以相代矣。又古方金石凌法，用朴硝、硝石、芒硝、马牙硝四种相参，
次第下之。方出唐世，不知当时如何分别也？又南方医人着《硝说》云∶本草有朴硝、硝石、
芒硝，而无马牙硝。诸家所注，三种竟无断决。或言芒硝、硝石是一物，不合重出。或言煎
炼朴硝，经宿盆中有细芒为芒硝。或言马牙硝自是一物。今诸硝之体各异，理亦易明，而惑
乃如此。朴硝味苦而微咸，出蜀郡者，莹白如冰雪，内地者小黑，皆苏脆易碎，风吹之则结
霜，泯泯如粉，熬之烊沸，亦可熔铸。以水合甘草、猪胆煮至减半，投大盆中，又下凝水石
屑，同渍一宿，则凝结如白石英者，芒硝也。扫地霜煎炼而成，试竹上如解盐，而味辛苦，
烧之成焰都尽者，硝石也，能消金石，又性畏火，而能制诸石使拒火，亦天地之神物也。牙
硝，即是芒硝也。又有生硝，不因煮炼而成，亦出蜀道，类朴硝而小坚也。其论虽辨，然与
古人所说殊别，亦未可全信也。
好古曰∶硝石者，硝之总名也。但不经火者，谓之生硝、朴硝；经火者，谓之芒硝、盆
硝。
时珍曰∶诸硝，自晋唐以来，诸家皆执名而猜，都无定见。惟马志《开宝本草》，以硝
石为地霜炼成，而芒硝、马牙硝是朴硝炼出者，一言足破诸家之惑矣。诸家盖因硝石一名芒
硝，朴硝一名硝石朴，之名相混，遂致费辨不决。而不知硝有水火二种，形质虽同，性气迥
别也。惟《神农本经》朴硝、硝石二条为正。其《别录》芒硝、《嘉 》马牙硝、《开宝》生
硝，俱系多出，今并归并之。《神农》所列朴硝，即水硝也，有二种，煎炼结出细芒者为芒
硝；结出马牙者，为牙硝；其凝底成块者通为朴硝，其气味皆咸而寒。《神农》所列硝石，
即火硝也，亦有二种，煎炼结出细芒者亦名芒硝，结出马牙者，亦名牙硝，又名生硝；其凝
底成块者，通为硝石。其气味皆辛苦而大温。二硝皆有芒硝、牙硝之称，故古方有相代之说。
自唐宋以下，所用芒硝、牙硝，皆是水硝也。南医所辨虽明，而以凝水石、猪胆煎成者为芒
硝，则误矣。今通正其误。其石脾一名硝石者，造成假硝石也。见后石脾下。
【修治】大明曰∶真硝石，柳枝汤煎三周时，如汤少，即加热者，伏火即止。
曰∶凡使硝石，先研如粉，用鸡肠菜、柏子仁共二十五个，和作一处，丸如小帝珠子
，以瓷瓶子于五斤火中 赤，投硝石四两于瓶内，连投药丸入瓶，自然伏火也。
《抱朴子》曰∶能消柔五金，化七十二石为水。制之须用地莲子、猪牙皂角、苦参、南
星、巴豆、汉防己、晚蚕砂。
时珍曰∶熔化，投甘草入内，即伏火。
硝石
【气味】苦，寒，无毒。《别录》曰∶辛，大寒，无毒。普曰∶神农∶苦；扁鹊∶
甘。权曰∶咸，有小毒。
时珍曰∶辛、苦、微咸，有小毒，阴中之阳也。得陈皮，性疏爽。
之才曰∶火为之使，恶苦参、苦菜，畏女菀、杏仁、竹叶。
【主治】五脏积热，胃胀闭，涤去蓄结饮食，推陈致新，除邪气。炼之如膏，久服轻身
（《本经》）。
疗五脏十二经脉中百二十疾，暴伤寒，腹中大热，止烦满消渴，利小便，及 蚀疮。天
地至神之物，能化七十二种石（《别录》）。破积散坚，治腹胀，破血，下瘰 ，泻得根出
（甄权）。含咽，治喉闭（大明）。治伏暑伤冷，霍乱吐利，五种淋疾，女劳黑疸，心肠
痛，赤眼，头痛，牙痛（时珍）。
（被列为《神农本草经》上品）
【释名】芒硝（出自《名医别录》）、苦硝（甄权命名）、焰硝（出自《土宿本草》）、火硝（李时珍在《本草纲目》中命名）、地霜（出自《蜀本草》）、生硝（宋代版本记载）、北帝玄珠。
马志说：因为它能消化各种石头，所以名叫消石。初次煎炼时有细芒，形状像朴硝，所以有芒硝的称号。它不与朴硝及《名医别录》中的芒硝属于同类。
苏颂说：硝石是再次煎炼时，取走凝结在下层的芒硝，精华既已去除，只剩下残渣像石头一样罢了。入药效力也缓慢，只能引发烟火。
甄权说：芒硝，又作苦硝，是说它的味道苦。
