己酉添加衍义
\r丹砂\pd1.bmp\r
味甘，微寒，无毒。主身体五脏百病，养精神，安魂魄，益气明目，通血脉，止烦满
，消渴，益精神，悦泽人面，杀精魅邪恶鬼，除中恶、腹痛、毒瓦斯、疥 、诸疮。久服通神
明不老，轻身神仙，能化为汞。作末名真朱，光色如云母，可析者良。生符陵山谷。采无时
。（恶磁石，畏咸水。）
陶隐居云∶按∶此化为汞及名真朱者，即是今朱砂也。俗医皆别取武都、仇池雄黄夹雌
黄者
，名为丹砂。方家亦往往俱用，此为谬矣。符陵是涪州，接巴郡南，今无复采者。乃出武陵
、西川诸蛮夷中，皆通属巴地，故谓之巴砂。《仙经》亦用。越砂，即出广州、临漳者，此
二处并好，唯须光明莹澈为佳。如云母片者，谓云母砂。如樗蒲子，紫石英形者，谓马齿
砂，亦好。如大小豆及大块圆滑者，谓豆砂。细末碎者，谓末砂。此二种粗，不入药用，但
可画用尔。采砂，皆凿坎入数丈许。虽同出一郡县，亦有好恶。地有水井胜火井也。炼饵之
法，备载《仙方》，最为长生之宝。唐本注云∶丹砂，大略二种，有土砂、石砂。其土砂，
复有块砂、末砂，体并重而色黄黑，不任画用。疗疮疥亦好，但不入心腹之药尔，然可烧之
，出水银乃多。其石砂便有十数种，最上者光明砂，云一颗别生一石龛内，大者如鸡卵，小
者如枣栗，形似芙蓉，破之如云母，光明照澈，在龛中石台上生，得此者，带之辟恶为上。
其次，或出石中或出水内，形块大者如拇指，小者如杏仁，光明无杂，名马牙砂，一名无重
砂。入药及画俱善，俗间亦少有之。其有磨嵯、新井、别井、水井、火井、芙蓉、石末、石
堆、豆末等砂，形类颇相似。入药及画，当择去其杂土石，便可用矣。南有越砂，大者如
拳，小者如鸡鹅卵，形虽大，其杂土石，不如细明净者。《经》言末之名真朱，谬矣，岂
有一物而以全末为殊名者也。今注今出辰州、锦州者，药用最良，余皆次焉。陶云出西川，
非也。蛮夷中或当有之。臣禹锡等谨按药性论云∶丹砂，君，有大毒。镇心，主尸疰，抽
风。日华子云∶凉，微毒。润心肺，治疮疥痂，息肉。服并涂用。
图经曰∶丹砂，生符陵山谷，今出辰州、宜州、阶州，而辰州者最胜，谓之辰砂。生深
山石
间，土人采之，穴地数十尺，始见其苗乃白石耳，谓之朱砂床。砂生石上，其块大者如鸡子
，小者如石榴子，状若芙蓉头，箭镞。连床者紫黯若铁色，而光明莹澈，碎之崭岩作墙壁
，又似云母片可析者，真辰砂也。无石者弥佳。过此，皆淘土石中得之，非生于石床者。陶
隐居注∶谓出武陵西川诸蛮中。今辰州乃武陵故地，虽号辰砂，而本州境所出殊少，往往在
蛮界中溪溆、锦州得之，此地盖陶所谓武陵西川者是也。而后注谓出西川为非，是不晓武陵
之西川耳。宜砂绝有大块者，碎之亦作墙壁，但罕有类物状，而色亦深赤，为不及辰砂，盖
出土石间，非白石床所生也。然宜州近地春州、融州皆有砂，故其水尽赤，每烟雾郁蒸之气
，亦赤黄色，土人谓之朱砂气，尤能作瘴疠，深为人患也。阶砂又次，都不堪入药，唯可画
色耳。凡砂之绝好者，为光明砂，其次谓之颗块，其次谓之鹿蔌，其下，谓之末砂，而医方
家唯用光明砂，余并不用。采无时。谨按郑康成注《周礼》，以丹砂、石胆、雄黄、
、磁石为五毒，古人唯以攻创疡。而《本经》以丹砂为无毒，故人多炼治服食，鲜有不为药
患者。岂五毒之说胜乎？服饵者，当以为戒。
雷公云∶凡使，宜须细认，取诸般尚有百等，不可一一论之，有妙硫砂，如拳许大，或
重一
，有十四面，面如镜，若遇阴沉天雨，即镜面上有红浆汁出。有梅柏砂，如梅子许大，夜有
光生，照见一室。有白庭砂，如帝珠子许大，面上有小星现。有神座砂，又有金座砂、玉座
砂，不经丹灶，服之而自延寿命。次有白金砂、澄水砂、阴成砂、辰锦砂、芙蓉砂、镜面砂
