（《纲目》）
【集解】时珍曰∶龙须菜生东南海边石上。丛生无枝，叶状如柳，
根须长者尺余，白色。
以醋浸食之，和肉蒸食亦佳。《博物志》一种石发似指此物，与石衣之石发同名
也。
【气味】甘，寒，无毒。
【主治】瘿结热气，利小便（时珍）。
（《纲目》）
【释名】瞑菜（瞑音眠）绰菜、醉草
、懒妇箴（《记事珠》。未详）。
【集解】时珍曰∶按∶稽含《南方草木状》云∶绰菜夏生池沼间。
叶类
慈菇，根如藕条。南海人食之，令人思睡，呼为瞑菜。段公路《北户录》云∶睡菜
五、六
月生田塘中。土人采根为盐菹，食之好睡。郭宪《洞冥记》有却睡草，食之令人
不睡，
与此相反也。珍按∶苦菜、龙葵皆能使人不睡。却睡之草，其此类乎？
【气味】甘、微苦，寒，无毒。
【主治】心膈邪热不得眠（时珍）。
（芝 类一十五种）
（《本经》上品）
【校正】并入《本经》青、赤、黄、白、黑、紫六芝。
【释名】 （音囚）。
时珍曰∶芝本作之，篆文象草生地上之形。后人借之字为语辞，遂加草以别之也。《尔
雅》云∶ ，芝也。注云∶一岁三华瑞草。或曰生于刚处曰菌，生于柔处曰芝。昔四皓采芝，
群仙服食，则芝亦菌属可食者，故移入菜部。
【集解】《别录》曰∶青芝生泰山，赤芝生霍山，黄芝生嵩山，白芝生华山，黑芝生常
山，紫芝生高夏山谷。六芝皆六月、八月采。
弘景曰∶南岳本是衡山，汉武帝始以小霍山代之，此赤芝当生衡山也。郡县无高夏名，
恐是山名也。此六芝皆仙草之类，俗所稀见，族类甚多，形色 异，并载《芝草图》中。今
俗所用紫芝，乃是朽木株上所生，状如木 ，名为紫芝，止疗痔，不宜合诸补丸药也
。凡得芝草，便正尔食之，无余节度，故皆不云服法也。
恭曰∶《五芝经》云∶皆以五色生于五岳。诸方所献，白芝未必华山，黑芝又非常岳。
且多黄、白，稀有黑、青者。然紫芝最多，非五芝类。但芝自难得，纵获一、二，岂得终久
服耶？
禹锡曰∶王充《论衡》云∶芝生于土。土气和，故芝草生。《瑞命记》云∶王者仁慈，
则芝草生。是也。
时珍曰∶芝类甚多，亦有花实者。《本草》惟以六芝标名，然其种属不可不识。
《神农经》云∶山川云雨、四时五行、阴阳昼夜之精，以生五色神芝，为圣王休祥。《瑞
应图》云∶芝草常以六月生，春青夏紫，秋白冬黑。葛洪《抱朴子》云∶芝有石芝、木芝、
草芝、肉芝、菌芝，凡数百种也。石芝石象，生于海隅石山岛屿之涯。肉芝状如肉，附于大
石，头尾具有，乃生物也。赤者如珊瑚，白者如截肪，黑者如泽漆，青者如翠羽，黄者如紫
金，皆光明洞彻如坚冰也。大者十余斤，小者三、四斤。凡求芝草，入名山，必以三月、九
月，乃山开出神药之月。必以天辅时，出三奇吉门，到山须六阴之日，明堂之时。带灵宝符，
牵白犬，抱白鸡，包白盐一斗，及开山符檄，着大石上。执吴唐草一把入山，山神喜，必得
见芝。须禹步往采。以王相专和、支干相生之日，刻以骨刀，阴干为末服，乃有功效。若人
不至精久斋，行秽德薄，又不晓入山之术，虽得其图，鬼神不以与，人终不可得见也。曰菌
芝，生深山之中，大木之下，泉水之侧。其状或如宫室，如龙虎，如车马，如飞鸟，五色无
常。凡百二十种，自有图也。曰木威喜芝，乃松脂沦地，千年化为茯苓，万岁其上生小木，
状似莲花，夜视有光，持之甚滑，烧之不焦，带之辟兵，服之神仙。曰飞节芝，三千岁老松
上，皮中有脂，状如龙形，服之长生。曰木渠芝，寄生大木上，状如莲花，九茎一丛，味甘
而辛。曰黄柏芝，生于千岁黄柏根下，有细根如缕，服之地仙。曰建木芝，生于都广，其皮