李时珍说：硝石，炼丹家用它来炼制五金八石，银匠家用它来熔化金银，兵家用它制作烽火和火药，遇到火就火焰升起，所以有多种名称。狐刚子《粉图》称之为北帝玄珠。《开宝本草》重新列出生硝、芒硝，现在合并为一项，详细内容见下文。
【集解】《名医别录》说：硝石，产于益州山谷以及武都、陇西、西羌地区。采集没有固定时间。
陶弘景说：硝石治疗疾病与朴硝相似，《仙经》用它来消化各种石头，现在没有人真正认识这种药了。有人说它与朴硝同出一源，所以朴硝有一个名字叫硝石朴。又说它有一个名字叫芒硝，现在的芒硝是炼制朴硝制成的。都没有核实研究其验证情况。有人得到一种物品，颜色与朴硝大体相同略有差异，握起来像雪但不冰冷，烧起来有紫青色烟升起，说是真正的硝石。现在宕昌以北各山的碱土处都有出产。
马志说：这就是地霜。各地山泽，冬月地上有霜，扫取后用水淋汁，然后煎炼而成，形状像钗脚，好的长达五分。陶弘景的说法多种多样，大概是因为不能确切识别的缘故。
又说：生硝产于茂州西山岩石间，形状块大小不定，颜色青白，采集没有固定时间。
李时珍说：硝石，各处盐碱地都出产，而河北庆阳各县及四川地区尤其多。秋冬季节遍地生白霜，扫取后煎炼而成。商贩马虎，大多不洁净，必须再用水煎化，倒入盆中，一夜结成。沉淀在下层的，形状像朴硝，又名生硝，意思是炼制过后生成的硝。凝结在上层的，有的有锋芒像芒硝，有的有棱角像马牙硝，所以硝石也有芒硝、牙硝的名称，与朴硝的芒、牙并列称呼，但水火性质则不同。崔昉《外丹本草》说：硝石，是阴石。这不是石类，而是碱卤煎炼而成，现在叫焰硝。河北商城及怀州、卫州交界，沿河人家，刮取卤水淋汁炼就，与朴硝略有不同，南方不产。升玄子《伏汞图》说：硝石产于乌场，颜色青白，用白石英烧热放在上面，便溶解进入石中为真品。该石产地，气味极秽恶，飞鸟不能飞过其上。人如果单衣经过，身上诸虫都化为水。能消金石，用水服食可长生，以形状像鹅管者为佳。谨按升玄子所说，似乎与现在的硝石不同，而姚宽《西溪丛语》认为他的说法是真正的硝石，难道是外国所产与中国不同呢？还是另一种呢？应当等待博学的人订正。
【正误】
陶弘景说：《神农本草经》没有芒硝，只有硝石，一名芒硝。《名医别录》才列出芒硝，疗效与硝石相同，怀疑就是硝石。旧时产于宁州，黄白色颗粒大，味道极辛苦。现在医家多用煮炼制作的，色全白粒细，而味道不太猛烈。皇甫士安说：没有朴硝可用硝石代替。硝石生于山之阴，是盐之胆。取石脾与硝石用水煮，一斛得三斗，正白如雪，投入水中即溶解，所以名叫消石。其味苦无毒，主治消渴热中，止烦满，三月在赤山采集。朴硝，也生于山之阴，有盐咸苦之水，则朴硝生于其阳。其味苦无毒，其色黄白，主治热，腹中饱胀，养胃消谷，去邪气，也得水而消，其疗效与硝石略有不同。按如此说法，是取芒硝合煮，更成为真硝石，但不知道石脾是什么东西？用朴硝作芒硝者，用暖汤淋汁煮之，放入木盆中，过一夜就形成了。现在益州人又炼矾石作硝石，绝柔白，而味道还是矾尔。
又说：朴硝，现在产于益州北部汶山郡西川、蚕陵二县界，生于山崖上，颜色多青白，也夹杂黑斑。当地人挑选白软的，当作硝石使用，应当烧令汁液沸腾溢出，形状像矾石。
陈藏器说：石脾、芒硝、硝石，都出在西戎盐碱地，碱水结成。
苏恭说：朴硝有纵理、缦理两种，使用没有区别。其白软者，是朴硝的苗，虚软少力。炼为硝石，所得不多；当作硝石，功力大大劣于真品。
又说：硝石即是芒硝，朴硝一名硝石朴。现在炼制粗恶朴硝，取汁煎作芒硝，即是硝石。《名医别录》又列出芒硝，是错误的。晋宋古方，多用硝石，少用芒硝；近代诸医，只用芒硝，很少提硝石。道理既然明白，不应该重复列出。