、箭镞砂、曹末砂、土砂、金星砂、平面砂、神末砂，以上不可一一细述也。夫修事朱砂，
先
于一静室内，焚香斋沐，然后取砂，以香水浴过了，拭干，即碎捣之，后向钵中更研三伏时
竟，取一瓷锅子着研了砂于内，用甘草、紫背天葵、五方草各锉之，着砂上下，以东流水煮
亦三伏时，勿令水火缺失时候满，去三件草，又以东流水淘令净，干晒又研如粉，用小瓷
瓶子盛，又入青芝草，山须草半两盖之，下十斤，火锻，从巳至子时方歇。候冷再研似粉，
如
要服，则入熬蜜，丸如细麻子许大，空腹服一丸。如要入药中用，则根据此法。凡 ，自然住
火，五两朱砂，用甘草二两，紫背天葵一镒，五方草自然汁一镒，若东流水取足。外台秘要
∶伤
寒、时气、温疫、头痛、壮热脉盛，始得一、二日者。取真砂一两，以水一斗，煮取一升，
顿服，覆衣被取汗。又方∶辟瘟疫。取上等朱砂一两细研，以白蜜和丸如麻子大，常以太岁
日
平旦，一家大小勿食诸物，面向东立，各吞三、七丸，永无疫疾。又方∶疗心腹宿症及卒得
症。取朱砂细研，搜饭令朱匀，以雄鸡一只，先饿二日，后以朱饭饲之，着鸡于板上。收取
粪，曝燥为末，温清酒服方
寸匕至五钱，日三服。若病困者，昼夜可六服。一鸡少更饲，一鸡取足服之，俟愈即止。斗
门方∶治小儿未盈月惊着，
似中风欲死者。用朱砂以新汲水浓磨汁，涂五心上，立瘥。最有神验。十全博救∶疗子死腹
中不出。用朱砂一两，以水
煮数沸，末之，然后取酒服之，立出。姚和众∶小儿初生六日，温肠胃，壮血气方∶炼成朱
砂如大豆许，细研，以蜜一
枣大熟调，以绵 取，令小儿吮之。一日令尽。太上八帝玄变经三皇真人炼丹方∶丹砂一斤，
色发明者，研末，重绢筛
之，令靡靡，以醇酒不见水者沃丹，挠之令如葑泥状，盛以铜盘中，置高阁上，勿令妇人见，
曝之，身自起居数挠燥，
复沃之，当令如泥，若阴雨
三百日，当紫色，握之不污
手，如着手，未干可丸。欲服时，沐浴兰香，斋戒七日，勿令妇人近药过旁，丸如麻子大
常以平旦向日吞三丸，服之
一月，三虫出。服之五、六月，腹内诸病皆瘥。服之一年，眉发
神人至。张潞云乌髭鬓大
效方∶以小雌鸡一对，别处各养喂，不得令食虫并杂物，只与乌油麻一件，并与水吃，使鸡
长大放卵时专觑取出，先放
者卵收取，及别处，更放卵绝却收。先放者卵，细研好朱砂一两，击破卵巅，些些作窍，入
砂于卵内安置，用纸粘损处
数重，候干用。后放者卵，一齐令鸡抱，候鸡子出为度。其药在卵内，自
烂研如粉，用蒸饼丸如绿
豆大，不计时候，酒下五、七丸，不惟变白，
亦愈疾矣。青霞子∶丹砂，自然不死，若以气衰，血散，体竭，骨枯，人石之功，稍能添益
，若欲长生久视，保命安神，须饵丹砂，且八石见火，悉成灰烬，丹砂伏火，化为黄银，能
重能轻，能神能灵，能黑能
白，能暗能明，一斛人擎，力难升举，万斤遇火，轻速上腾，鬼神寻求，莫知所在。太清服
炼灵砂法∶丹砂，外包八石，
内含金精，先禀气于甲，受气于丙，出胎见壬，结魄成庚，增光归戊，阴阳升降，各本
且如矿石五金，俱受五阴
神之气结，亦分为五类之形，形质顽恶，志性沉滞。宝藏论∶朱砂若草伏住火，胎包在橐，
成汁可点银为金，次点铜为
银。别说云∶谨按金、商州亦见出一种，作土气色，微黄。陕西、河东、河北、京东、京西
等路并入药，及画家亦用。
长安、蜀中研以代水银朱作漆器。又信州近年出一种，极有大者，光芒墙壁，略类宜州所产，
然
生砒色，入药用，见火恐杀人。今浙中市肆所货往往多是，用者宜审谛之。
晟近得武林，陈承编次《本草图经》本参对，陈于图经外，又以“别说”附着于后，其
言皆可稽据，不妄，因增入