如缨蛇，其实如鸾鸟。曰参成芝，赤色有光，扣其枝叶，如金石之音。曰樊桃芝，其木如升
龙，其花叶如丹萝，其实如翠鸟，并可服食。曰千岁芝，生枯木下，根如坐人，刻之有血，
血涂二足，可行水隐形，又可治病。以上皆木芝也。曰独摇芝，无风自动，其茎大如手指，
叶似苋，根有大魁如斗，周绕有细子十二枚绕之，相去丈许，生高山深谷，服之神仙。曰牛
角芝，生虎寿山及吴陵上，状似葱而特出如牛角，长三、四尺，青色。曰龙仙芝，似升龙相
负之形。曰紫珠芝，茎黄叶赤，实如李而紫色。曰白符芝，似梅，大雪而花，季冬而实。
曰朱草芝九曲三叶，叶有实也，其茎如针。曰五德芝，状似楼殿，五色各具，方茎紫气。
以上皆草芝也，有百二十种，人得服之神仙。曰玉脂芝，生于有玉之山，状似鸟兽，色无常
彩，多似山水苍玉，亦如鲜明水晶。曰七明九光芝，生于临水石崖之间，状如盘碗，有茎
蒂连缀之，此芝有七孔者名七明，九孔者名九光，，夜见其光，食至七枚，七孔洞彻，一名
萤火芝。曰石蜜芝，生少室石户中石上，终难得。曰石桂芝，生石穴中，似桂树，乃石也，
光明味辛。曰石脑芝、石中黄，皆石芝类也。千岁燕、千岁蝙蝠、千岁龟、万岁蟾蜍、山中
见小人，皆肉芝类也，凡百二十种。又按∶《采芝图》云∶凤凰芝，生名山金玉间，服食一
年，与凤凰俱也。曰燕胎芝，形如葵，紫色，有燕象。曰黑云芝，生山谷之阴，黑盖赤理黑
茎，味咸苦。又有五色龙芝、五方芝、天芝、地芝、人芝、山芝、土芝、石芝、金芝、水芝、
火芝、雷芝、甘露芝、青云芝、云气芝、白虎芝、车马芝、太一芝等，名状不一。张华《博
物志》云∶名山生神芝不死之草。上芝为车马，中芝人形，下芝六畜形。又按∶段成式《酉
阳杂俎》云∶屋柱无故生芝者，白主丧，赤主血，黑主贼，黄主喜；形如人面者亡财，如牛
马者远役，如龟蛇者蚕耗。时珍尝疑∶芝乃腐朽余气所生，正如人生瘤赘，而古今皆以为瑞
草，又云服食可仙，诚为迂谬。近读成式之言，始知先得我所欲言，其揆一也。又方士以木
积湿处，用药敷之，即生五色芝。嘉靖中王金尝生以献世宗。此昔人所未言者，不可不知。
（《本草纲目》）
【集解】李时珍说：龙须菜生长在东南沿海的岩石上。丛生无枝，叶子形状像柳叶，根须长达一尺多，颜色为白色。用醋浸泡后食用，或与肉一起蒸食也很美味。《博物志》中记载的一种名为“石发”的植物似乎指的就是这种物，它与“石衣”中的“石发”同名。
【气味】味甘，性寒，无毒。
【主治】瘿结（甲状腺肿大等颈部肿块）伴有热气，通利小便（李时珍）。
（《本草纲目》）
【释名】瞑菜（“瞑”音同“眠”）、绰菜、醉草、懒妇箴（出自《记事珠》，详情不详）。
【集解】李时珍说：据稽含《南方草木状》记载：绰菜夏季生长在池塘沼泽之间。叶子类似慈菇，根茎像藕条。南海人食用它，会让人产生睡意，所以称为“瞑菜”。段公路《北户录》记载：睡菜在五月、六月生长在田塘中。当地人采集其根制成盐腌菜，食用后容易嗜睡。郭宪《洞冥记》中有“却睡草”，食用后让人不睡觉，这与睡菜的作用相反。我考察认为：苦菜、龙葵都能使人保持清醒不睡。所谓的“却睡草”，大概属于这类吧？
【气味】味甘、微苦，性寒，无毒。
（芝类 共十五种）
（《神农本草经》上品）
【校正】并入《神农本草经》中的青、赤、黄、白、黑、紫六芝。
【释名】 （音qiú，囚）。