苏颂说：旧说朴硝、芒硝、硝石三物同种。初采得苗，以水淋汁煎成者为朴硝，一名硝石朴。又炼朴硝或地霜而成，坚白如石者，为硝石，一名芒硝。又取朴硝淋汁炼煎结成有细芒者，为芒硝。虽一体异名，而修炼之法既殊，则主治之功亦别。然而《本经》所载，怀疑是二种。现在医方所用，也不能究明。只是以未炼成块微青色者为朴硝；炼成盆中、有芒者为芒硝，也叫盆硝；芒硝之底澄凝者，为硝石朴。硝力紧，芒硝次之，硝石更缓。不知道谁是对的？苏恭说：晋宋古方，多用硝石，少用芒硝。按张仲景《伤寒论》，承气、陷胸皆用芒硝。葛洪《肘后方》，伤寒时气也多常用芒硝，只有治食不化说，无朴硝，用芒硝替代。这是晋宋以前通用朴硝、芒硝了。胡洽方，十枣汤用芒硝，大五饮丸用硝石，并说无硝石用芒硝。这是梁隋间通用芒硝、硝石了。以此言之，朴硝、硝石为精，芒硝为粗。所以陶氏引皇甫士安之言为证，是硝石当时已难得其真，故方书通以相代矣。又古方金石凌法，用朴硝、硝石、芒硝、马牙硝四种参杂，次第下之。方出唐世，不知当时如何分别也？又南方医人着《硝说》云：本草有朴硝、硝石、芒硝，而无马牙硝。诸家所注，三种竟无断决。或言芒硝、硝石是一物，不合重出。或言煎炼朴硝，经宿盆中有细芒为芒硝。或言马牙硝自是一物。今诸硝之体各异，理亦易明，而惑乃如此。朴硝味苦而微咸，出蜀郡者，莹白如冰雪，内地者小黑，皆苏脆易碎，风吹之则结霜，泯泯如粉，熬之烊沸，亦可熔铸。以水合甘草、猪胆煮至减半，投大盆中，又下凝水石屑，同渍一宿，则凝结如白石英者，芒硝也。扫地霜煎炼而成，试竹上如解盐，而味辛苦，烧之成焰都尽者，硝石也，能消金石，又性畏火，而能制诸石使拒火，亦天地之神物也。牙硝，即是芒硝也。又有生硝，不因煮炼而成，亦出蜀道，类朴硝而小坚也。其论虽辨，然与古人所说殊别，亦未可全信也。
寇宗奭说：硝石者，硝的总名。但不经火者，叫做生硝、朴硝；经火者，叫做芒硝、盆硝。
李时珍说：诸硝，自从晋唐以来，各家都执着名字猜测，都没有定见。只有马志《开宝本草》，以硝石为地霜炼成，而芒硝、马牙硝是朴硝炼出者，一句话足以破除诸家的困惑。诸家大概因为硝石一名芒硝，朴硝一名硝石朴，之名相混，遂导致费辨不决。而不知道硝有水火两种，形质虽然相同，性气截然不同。只有《神农本草经》朴硝、硝石二条为正。其《名医别录》芒硝、《嘉祐本草》马牙硝、《开宝本草》生硝，都属于多出，现在合并归并。《神农本草经》所列朴硝，即水硝，有二种，煎炼结出细芒者为芒硝；结出马牙者，为牙硝；其凝底成块者通为朴硝，其气味皆咸而寒。《神农本草经》所列硝石，即火硝，也有二种，煎炼结出细芒者也称芒硝，结出马牙者，也称牙硝，又名生硝；其凝底成块者，通为硝石。其气味皆辛苦而大温。二硝皆有芒硝、牙硝之称，故古方有相互替代的说法。自从唐宋以下，所用芒硝、牙硝，都是水硝。南医所辨虽然明确，但以凝水石、猪胆煎成者为芒硝，则是错误的。现在统一纠正其错误。其石脾一名硝石者，是造成假硝石。见后石脾下。
【修治】孟洗说：真硝石，柳枝汤煎三个时辰，如果汤少了，就加热，伏火就停止。
寇宗奭说：凡是使用硝石，先研如粉，用鸡肠菜、柏子仁共二十五个，混合一处，丸如小帝珠子，用瓷瓶子在五斤火中烧红，投入硝石四两于瓶内，连同药丸投入瓶中，自然伏火。
《抱朴子》说：能消柔五金，化七十二石为水。制约它须用地莲子、猪牙皂角、苦参、南星、巴豆、汉防己、晚蚕砂。
硝石
【气味】苦，寒，无毒。《名医别录》说：辛，大寒，无毒。普曰：神农：苦；扁鹊：甘。甄权说：咸，有小毒。
李时珍说：辛、苦、微咸，有小毒，阴中之阳。得到陈皮，性疏爽。
【主治】五脏积热，胃胀闭，涤去蓄结饮食，推陈致新，除邪气。炼之如膏，久服轻身（《神农本草经》）。
治疗五脏十二经脉中百二十疾，暴伤寒，腹中大热，止烦满消渴，利小便，及腐蚀疮疡。天地至神之物，能化七十二种石（《名医别录》）。破积散坚，治腹胀，破血，下瘰疬，泻得根出（甄权）。含咽，治喉闭（孟洗）。治伏暑伤冷，霍乱吐利，五种淋疾，女劳黑疸，心肠痛，赤眼，头痛，牙痛（李时珍）。