之。
衍义曰∶丹砂，今人谓之朱砂。辰州朱砂，多出蛮峒。锦州界 獠峒老鸦井，其井深广
数十
丈
，先聚薪于井，满则纵火焚之。其青石壁迸裂处，即有小龛，龛中自有白石床，其石如玉。
床上乃生丹砂，小者如箭镞，大者如芙蓉，其光明可鉴，研之鲜红。砂泊床，大者重七、八
两至十两者。晃州亦有形如箭镞带石者，得自土中，非此之比也。此物镇养心神，但宜生使
。炼服，少有不作疾者，亦不减硫黄辈。又一医流服伏火者数粒，一旦大热，数夕而毙。李
善胜尝炼朱砂为丹，经岁余，沐浴再入鼎，误遗下一块，其徒丸服之，遂发懵冒，一夕而毙
。生朱砂，初生儿便可服。因火力所变，遂能杀人，可不谨也。
【背景信息】
书名：证类本草 作者：唐慎微 朝代：宋 章节：卷第三 / 丹砂 类别：本草
【正文翻译】
己酉年（1069年）添加《本草衍义》的内容。
丹砂
味甘，性微寒，无毒。主治身体五脏的各种疾病，滋养精神，安定魂魄，益气明目，疏通血脉，消除烦闷胀满，治疗消渴症，补益精神，使面色红润光泽，驱除精怪邪鬼，去除中恶、腹痛、毒气、疥癣以及各类疮疡。长期服用可通神明、延缓衰老，使身体轻盈如神仙，并能转化为汞。研磨成粉末称为“真朱”，色泽光亮如云母，能够层层剥离的质地优良。产于符陵山谷。采集没有固定时间。（忌与磁石同用，畏惧咸水。）
陶隐居说：按考证，所谓能化为汞及称为真朱的，就是现在的朱砂。世俗医生往往另外选取武都、仇池出产的雄黄夹杂雌黄的矿石，错误地称之为丹砂。方士医家也常常混用，这是错误的。符陵是涪州，位于巴郡以南，现在已不再开采。而是出自武陵、西川各少数民族地区，这些都归属于巴地，所以称为巴砂。《仙经》中也使用。越砂，即产自广州、临漳的，这两处出产的都很好，只要以光明莹澈为佳。像云母片状的，称为云母砂；像樗蒲子、紫石英形状的，称为马齿砂，也很好；像大小豆及大块圆滑的，称为豆砂；细碎粉末状的，称为末砂。后两种质地粗糙，不入药用，只能用于绘画。采集砂矿，都要挖掘坑穴深入数丈。即使同一郡县出产，也有好坏之分。产地有水井和火井之分，水井优于火井。炼制服食的方法，详细记载在《仙方》中，是最为珍贵的长生之宝。唐代《新修本草》注解说：丹砂大致分两种，有土砂、石砂。其中土砂，又有块砂、末砂，质地沉重而颜色黄黑，不能用于绘画。治疗疮疥也很好，但不入心腹内服的药方，然而可以煅烧，出水银的量很多。石砂则有十几种，最上等的是光明砂，据说单独生长在一个石龛内，大的如鸡蛋，小的如枣栗，形状像芙蓉，破碎后如云母般明亮透彻，生长在龛中的石台上，得到这种的可以佩戴辟邪为上品。其次，有的出在石头中或水中，形状块大的如拇指，小的如杏仁，光明无杂质，称为马牙砂，又名无重砂。入药及绘画都很好，民间也较少见。其余有磨嵯砂、新井砂、别井砂、水井砂、火井砂、芙蓉砂、石末砂、石堆砂、豆末砂等，形状颇为相似。入药及绘画时，应当择去其中的土石杂质，就可以使用了。南方有越砂，大的如拳头，小的如鸡鹅蛋，虽然个头大，但夹杂土石，不如细小明净的好。《神农本草经》说粉末名为真朱，是错误的，哪有将一种物品仅因全为粉末就赋予特殊名称的道理？现在的注释指出辰州、锦州出产的，药用最好，其余的都次一等。陶隐居说出自西川，是不对的。少数民族地区或许可能有。臣禹锡等人谨慎按《药性论》记载：丹砂，为君药，有大毒。镇心安神，主治尸疰（一种慢性消耗性疾病），抽搐风痉。日华子说：性凉，微毒。滋润心肺，治疗疮疥结痂、息肉。既可以内服也可以外涂。