李时珍说：“芝”字原本写作“之”，篆文形象地描绘了草生长在地面上的形态。后人借用“之”字作为虚词，于是加上草字头来区别。《尔雅》说：“ ，就是芝。”注释说：一年开三次花的瑞草。有人说：生长在坚硬处叫“菌”，生长在柔软处叫“芝”。昔日商山四皓采摘灵芝，群仙服用，说明芝也属于菌类中可食用的种类，因此将其移入蔬菜部。
【集解】《名医别录》说：青芝生长在泰山，赤芝生长在霍山，黄芝生长在嵩山，白芝生长在华山，黑芝生长在常山，紫芝生长在高夏山谷。这六种芝都在六月、八月采集。
陶弘景说：南岳原本是衡山，汉武帝开始用小霍山代替它，这里的赤芝应当生长在衡山。郡县中没有名叫“高夏”的地方，恐怕是山名。这六种芝都是仙草一类，民间少见，种类很多，形状颜色各异，都记载在《芝草图》中。现在民间所用的紫芝，其实是生长在朽木桩上的，形状像木头，被称为紫芝，只治疗痔疮，不适合配合其他补丸药使用。凡是得到芝草，就直接食用，没有其他的节制规定，所以都不记载服用方法。
苏恭说：《五芝经》记载：五种颜色的芝都生长在五岳。各地进献的，白芝未必来自华山，黑芝也未必来自常山。而且多为黄、白色，稀有黑色、青色者。然而紫芝最多，不属于五芝类别。只是芝草本来就难得，即使获得一两株，怎么能长期服用呢？
孟禹锡说：王充《论衡》记载：芝生长在土中。土气调和，所以芝草生长。《瑞命记》记载：君主仁慈，则芝草生长。这是正确的。
李时珍说：芝类非常多，也有开花结果的。《本草》仅以六芝标名，但其种类归属不可不认识。《神农经》说：山川云雨、四季五行、阴阳昼夜的精气，化生五色神芝，是圣王的吉祥征兆。《瑞应图》说：芝草常在六月生长，春天青色，夏天紫色，秋天白色，冬天黑色。葛洪《抱朴子》说：芝有石芝、木芝、草芝、肉芝、菌芝，共有数百种。石芝像石头，生长在海边石山岛屿的岸边。肉芝形状像肉，附着在大石头上，头尾俱全，是生物。红色的像珊瑚，白色的像截断的脂肪，黑色的像泽漆，青色的像翠鸟羽毛，黄色的像紫金，都光明透彻像坚冰一样。大的十余斤，小的三四斤。凡是寻求芝草，进入名山，必须在三月、九月，这是山神开启神药的月份。必须顺应天时，选择三奇吉门，到达山上必须是六阴之日，明堂之时。携带灵宝符，牵着白狗，抱着白鸡，包着一斗白盐，以及开山符檄，放在大石头上。手持一把吴唐草进入山中，山神高兴，必定能见到芝草。必须用禹步的方式前往采集。选择在王相专和、支干相生的日子，用骨刀刻取，阴干研末服用，才有功效。如果人不做到精心久斋，品行污秽德行浅薄，又不了解入山的方法，即使得到了图谱，鬼神也不会给予，人终究无法见到。所谓菌芝，生长在深山的中间，大树的下面，泉水的旁边。其形状有的像宫室，像龙虎，像车马，像飞鸟，颜色无常。共一百二十种，自有图谱。所谓木威喜芝，是松脂沉沦地下，千年化为茯苓，万年之后其上生长小木，形状像莲花，夜间看有光，拿起来很滑，烧之不焦，佩戴它能辟兵，服用它能成仙。所谓飞节芝，在三千年老松上，皮中有脂，形状像龙，服用它能长生。所谓木渠芝，寄生在大树上，形状像莲花，九茎一丛，味道甘甜而辛辣。所谓黄柏芝，生长在千年的黄柏根下，有细根如丝线，服用它能成为地仙。所谓建木芝，生长在都广，它的皮像缨蛇，它的果实像鸾鸟。所谓参成芝，红色有光，敲击它的枝叶，发出金石般的声音。所谓樊桃芝，它的树像升龙，它的花叶像丹萝，它的果实像翠鸟，都可以服用。所谓千岁芝，生长在枯木下，根像坐着的人，刻它有血，血涂在双脚上，可以行水隐形，又可以治病。以上都是木芝。