(Top Grade in the *Shennong Bencao Jing*)
**[Names]** Mangxiao (from *Mingyi Bielu*), Kunxiao (named by Zhen Quan), Yanxiao (from *Tusuxiaobencao*), Huoxiao (named by Li Shizhen in *Bencao Gangmu*), Dishuang (from *Shu Bencao*), Shengxiao (recorded in Song editions), Beidi Xuanzhu.
Ma Zhi stated: Because it can dissolve various stones, it is named Xiaoshi (Dissolving Stone). During initial decoction, fine crystals appear, and its shape resembles Puxiao, hence the name Mangxiao. It does not belong to the same category as Puxiao or the Mangxiao recorded in *Mingyi Bielu*.
Su Song stated: Xiaoshi is obtained during secondary refining by removing the Mangxiao that condenses at the bottom. Once the essence is removed, only dregs resembling stone remain. Its medicinal efficacy is also mild; it is primarily used to ignite fireworks.
Zhen Quan stated: Mangxiao, alternatively written as Kunxiao, refers to its bitter taste.
Li Shizhen stated: Xiaoshi is used by alchemists to refine the Five Metals and Eight Stones, by silversmiths to melt gold and silver, and by military personnel to make beacon fires and gunpowder; it ignites upon contact with fire, hence its various names. Hugangzi's *Fentu* calls it Beidi Xuanzhu. The *Kaibao Bencao* re-listed Shengxiao and Mangxiao; now they are merged into one entry, with details provided below.
**[Collection and Description]** *Mingyi Bielu* states: Xiaoshi grows in the valleys of Yizhou, as well as in Wudu, Longxi, and Western Qiang regions. It can be collected at any time.