《图经本草》说：丹砂，生于符陵山谷，现在产自辰州、宜州、阶州，其中辰州的最好，称为辰砂。生于深山岩石间，当地人开采，挖地数十尺，才见到其苗，其实是白石，称为朱砂床。砂生在石上，大的如鸡蛋，小的如石榴籽，形状像芙蓉头、箭镞。连着床体的呈紫暗色如铁色，且光明莹澈，破碎后棱角分明如墙壁，又像可剥离的云母片，这才是真正的辰砂。没有石头的更好。除此以外，都是从淘洗土石中得到，不是生于石床上的。陶隐居注解：谓出自武陵、西川各少数民族中。现在的辰州乃是武陵故地，虽然号称辰砂，但本州境内出产特别少，往往在蛮族交界处的溪涧、锦州得到，这个地方大概就是陶隐居所说的武陵、西川。而后面的注解说出自西川是不对的，这是不了解武陵之西川的意思。宜砂绝少有巨大的块状，破碎后也呈墙壁状，但很少类似物状，且颜色深赤，不及辰砂，大概是因为出土石之间，而非生于白石床上。然而宜州邻近的春州、融州都有砂，所以那里的水都是红色的，每当烟雾郁蒸之气，也是赤黄色，当地人称为朱砂气，尤其容易引发瘴疠，深深成为人们的祸患。阶砂又次一等，完全不堪入药，只可用于绘画着色。凡是极好的砂，称为光明砂，其次称为颗块，再次称为鹿蔌，下等的称为末砂，而医方家只用光明砂，其余都不用。采集没有固定时间。谨按郑康成注解《周礼》，将丹砂、石胆、雄黄、曾青、磁石列为五毒，古人只用来攻治疮疡。而《神农本草经》说丹砂无毒，所以很多人炼治服食，很少有不被药物伤害的。难道五毒的说法更胜一筹吗？服食的人，应当以此为戒。
雷公说：凡是用丹砂，必须仔细辨认，取用的种类还有上百种，不能一一论述。有妙硫砂，如拳头大，或重一钧，有十四面，面如镜子，如果遇到阴沉雨天，镜面上就有红色浆汁流出。有梅柏砂，如梅子大，夜间有光产生，照亮整个房间。有白庭砂，如帝珠子大，面上有小星显现。有神座砂，又有金座砂、玉座砂，不经丹炉炼制，服用就能延长寿命。其次有白金砂、澄水砂、阴成砂、辰锦砂、芙蓉砂、镜面砂、箭镞砂、曹末砂、土砂、金星砂、平面砂、神末砂，以上这些不能一一细述。至于修制朱砂，先在一间静室内，焚香斋戒沐浴，然后取砂，用香水洗浴过后，擦干，随即捣碎，之后放入钵中再研磨三个时辰，取一个瓷锅，将研好的砂放入，用甘草、紫背天葵、五方草各切碎，放在砂的上下层，用东流水煮三个时辰，不要让水火缺失时间，满时去掉三味草，又用东流水淘洗干净，晒干后再研成粉，用小瓷瓶盛装，又加入青芝草、山须草半两覆盖在上面，下面放十斤炭火锻烧，从巳时到子时才停止。冷却后再研似粉，如果要服用，则加入熬制的蜂蜜，丸如细麻子大，空腹服一丸。如果要入药中使用，则根据此法。凡是用丹砂，自然停止火候，五两朱砂，用甘草二两，紫背天葵一镒，五方草自然汁一镒，若东流水取足量。
《外台秘要》：伤寒、时气、温疫，头痛、壮热脉盛，刚得一、二天的。取真砂一两，用水一斗，煮取一升，一次性服下，盖好衣被取汗。另一方法：辟瘟疫。取上等朱砂一两细研，用白蜜和丸如麻子大，常在太岁日的清晨，全家大小不吃其他食物，面向东站立，每人吞服三、七丸，永远不会有疫病。又一方法：治疗心腹宿症及突然得的症疾。取朱砂细研，拌入饭中令均匀，用一只雄鸡，先饿两天，然后用朱砂饭喂它，把鸡放在板上。收取鸡粪，晒干研末，用温清酒服一方寸匕至五钱，每日三次。如果病重者，昼夜可服六次。少喂一只鸡，多取一只鸡取足服用，等到痊愈就停止。
《斗门方》：治疗小儿未满月受惊，似中风欲死的样子。用朱砂以新汲水浓磨汁，涂在五个手心（掌心、手背），立刻痊愈。最有神效。
《十全博救》：治疗胎死腹中不出。用朱砂一两，用水煮几沸，研末，然后取酒送服，胎儿立刻产出。
姚和众：小儿初生六日，温肠胃，壮血气方：炼成的朱砂如大豆大，细研，用一大枣大小的熟蜜调匀，用棉絮蘸取，让小儿吮吸。一天令其服完。