所谓独摇芝，无风自动，它的茎大如手指，叶子像苋菜，根有大魁如斗，周围环绕着十二枚小籽，相距一丈左右，生长在高山深谷，服用它能成仙。所谓牛角芝，生长在虎寿山及吴陵上，形状像葱但特别突出如牛角，长三四尺，青色。所谓龙仙芝，像两条升龙相互背负的形状。所谓紫珠芝，茎黄叶赤，果实像李子但呈紫色。所谓白符芝，像梅花，大雪时开花，季冬时结果。所谓朱草芝，九曲三叶，叶上有果实，它的茎像针。所谓五德芝，形状像楼殿，五色具备，方茎紫气。以上都是草芝，有一百二十种，人得到服用能成仙。所谓玉脂芝，生长在产玉的山上，形状像鸟兽，颜色无常彩，多像山水苍玉，也像鲜明的水晶。所谓七明九光芝，生长在水边的石崖之间，形状像盘碗，有茎蒂连接缀合，这种芝有七个孔的叫七明，九个孔的叫九光，夜间能看到它的光，食用最多七枚，七孔通透，一名萤火芝。所谓石蜜芝，生长在少室石户中的石上，最终很难得到。所谓石桂芝，生长在石穴中，像桂树，其实是石头，光明味辛。所谓石脑芝、石中黄，都属于石芝类。千年燕、千年蝙蝠、千年龟、万岁蟾蜍、山中见小人，都属于肉芝类，共一百二十种。又按：《采芝图》记载：凤凰芝，生长在名山的金玉之间，服用一年，就能与凤凰一同飞翔。所谓燕胎芝，形状像葵花，紫色，有燕子的形象。所谓黑云芝，生长在山谷的北面，黑盖红纹黑茎，味道咸苦。又有五色龙芝、五方芝、天芝、地芝、人芝、山芝、土芝、石芝、金芝、水芝、火芝、雷芝、甘露芝、青云芝、云气芝、白虎芝、车马芝、太一芝等，名称形状不一。张华《博物志》说：名山大川生长神芝不死之草。上等的芝像车马，中等的芝像人形，下等的芝像六畜形。又按：段成式《酉阳杂俎》说：屋柱无故长出芝草的，白色主丧事，红色主流血，黑色主盗贼，黄色主喜事；形状像人面的破财，像牛马的远行服役，像龟蛇的蚕桑受损。李时珍曾经怀疑：芝乃是腐朽余气所生，正如人生瘤赘，而古今都认为是瑞草，又说服用可以成仙，确实迂腐荒谬。最近读到段成式的话，才知道他先说出了我想说的话，他们的道理是一样的。又有方士在木料堆积潮湿处，用药敷在上面，就生出五色芝。嘉靖年间，王金曾种植献给世宗。这是前人未曾言说的，不可不知道。
(Compendium of Materia Medica)
[Collected Explanations] Li Shizhen states: Xucai (Dragon Whisker Vegetable) grows on rocks along the southeastern coast. It grows in clumps without branches, its leaves resemble willow leaves, and its rootlets can be over a chi (approx. 33 cm) long, appearing white. It is consumed after being soaked in vinegar, or steamed with meat, which is also delicious. The "Shifa" (Stone Hair) mentioned in *Baowu Zhi* likely refers to this substance; it shares the same name as the "Shifa" found in "Shiyi" (Stone Clothes).