Tao Hongjing stated: Xiaoshi treats diseases similarly to Puxiao. The *Xianjing* uses it to dissolve various stones, but no one today truly recognizes authentic Xiaoshi. Some say it originates from the same source as Puxiao, which is why Puxiao has an alias "Xiaoshi Pu". Others say it is also called Mangxiao, but current Mangxiao is made by refining Puxiao. None of these have been verified through rigorous study. Someone obtained a substance whose color was largely similar to Puxiao with slight differences; it felt like snow when held but was not cold, and produced purple-green smoke when burned, claimed to be true Xiaoshi. It is now found in areas with alkaline soil north of Dangchang.
Ma Zhi stated: This is Dishuang. In mountainous and marshy areas throughout the land, frost appears on the ground in winter months. It is swept up, leached with water, and then refined into a form resembling hairpins; high-quality pieces are up to five fen long. Tao Hongjing's varied explanations likely stem from his inability to accurately identify it.
He further stated: Shengxiao grows among rocks in the western mountains of Maozhou. Its lumps vary in size, appearing greenish-white, and can be collected anytime.
Li Shizhen stated: Xiaoshi is produced in all saline-alkali lands, particularly abundant in Qingyang County, Hebei Province, and Sichuan. In autumn and winter, white frost covers the ground; it is swept up and refined. Merchants often handle it carelessly, resulting in impurities; it must be dissolved in water again, poured into basins, and allowed to crystallize overnight. The sediment settling at the bottom resembles Puxiao and is called Shengxiao, meaning salt generated after refining. The crust forming on top may have sharp edges like Mangxiao or angular shapes like Mayaxiao (Horse Tooth Salt); thus, Xiaoshi also bears the names Mangxiao and Yaxiao, sharing terminology with Puxiao's variants, though their elemental natures (Water vs. Fire) differ. Cui Fang's *Waidan Bencao* states: Xiaoshi is a Yin Stone. However, this is not a mineral stone but is formed by boiling saline alkali, currently known as Yanxiao. In Shangcheng, Hebei, and along the borders of Huai and Wei prefectures, riverside residents scrape saline earth, leach it, and refine it; it differs slightly from Puxiao and is not produced in southern regions. Shengxuanzi's *Fugentu* states: Xiaoshi originates from Wuchang, is greenish-white, and true specimens dissolve into stone when placed on heated white quartzite. The mines emit extremely foul odors; birds cannot fly over them. Humans passing through in single clothing find insects on their bodies turning to water. It can dissolve metals and stones; taken orally with water for longevity, those shaped like goose quills are best. Upon careful examination, Shengxuanzi's description seems different from contemporary Xiaoshi. Yao Kuan's *Xi Xi Cong Yu* considers his account accurate; could foreign-produced Xiaoshi differ from Chinese varieties? Or is it a distinct species? This awaits correction by experts in natural history.
**[Correction of Errors]**
Tao Hongjing stated: The *Shennong Bencao Jing* contains no Mangxiao, only Xiaoshi, also named Mangxiao. *Mingyi Bielu* lists Mangxiao separately, claiming identical efficacy to Xiaoshi, suspecting they are the same. Originally produced in Ningzhou, it had yellow-white granules and a very bitter, pungent taste. Modern physicians mostly use boiled and refined versions, which are pure white, fine-grained, and less potent. Huangfu Mi stated: If Puxiao is unavailable, Xiaoshi may be used. Xiaoshi grows in the shade of mountains and is the "gall" of salt. Boiling Shibei and Xiaoshi together yields three dou from one hu; the result is pure white like snow, dissolving instantly in water, hence named Xiaoshi (Dissolving Stone). It is bitter, non-toxic, treats thirst and internal heat, relieves fullness and vexation, and is harvested in March from Chishan. Puxiao also grows in mountain shades where salty, bitter waters exist, forming in sunny spots. It is bitter, non-toxic, yellow-white, treats heat, abdominal distension, aids digestion, expels pathogenic factors, and also dissolves in water; its therapeutic effects differ slightly from Xiaoshi. According to this, mixing Mangxiao and boiling creates true Xiaoshi, but the identity of Shibei remains unknown. To make Mangxiao from Puxiao, warm water is used to leach and boil the juice, which solidifies in wooden basins overnight. Currently, people in Yizhou refine alum into a fake Xiaoshi that is soft and white but retains the taste of alum.
He further stated: Puxiao is currently produced in the western counties of Canling and Xichuan within Wenshan Commandery, northern Yizhou, growing on cliff faces. It is mostly greenish-white with black spots. Locals select the white, soft portions to use as Xiaoshi, heating until juices boil out, resembling alum.