《太上八帝玄变经》三皇真人炼丹方：丹砂一斤，颜色明亮的，研末，用双层绢筛过，使其细腻，用醇酒（不见水的酒）浇灌丹砂，搅拌使之如葑泥状，盛在铜盘中，放在高阁上，不要让妇人看见，曝晒，起身起居数次搅拌使其干燥，再浇灌，应当使之如泥状，如果是阴雨连绵三百天，会变成紫色，握在手中不脏手，如果脏手，说明未干，可以制成丸药。想要服用时，沐浴兰香，斋戒七日，不要让妇人在药旁经过，丸如麻子大，常在清晨面向太阳吞服三丸，服用一个月，三虫排出。服用五、六个月，腹内各种疾病都痊愈。服用一年，眉毛头发变黑，神灵降临。
张潞云乌髭鬓大效方：用小雌鸡一对，分别饲养，不让吃虫子和杂物，只给乌油麻一件，并给水喝，使鸡长大产卵时专门看护取出，先产的卵收取，放到别处，再产卵绝不收取。先产的卵，细研好朱砂一两，击破卵顶，弄个小孔，将砂放入卵内安置，用纸粘住破损处数层，晾干后用。后产的卵，一齐让母鸡抱，直到小鸡孵出为止。其药在卵内，自然腐烂研成粉，用蒸饼丸如绿豆大，不限时候，酒送服五、七丸，不仅能变白，也能治愈疾病。
青霞子：丹砂，自然不死，如果因为气衰、血散、体竭、骨枯，人的力量稍能增添，如果想要长生久视，保命安神，必须饵服丹砂。况且八石见火，都变成灰烬，丹砂伏火，化为黄银，能重能轻，能神能灵，能黑能白，能暗能明，一斛人拿着，力气难以举起，万斤遇到火，轻速上升，鬼神寻找，不知所在。
《太清服炼灵砂法》：丹砂，外包八石，内含金精，先禀气于甲，受气于丙，出胎见壬，结魄成庚，增光归戊，阴阳升降，各有本源。且如矿石五金，都受五阴神之气凝结，也分为五类之形，形质顽恶，志性沉滞。
《宝藏论》：朱砂如果用草伏住火，胎包在橐中，化成汁可以点银为金，其次点铜为银。
《别说》云：谨按金州、商州也有一种出产，呈土气色，微黄。陕西、河东、河北、京东、京西等路并入药，画家也使用。长安、蜀中研磨代替水银朱作漆器。又信州近年出一种，极大，光芒如墙壁，略类似宜州所产，然而生成砒色，入药用火恐怕杀人。现在浙中市肆所卖的往往多是这种，使用者应该仔细审察。
晟最近得到武林陈承编次的《本草图经》版本参对，陈承在图经之外，又以“别说”附在后面，他的话都可以稽考依据，不妄言，因此增入。
《衍义》说：丹砂，现在人称为朱砂。辰州朱砂，多出蛮峒。锦州界獠峒老鸦井，井深广数十丈，先在井里聚积柴薪，满了就纵火焚烧。其青石壁迸裂处，就有小龛，龛中自有白石床，石头如玉。床上乃生丹砂，小的如箭镞，大的如芙蓉，其光明可照见人，研磨后鲜红。砂附着在床，大的重七、八两至一两。晃州也有形如箭镞带石的，得自土中，与此不同。此物镇养心神，只宜生用。炼服，很少有不得病的，也不亚于硫黄之类。又一医流服用伏火丹砂数粒，一旦大热，几夜而死。李善胜曾经炼朱砂为丹，经过一年多，沐浴后再入鼎，误遗下一块，他的徒弟丸服之，于是发懵冒，一夜而死。生朱砂，初生婴儿就可以服用。因为火力所变，遂能杀人，可不谨慎吗？
[Background Information]
Book: Zhenglei Bencao (Compendium of Materia Medica Classified by Category)
Author: Tang Shenwei
Dynasty: Song
Chapter: Volume 3 / Cinnabar (Dan Sha)
Category: Materia Medica
[Cinnabar]
Taste: Sweet. Nature: Slightly cold. Toxicity: Non-toxic.