[Flavor and Properties] Sweet, cold, non-toxic.
[Indications] Scrofula and heat accumulation causing neck masses, promotes urination (Li Shizhen).
(Compendium of Materia Medica)
[Names] Mingcai ("Ming" pronounced like "Mian", meaning sleep), Chuocai, Zuicao, Lanfu Zhen (from *Jishi Zhu*, details unknown).
[Collected Explanations] Li Shizhen says: According to Ji Han's *Nanfang Caomu Zhuang*: Chuocai grows in ponds and marshes during summer. Its leaves resemble those of Colocasia esculenta (Taro), and its roots resemble lotus rhizomes. People in Nanhai eat it, which induces sleepiness, hence the name "Mingcai". Duan Gonglu's *Buhu Lu* records: Shuicai (Sleeping Vegetable) grows in fields and ponds in the fifth and sixth lunar months. Locals harvest its roots to make salted pickles; eating them causes drowsiness. Guo Xian's *Dongming Ji* mentions "Queshui Cao" (Wakefulness Grass), which prevents sleep when eaten, acting oppositely to Shuicai. I observe that Kucai (Bitter Vegetable) and Longkui (Solanum nigrum) both keep people awake. The so-called "Queshui Cao" probably belongs to this category.
[Flavor and Properties] Sweet, slightly bitter, cold, non-toxic.
[Indications] Heat from pathogenic factors in the heart and diaphragm causing insomnia (Li Shizhen).
(Zhi Class - 15 Species)
(Superior Grade from *Shennong Bencao Jing*)
[Correction] Merged with the six types of Zhi from *Shennong Bencao Jing*: Qingzhi (Green Zhi), Chizhi (Red Zhi), Huangzhi (Yellow Zhi), Baizhi (White Zhi), Heizhi (Black Zhi), and Zizhi (Purple Zhi).
[Names] Qiu (pronounced 'qiu').
Li Shizhen says: The character "Zhi" was originally written as "Zhi" (之). In seal script, it depicts the form of grass growing above ground. Later generations borrowed "Zhi" as a grammatical particle, adding the grass radical (艹) to distinguish it. *Erya* states: "Qiu is Zhi." The annotation notes: A auspicious herb that blooms three times a year. Some say: what grows on hard surfaces is called "Jun" (fungus/mushroom), while what grows on soft surfaces is called "Zhi". In ancient times, the Four White Hermits gathered Zhi, and immortals consumed it; thus, Zhi is also classified among edible fungi, and has been moved to the vegetable section.
[Collected Explanations] *Mingyi Bielu* states: Qingzhi grows on Mount Tai, Chizhi on Mount Huo, Huangzhi on Mount Song, Baizhi on Mount Hua, Heizhi on Mount Chang, and Zizhi in the valleys of Gaoxia. These six types of Zhi are harvested in the sixth and eighth lunar months.
Tao Hongjing says: The Southern Peak was originally Mount Heng. Emperor Wu of Han replaced it with Little Mount Huo; thus, the Chizhi should grow on Mount Heng. There is no place named "Gaoxia" in any commandery or county, so it is likely a mountain name. These six types of Zhi belong to the class of immortal herbs, rarely seen by commoners, with many varieties differing in shape and color, all recorded in the *Zhi Cao Tu* (Illustrated Manual of Zhi Herbs). The Zizhi used in modern times actually grows on rotting wood stumps, resembling wood, and is named Zizhi. It only treats hemorrhoids and is not suitable for compounding with other tonic pills. Whenever Zhi grass is obtained, it is eaten directly without specific dosage regulations, hence no administration methods are recorded.
Su Gong says: The *Wu Zhi Jing* (Classic of Five Zhi) states: The five-colored Zhi grow on the Five Great Mountains. Offerings from various regions may not strictly follow this; Baizhi does not necessarily come from Mount Hua, nor Heizhi from Mount Chang. Moreover, yellow and white varieties are common, while black and green are rare. However, Zizhi is the most abundant and does not belong to the Five Zhi category. Since Zhi is inherently difficult to obtain, even if one or two are acquired, how can they be taken continuously for a long time?