Chen Cangqi stated: Shibei, Mangxiao, and Xiaoshi all originate from the saline lands of Western Regions, formed by alkaline water crystallization.
Su Gong stated: Puxiao has two types: longitudinal grain and diffuse grain, with no difference in use. The white, soft variety is the "sprout" of Puxiao, being hollow and weak. Refined into Xiaoshi, the yield is low; using it as Xiaoshi results in significantly inferior efficacy.
He further stated: Xiaoshi is essentially Mangxiao, and Puxiao is also called Xiaoshi Pu. Refining crude Puxiao to extract juice and boiling it produces Mangxiao, which is Xiaoshi. *Mingyi Bielu*'s separate listing of Mangxiao is erroneous. Ancient prescriptions from Jin and Song dynasties frequently used Xiaoshi and rarely Mangxiao; modern physicians use only Mangxiao and seldom mention Xiaoshi. Since the logic is clear, duplicate entries are unnecessary.
Su Song stated: Old theories suggest Puxiao, Mangxiao, and Xiaoshi are of the same origin. The initial crop leached and boiled is Puxiao (alias Xiaoshi Pu). Refining Puxiao or Dishuang into hard, white, stone-like forms yields Xiaoshi (alias Mangxiao). Leaching Puxiao juice and boiling until fine crystals form yields Mangxiao. Although one substance with different names, differing refinement methods lead to different therapeutic actions. However, the *Bencao Jing* records seem to describe two distinct substances. Current medical formulas cannot clarify this. Unrefined, slightly blue-green blocks are Puxiao; refined in basins with crystals are Mangxiao (also called Penxiao); the sediment at the bottom of Mangxiao is Xiaoshi Pu. Xiaoshi has the strongest power, followed by Mangxiao, then Xiaoshi Pu. It is unclear who is correct. Su Gong noted that Jin/Song texts favored Xiaoshiover Mangxiao. Zhang Zhongjing's *Shanghan Lun* uses Mangxiao in Chengqi and Xiongxiao formulas. Ge Hong's *Zhouhou Beiji Fang* also favors Mangxiao for febrile diseases, substituting it for Puxiao in indigestion cases. Thus, pre-Jin/Song eras used Puxiao and Mangxiao generally. Hu Qia's formulas use Mangxiao in Shizao Tang and Xiaoshi in Dawuyin Wan, noting interchangeability. This indicates Liang/Sui era usage of both. Therefore, Puxiao/Xiaoshi are refined, while Mangxiao is coarse. Tao Hongjing citing Huangfu Mi suggests authentic Xiaoshi was rare then, leading to substitution in prescriptions. Ancient metal processing methods mixed four salts: Puxiao, Xiaoshi, Mangxiao, Mayaxiao. Formulas date to the Tang dynasty; how they were distinguished then is unknown. Southern physician's *Xiao Shuo* notes the Materia Medica lists Puxiao, Xiaoshi, Mangxiao, but not Mayaxiao. Commentaries fail to resolve whether Mangxiao and Xiaoshi are identical or if Mayaxiao is distinct. Physical properties differ, yet confusion persists. Puxiao is bitter-salty; Sichuan varieties are bright white like ice/snow, inland ones are dark black, brittle, frosting when windblown, powder-like, melting when boiled, and castable. Boiling with licorice root and pig bile, adding geyserite powder, and steeping overnight yields Mangxiao resembling white quartzite. Dishuang refined tests like rock salt on bamboo, tastes bitter-pungent, burns completely to flame—this is Xiaoshi, capable of dissolving metals/stones, fearing fire yet resisting other stones' reaction to fire—a divine object of heaven and earth. Yaxiao is Mangxiao. Shengxiao forms without boiling, also from Sichuan routes, similar to Puxiao but harder. Though detailed, this theory differs from ancient accounts and should not be fully trusted.
Kou Zongshi stated: Xiaoshi is the general term for salt. Unburnt is called Shengxiao or Puxiao; burnt is called Mangxiao or Penxiao.