Indications: Mainly treats various diseases of the five zang organs and hundred ailments of the body; nourishes the spirit (Shen); calms the soul (Hun and Po); benefits qi, brightens the eyes; unblocks blood vessels; relieves irritability and fullness; treats Xiao Ke (wasting-thirst syndrome); replenishes the spirit; promotes a rosy and lustrous complexion; expels spirits and evil ghosts; eliminates Zhong E (sudden malignant affliction), abdominal pain, toxic gases, scabies, and various sores. Long-term ingestion can illuminate the mind, prevent aging, make the body light as an immortal, and can be transformed into mercury. Ground into powder, it is called "Zhen Zhu" (True Vermilion). Its luster resembles mica; those that can be split into layers are of superior quality. It grows in the valleys of Fuling. There is no fixed time for harvesting. (It is incompatible with Magnetite and fears salty water.)
Tao Hongjing stated: According to research, the substance that transforms into mercury and is called Zhen Zhu is indeed the current Cinnabar. Secular physicians often mistakenly take realgar mixed with orpiment from Wudu and Qiuchi and name it Dan Sha. Physicians and alchemists also often use them interchangeably, which is erroneous. Fuling is Fu Zhou, located south of Ba Jun, and mining has ceased there now. Instead, it comes from the barbarian regions of Wuling and Western Sichuan, all belonging to the Ba area, hence called Ba Sha. The "Immortal Classics" also use it. Yue Sha comes from Guangzhou and Linzhang; both places produce good quality, provided it is bright and clear. Those resembling mica flakes are called Yun Mu Sha (Mica Sand); those resembling Chupu seeds or purple quartz are called Ma Chi Sha (Purslane Sand), which is also good; those resembling beans or large smooth chunks are called Dou Sha (Bean Sand); fine powders are called Mo Sha (Powder Sand). These two types are coarse and not suitable for medicinal use, but only for painting. Mining sand requires digging pits several zhang deep. Even within the same commandery or county, quality varies. Locations with water wells are superior to those with fire wells. Methods for refining and ingesting are detailed in the "Immortal Prescriptions" and are considered the most precious treasure for longevity. The Tang Dynasty Commentary noted: Dan Sha is roughly divided into two types: Tu Sha (Earth Sand) and Shi Sha (Stone Sand). Tu Sha includes Kuai Sha (Chunk Sand) and Mo Sha (Powder Sand); these are heavy in texture and yellow-black in color, unsuitable for painting. They are good for treating sores but not for internal medicines involving the heart and abdomen. However, they can be calcined to yield much mercury. Shi Sha has over ten varieties. The best is Guang Ming Sha (Bright Sand), said to grow alone in a stone niche, with chunks as large as chicken eggs or small as dates, resembling lotus flowers. When broken, it shines like mica. Growing on stone platforms in niches, possessing this is supreme for warding off evil. Next are those found in stones or water, chunky like thumbs or almond-sized, bright and pure, named Ma Ya Sha (Horse Tooth Sand), also called Wu Chong Sha. Good for medicine and painting, though rare in common circles. Others include Mo Cuo Sha, Xin Jing Sha, Bie Jing Sha, Shui Jing Sha, Huo Jing Sha, Fu Rong Sha, Shi Mo Sha, Shi Dui Sha, Dou Mo Sha, etc., with similar shapes. For medicinal and painting use, impurities like earth and stones must be removed. Southern Yue Sha is large, fist-sized or egg-sized, but contains impurities, inferior to fine, bright ones. The Classic's statement that powder is named Zhen Zhu is wrong; how can a single substance have a special name just because it is entirely powder? Current notes state that Cinnabar from Chen Zhou and Jin Zhou is best for medicine; others are inferior. Tao's claim that it comes from Western Sichuan is incorrect, though possibly present in barbarian areas. Minister Yuxi and others carefully followed the "Yao Xing Lun": Dan Sha is the Sovereign herb, highly toxic. It anchors the heart, treats Shi Zhu (corpse-infection/chronic wasting disease), and convulsions. Ri Hua Zi stated: Cool nature, slightly toxic. Moistens lungs and heart, treats sores, scabs, and polyps. Used internally and externally.