Meng Yuxi says: Wang Chong's *Lunheng* states: Zhi grows in the earth. When the qi of the earth is harmonious, Zhi grass grows. The *Ruiming Ji* (Record of Auspicious Omens) states: If the ruler is benevolent and merciful, Zhi grass grows. This is correct.
Li Shizhen says: There are many types of Zhi, some of which flower and bear fruit. The *Bencao* only lists the Six Zhi by name, but their species classification must be understood. The *Shennong Jing* states: The essence of mountains, rivers, clouds, rain, the four seasons, the five elements, yin and yang, day and night, generates the five-colored divine Zhi, which serve as auspicious omens for sage kings. The *Ruiying Tu* states: Zhi grass usually grows in June; it is green in spring, purple in summer, white in autumn, and black in winter. Ge Hong's *Baopuzi* states: There are Shi Zhi (Stone Zhi), Mu Zhi (Wood Zhi), Cao Zhi (Grass Zhi), Rou Zhi (Flesh Zhi), and Jun Zhi (Mushroom Zhi), numbering in the hundreds. Shi Zhi resembles stone and grows at the edges of rocky islands along the sea coast. Rou Zhi resembles flesh, attaches to large rocks, has distinct heads and tails, and is a living organism. Red ones resemble coral, white ones resemble cut fat, black ones resemble Phytolacca acinosa, green ones resemble kingfisher feathers, and yellow ones resemble purple gold; all are bright and clear like solid ice. Large specimens weigh over ten jin, small ones three or four jin. To seek Zhi grass, one must enter famous mountains in the third or ninth lunar months, which are the months when mountain spirits open the way to divine medicines. One must align with heavenly timing, choose the Three Wonders and Auspicious Gates, arrive on a Day of Six Yin, during the Mingtang hour. Carry the Lingbao Talisman, lead a white dog, hold a white chicken, wrap one dou of white salt, and bring the Kai Shan Talisman and edict, placing them on a large rock. Hold a bundle of Wutang grass to enter the mountain; pleased by the mountain spirit, one will surely see the Zhi. One must approach using the Yu Bu (Great Yu's Step) method. On days of Wang Xiang harmony and mutually generating Stems and Branches, carve it with a bone knife, dry it in the shade, powder it, and take it orally to achieve efficacy. If one has not maintained strict purity and fasting for a long time, possesses impure conduct and thin virtue, and does not know the techniques for entering the mountain, even if given the diagrams, spirits and ghosts will not grant it, and humans will never see it.
Regarding Jun Zhi: It grows deep in mountains, beneath large trees, beside springs. Its shape may resemble palaces, dragons, tigers, chariots, horses, or flying birds, with changing colors. There are 120 types, each with its own illustration.
Regarding Mu Weixi Zhi: Pine resin sinks into the ground, transforming into Poria cocos (Fu Ling) after a thousand years. After ten thousand years, small trees grow on top, resembling lotus flowers. They glow at night, feel slippery to the touch, do not burn, ward off weapons when carried, and confer immortality when ingested.
Regarding Feijie Zhi: On pine trees older than 3,000 years, resin within the bark takes the shape of a dragon. Ingesting it grants longevity.
Regarding Muqu Zhi: Parasitic on large trees, resembling a lotus, with nine stems in one cluster. Taste is sweet and pungent.
Regarding Huangbai Zhi: Grows under the roots of century-old Phellodendron amurense (Huangbai). It has fine thread-like roots. Ingesting it makes one an Earth Immortal.
Regarding Jianmu Zhi: Grows in Duguang. Its bark resembles a snake with tassels; its fruit resembles a Luan bird.
Regarding Cheng Zhi: Red and luminous; striking its branches and leaves produces sounds like metal and stone.
Regarding Fantao Zhi: Its tree resembles a rising dragon; its flowers and leaves resemble Cissus repens (Danluo); its fruit resembles a kingfisher. All are edible.
Regarding Qiansui Zhi: Grows beneath dead wood. Its root resembles a sitting person; cutting it reveals blood. Smearing this blood on the feet allows walking on water and invisibility; it also cures diseases. All the above are Mu Zhi.