Li Shizhen stated: Since Jin and Tang dynasties, scholars have speculated based on names without consensus. Only Ma Zhi's *Kaibao Bencao* clarified that Xiaoshi is refined from Dishuang, while Mangxiao and Mayaxiao are refined from Puxiao, resolving much confusion. Scholars confused Xiaoshi/Mangxiao and Puxiao/Xiaoshi Pu aliases. They failed to recognize two types of salt: Water Salt and Fire Salt. Though physically similar, their natures differ radically. The *Shennong Bencao Jing* entries for Puxiao and Xiaoshi are correct. *Mingyi Bielu*'s Mangxiao, *Jiayou Bencao*'s Mayaxiao, and *Kaibao Bencao*'s Shengxiao are redundant and are now consolidated. *Shennong*'s Puxiao is Water Salt, yielding Mangxiao (fine crystals) or Yaxiao (horse teeth) upon refining, with bulk residue as Puxiao; all are salty and cold. *Shennong*'s Xiaoshi is Fire Salt, also yielding Mangxiao or Yaxiao/Shengxiao upon refining, with bulk residue as Xiaoshi; all are pungent, bitter, and intensely warm. Both share Mangxiao/Yaxiao aliases, explaining ancient substitution practices. Post-Tang/Song Mangxiao and Yaxiao are Water Salts. Southern physicians' distinction was clear, but their claim that Geyserite and Pig Bile produce Mangxiao is erroneous; this is corrected here. Shibei, sometimes called Xiaoshi, produces fake Xiaoshi (see Shibei entry below).
**[Processing]** Meng Xi stated: Authentic Xiaoshi should be decocted in willow branch soup for three shichen. If liquid reduces, add heat to neutralize fire potency.
Kou Zongshi stated: When using Xiaoshi, grind to powder. Mix with twenty-five pieces each of *Pilea japonica* (Jichangcai) and *Platycladi Semen* (Baiziren). Form pills sized like small beads. Place in a porcelain bottle, heat in fire until red-hot. Add four liang of Xiaoshi and the pills into the bottle; this naturally neutralizes fire toxicity.
*Baopuzi* stated: It can soften the Five Metals and dissolve seventy-two stones into water. To process it, use *Eleutherococcus senticosus* fruit (Dilianzi), *Gleditsia sinensis* pod (Zhuya Zaojiao), *Sophora flavescens* root (Kushen), *Arisaema erubescens* (Nanxing), *Croton tiglium* seed (Badou), *Stephania tetrandra* root (Hanfangji), and silkworm excrement (Wancangsha).
Li Shizhen stated: Melting it and adding licorice root neutralizes fire toxicity.
**Xiaoshi**
**[Flavor and Toxicity]** Bitter, Cold, Non-toxic. *Mingyi Bielu* states: Pungent, Great Cold, Non-toxic. Pu Yue stated: Shennong said Bitter; Bian Que said Sweet. Zhen Quan stated: Salty, Slightly Toxic.
Li Shizhen stated: Pungent, Bitter, Slightly Salty, Slightly Toxic; Yang within Yin. With *Citrus reticulata* peel (Chenpi), its nature becomes dispersing and refreshing.
Xu Zhicai stated: Fire acts as its guide. It dislikes *Sophora flavescens* (Kushen) and *Sonchus arvensis* (Kucail); fears *Aster subulatus* (Nüwan), *Prunus armeniaca* seed (Xingren), and *Phragmites communis* leaf (Zhuye).
**[Indications]** Treats accumulated heat in the Five Viscera, stomach distension and obstruction, purges accumulated food stagnation, promotes elimination of the old and generation of the new, eliminates pathogenic factors. Refined into paste, long-term consumption lightens the body (*Shennong Bencao Jing*).
Treats over 120 ailments in the Five Viscera and Twelve Meridians, acute cold damage, severe abdominal heat, relieves vexation/fullness and thirst, promotes urination, and treats corrosive ulcers. A divine object of heaven and earth, capable of dissolving seventy-two types of stones (*Mingyi Bielu*). Breaks accumulations and dissipates hardness, treats abdominal distension, invigorates blood circulation, expels scrofula roots (*Zhen Quan*). Held in mouth/swallowed, treats throat closure (*Meng Xi*). Treats latent summerheat and cold injury, cholera with vomiting/diarrhea, five types of strangury, black jaundice from sexual exhaustion, heart/intestinal pain, red eyes, headache, toothache (*Li Shizhen*).