"Tujing" (Illustrated Canon) states: Dan Sha grows in Fuling valleys, now produced in Chen Zhou, Yi Zhou, and Jie Zhou, with Chen Zhou being the finest, called Chen Sha. It grows between deep mountain rocks. Locals mine it, digging tens of chi deep until they see its "sprout," which is actually white stone called Zhu Sha Chuang (Cinnabar Bed). Sand grows on the stone. Chunks range from egg-sized to pomegranate-seed-sized, shaped like lotus heads or arrowheads. Connected to the bed, it is purplish-dark like iron, yet bright and clear. Broken pieces are jagged like walls, resembling splittable mica; this is true Chen Sha. One without stone is better. Others are obtained by washing earth and stones, not growing on stone beds. Tao Hongjing's note says it comes from Wuling and Western Sichuan barbarians. Current Chen Zhou is the ancient land of Wuling. Although called Chen Sha, local production is scarce; it is often found in barbarian border streams and Jin Zhou. This place corresponds to what Tao called Wuling/Western Sichuan. Later notes claiming it comes from Western Sichuan are wrong due to misunderstanding "Western Sichuan of Wuling." Yi Sha rarely has huge chunks; when broken, it forms wall-like structures but lacks specific shapes and is dark red, inferior to Chen Sha, likely because it comes from earth/stones, not white stone beds. However, nearby Chun Zhou and Rong Zhou in Yi Zhou have sand, making their waters red. Misty vapors are reddish-yellow, called "Zhu Sha Qi" by locals, causing miasma and illness. Jie Sha is inferior, unfit for medicine, only for painting. The best sand is Guang Ming Sha; next is Ke Kuai (Chunk); then Lu Su; lowest is Mo Sha. Physicians only use Guang Ming Sha. No fixed harvest time. Note: Zheng Kangcheng annotated "Zhou Li," listing Dan Sha, Shi Dan, Xiong Huang, Qing Hao, and Ci Shi as the "Five Poisons," used by ancients only for ulcer treatment. Since "Ben Jing" says Dan Sha is non-toxic, many refine and ingest it, often suffering toxicity. Is the "Five Poisons" theory more valid? Ingestors should beware.
Lei Gong said: Careful identification is required; there are hundreds of types. You can mention Miao Liu Sha (fist-sized, 14 mirror-like faces, exuding red juice on rainy days), Mei Bai Sha (plum-sized, glowing at night), Bai Ting Sha (emerald-sized, starry surface), Shen Zuo Sha, Jin Zuo Sha, Yu Zuo Sha (extending life without alchemy). Others include Bai Jin Sha, Cheng Shui Sha, Yin Cheng Sha, Chen Jin Sha, Fu Rong Sha, Jing Mian Sha, Jian Zu Sha, Cao Mo Sha, Tu Sha, Jin Xing Sha, Ping Mian Sha, Shen Mo Sha, etc. To process Cinnabar: In a quiet room, burn incense, fast, and bathe. Wash sand with fragrant water, dry, crush, and grind in a mortar for three hours. Place in a porcelain pot with Gan Cao (Licorice), Zi Bei Tian Kui, and Wu Fang Cao layered above and below. Boil with East-flowing water for three hours. Remove herbs, wash with East-flowing water, dry, and grind to powder. Store in a small porcelain bottle covered with Qing Zhi Cao and Shan Xu Cao (half liang). Calcine under 10 jin of charcoal from Si hour to Zi hour. Cool, grind again. For ingestion, mix with honey, pill like hemp seeds. Take one on an empty stomach. For medicinal use, follow this method. Generally, stop fire naturally. For 5 liang Cinnabar, use 2 liang Gan Cao, 1 yi Zi Bei Tian Kui, 1 yi Wu Fang Cao juice, sufficient East-flowing water.
"Waitai Miyao": For Shang Han, Shi Qi, Wen Yi, headache, high fever, surging pulse, within 1-2 days: Take 1 liang true Cinnabar, boil in 1 dou water to 1 sheng. Drink at once, cover with blankets to induce sweating. Another prescription for plague prevention: Fine-grind 1 liang premium Cinnabar, mix with white honey, pill like hemp seeds. On Tai Sui day at dawn, family members fast, face east, swallow 3-7 pills each to prevent epidemic diseases. Another for chronic abdominal masses or sudden attacks: Fine-grind Cinnabar, mix evenly into rice. Starve a rooster for 2 days, feed the Cinnabar-rice. Place on a board. Collect feces, dry, grind. Take 1 cun bi to 5 qian with warm clear wine, 3 times daily. Severe cases: 6 times daily. Feed another chicken if needed. Stop when cured.