Regarding Duyao Zhi: Moves automatically without wind. Its stem is finger-thick, leaves resemble Amaranthus, and its root has a large tuber like a bushel basket, surrounded by twelve small seeds about a zhang apart. It grows in high mountains and deep valleys; ingesting it confers immortality.
Regarding Niujiao Zhi: Grows on Hushou Mountain and Wuling. It resembles scallions but protrudes specifically like a bull's horn, three to four chi long, and is green.
Regarding Longxian Zhi: Resembles two rising dragons carrying each other.
Regarding Zizhu Zhi: Yellow stem, red leaves, fruits like plums but purple.
Regarding Baifu Zhi: Resembles plum blossoms, flowers during heavy snow, bears fruit in late winter.
Regarding Zhucuo Zhi: Nine curves, three leaves, with fruits on the leaves; its stem is needle-like.
Regarding Wude Zhi: Resembles pavilions, possessing all five colors, with square stems and purple aura. All the above are Cao Zhi, numbering 120 types; obtaining and ingesting them confers immortality.
Regarding Yuzhi Zhi: Grows on mountains producing jade. It resembles birds and beasts, with variable colors, often looking like landscape green jade or bright crystal.
Regarding Qiming Jiuguang Zhi: Grows between cliffs near water. It resembles plates and bowls, connected by stems and pedicels. Those with seven holes are called Qiming; those with nine holes are called Jiuguang. They glow at night. Eating up to seven pieces makes the seven holes transparent. Also known as Yinghuo Zhi (Firefly Zhi).
Regarding Shimizhi: Grows on rocks in the stone caves of Mount Shaoshi; extremely difficult to obtain.
Regarding Shigui Zhi: Grows in rock cavities, resembling cinnamon trees, but is actually stone. It is bright and pungent.
Regarding Shinao Zhi and Shizhonghuang: Both belong to the Shi Zhi category.
Qiansui Yan (Thousand-year Swallow), Qiansui Bianfu (Thousand-year Bat), Qiansui Gui (Thousand-year Turtle), Wansui Chanchu (Ten-thousand-year Toad), and seeing little men in the mountains all belong to the Rou Zhi category, totaling 120 types.
Furthermore, the *Caizhi Tu* states: Fenghuang Zhi grows between gold and jade in famous mountains. Consuming it for one year allows one to fly with phoenixes.
Regarding Yantai Zhi: Shape resembles sunflower, purple, with the image of a swallow.
Regarding Heiyun Zhi: Grows in the shady side of valleys. Black cap, red veins, black stem. Taste is salty and bitter.
There are also Wuse Long Zhi, Wufang Zhi, Tian Zhi, Di Zhi, Ren Zhi, Shan Zhi, Tu Zhi, Shi Zhi, Jin Zhi, Shui Zhi, Huo Zhi, Lei Zhi, Ganlu Zhi, Qingyun Zhi, Yunqi Zhi, Baihu Zhi, Chema Zhi, Taiyi Zhi, etc., with varied names and shapes. Zhang Hua's *Bowu Zhi* states: Divine Zhi and grass of immortality grow in famous mountains. Upper-grade Zhi resembles chariots and horses; middle-grade resembles human forms; lower-grade resembles domestic animals.
Furthermore, Duan Chengshi's *Youyang Zazu* states: If Zhi grows spontaneously on house pillars, white indicates mourning, red indicates bloodshed, black indicates theft, and yellow indicates joy. Shapes resembling human faces predict loss of wealth; resembling oxen or horses predict distant military service; resembling turtles or snakes predicts silkworm losses.
Li Shizhen previously suspected that Zhi is generated from residual qi of decay, just as humans develop tumors. The fact that ancients and moderns alike regarded it as an auspicious herb and claimed ingestion leads to immortality seemed indeed absurd. Upon reading Duan Chengshi's words, I realized he had expressed my thoughts beforehand; their reasoning is identical.
Furthermore, alchemists apply medicine to damp, piled wood, causing five-colored Zhi to sprout. During the Jiajing reign, Wang Jin cultivated and presented such Zhi to Emperor Shizong. This was unknown to predecessors and must be noted.