"Doumen Fang": For infants under one month old with fright resembling stroke/coma: Grind Cinnabar in fresh well water to thick juice. Apply to five palm centers. Immediate cure. Highly effective.
"Shiquan Bojiu": For dead fetus retained in uterus: Boil 1 liang Cinnabar in water briefly, grind. Take with wine. Fetus expelled immediately.
Yao Hezhong: For warming intestines/stomach and strengthening blood/qi in newborns (6 days old): Refine Cinnabar to soybean size, grind fine. Mix with honey size of a date. Dip cotton, let infant suck. Finish in one day.
"Taishang Badi Xuanbian Jing" Sanhuang Zhenren Alchemy Formula: 1 jin Cinnabar, bright color. Grind, sieve through double silk until fine. Pour strong wine (no water) onto it, stir to mud consistency. Place in copper plate on high shelf, away from women. Sun-dry, stir occasionally until dry, add wine again to form mud. If raining for 300 days, it turns purple. Should not stain hands when held. If staining, not dry enough, can be pilled. Before ingestion: Bathe with orchid fragrance, fast 7 days, avoid women near medicine. Pill like hemp seeds. Swallow 3 facing the sun at dawn. After 1 month, three worms exit. After 5-6 months, abdominal diseases heal. After 1 year, eyebrows/hair darken, divine beings arrive.
Zhang Luyun Blackening Beard Formula: Raise two small hens separately, no insects/misc food, only black sesame oil and water. When laying eggs, collect the first laid eggs specifically. Break top, insert 1 liang fine Cinnabar powder. Seal with paper. Incubate second batch normally. Medicine inside first egg rots/grinds to powder. Make pills like green bean size. Take 5-7 with wine anytime. Turns hair white/black and cures diseases.
Qingxiazi: Cinnabar prevents natural death. If qi declines, blood scatters, body exhausts, bones wither, human power cannot help. To live long, preserve life, calm spirit, must ingest Cinnabar. Eight minerals turn to ash by fire; Cinnabar subdued by fire becomes Yellow Silver. Heavy/light, spiritual, black/white, dark/bright. A hu carried by humans is hard to lift; 10,000 jin rises lightly by fire. Gods/demons seek it but cannot find it.
"Taiqing Fuliian Ling Sha Fa": Cinnabar, wrapped in eight minerals, contains gold essence. Receives qi from Jia, Bing; emerges from Ren; forms魄 (Po) from Geng; increases light from Wu. Yin/Yang rise/fall according to origin. Minerals/metals receive five yin spirits' qi, forming five shapes. Forms are stubborn, natures sluggish.
"Baozang Lun": If Cinnabar is subdued by grass-fire, embryo in bellows melts. Liquid can point silver to gold, copper to silver.
"Bieshuo": Jin Zhou/Shang Zhou produce a type with earthy, slightly yellow color. Used in Shaanxi, Hedong, Hebei, Jingdong, Jingxi for medicine and painting. Chang'an/Shuzhong grind it to replace mercury vermilion for lacquerware. Xinzhou recently produces large pieces, wall-like luster, similar to Yi Zhou, but has arsenic color. Fire may kill if ingested. Zhejiang markets sell much of this; users must examine carefully.
Sheng recently compared Chen Cheng's edited "Bencao Tujing" version. Chen added "Bieshuo" after the canon. His words are verifiable and accurate, so I added them.
"Yanyi" states: Cinnabar is now called Zhu Sha. Chen Zhou Zhu Sha comes mostly from barbarian caves. Jin Zhou boundary Laotong Laoya Well is tens of zhang deep/wide. Burn wood in well until full, then ignite. Cracks in blue stone walls reveal small niches with white jade-like stone beds. Cinnabar grows on beds. Small like arrowheads, large like lotuses. Bright enough to reflect, grinds to fresh red. Large chunks weigh 7-8 liang to 1 liang. Huang Zhou has arrowhead-shaped ones with stone from soil, different from this. This substance calms/nourishes heart/mind; only raw use is suitable. Refined ingestion often causes illness, comparable to Realgar. One physician took a few grains of refined Cinnabar, suffered intense heat, died in nights. Li Shansheng refined Cinnabar for over a year, re-entered furnace after bathing, accidentally dropped a piece. Disciple pilled and took it, became delirious, died overnight. Raw Cinnabar can be taken by newborns. Fire-altered Cinnabar kills. Must be cautious.