Library

Differentiating the Administration of Mineral and Metal Medicinals

There are principles regarding which mineral and metal medicinals can be administered and which cannot. To investigate the art of health preservation, one must thoroughly understand the nature of these drugs and stones. Here, a hypothetical Q&A format is used to elucidate the profound truths.

A question arises: Mineral and metal medicinals do not rot when buried nor decay when boiled; they can consolidate Qi (vital energy) and prolong life. In contrast, herbal medicines are prone to decomposition. How can herbs achieve the effect of consolidating and stabilizing the body?

The answer is: The nature of mineral and metal medicinals is fierce and harsh, lacking in fluids (Jin-Ye). When a person is robust, taking them yields no benefit; if taken when the body is declining, their toxicity will manifest. In youth, Qi is abundant and flows smoothly. Abundance allows one to control the stone, and smoothness allows one to move the stone, so toxicity does not arise. However, when declining, Ying (Nutritive Qi) and Wei (Defensive Qi) become stagnant. Stagnation prevents the movement of the stone, and weakness prevents the control of it. If the stone is uncontrolled and remains in motion, it accumulates, becoming a major affliction for humans. Seeking to benefit oneself but actually causing harm, where is the consolidation of the body?

Another question: Are there cases where stone toxicity manifests even without deficiency?

The answer is: If sorrow and resentment are trapped in the heart and cannot be expressed, Ying and Wei Qi become stagnant and cease to flow. The power of the stone then knots and accumulates without dispersing. Following this accumulation, carbuncles and sores may erupt in various parts of the body. Furthermore, those who take stone medicinals may rely on the stone's power to indulge in licentious behavior. Once the stone's power circulates, it leads to the disease of "Qiang Zhong" (priapism/abnormal erection). Those ignorant of medicine regard this as a miraculous effect. In reality, essence and fluids are scorched and dried up, and fierce heat arises, akin to adding fire to an empty cauldron; rarely does one avoid being scorched and ruined.

Another question: If the harm of minerals and metals is so severe, why did Shennong list them in the *Shennong Ben Cao Jing* (Divine Farmer's Materia Medica)?

The answer is: For individuals with extreme deficiency-cold (Tai Xu Ji Leng), temporary administration is permissible. If the illness is cured and intake ceases, there is no harm.

Another question: It was previously stated that the stone's power is fierce and manifests when organs decline. If one takes stone medicinals while already deficient, how can one control its power? Moreover, since no harm is observed, why is this so?

The answer is: Upon initial administration, the stone's power accumulates over time. Combined with the extreme deficiency-cold of the body, toxicity does not immediately manifest. From this perspective, temporary consumption is acceptable during periods of extreme deficiency-cold. However, for long-term prevention of harm, herbal medicines are superior.

Another question: Herbal medicines themselves cannot last long; how can they consolidate the human body?

The answer is: Continuous administration ensures that the medicinal power connects sequentially. After accumulating for years, great benefits will surely be obtained. Remedies for attacking and treating diseases show efficacy when the illness resolves; formulas for consolidating and preserving vitality show efficacy when physical comfort is felt. Once form and spirit are tranquil, lifespan naturally extends.

Fruit Category

Lotus Seed Powder. Its main functions are tonifying the Middle Jiao, nourishing Shen (Spirit), augmenting Qi and strength, and eliminating myriad ailments. Long-term use lightens the legs, promotes bodily lightness, and prolongs life.

Select lotus seeds harvested in the eighth month, choose those with black outer skins, remove the skin and core, dry them in the sun, and grind/sieve into powder. Mix with wine or white rice gruel in the morning for consumption. Do not consume simultaneously with Rehmanniae Radix (Dihuang). Fresh young lotus seeds, when eaten raw, disturb Qi; processed into powder, they are beneficial.

Chestnut Powder. Its main functions are thickening the intestines and stomach, and tonifying Kidney Qi.

Dry chestnuts until the shells naturally split, remove the shells, and slice thinly. Dry again until extremely dry, then grind into powder. Consume similarly to lotus seed powder. Generally, eating chestnuts raw disturbs parasites and causes Qi stagnation; cooked chestnuts cause bloating. Neither is as effective as consuming them when dried to half-dry state. Warm them close to the skin within clothing before eating; this is highly beneficial.

Grape Nectar. Although prepared by common methods, its tonic efficacy is excellent. It treats bi-syndrome (painful obstruction) of sinews and bones due to dampness, augments Qi and strength, strengthens willpower, and makes the person robust and healthy. Long-term consumption lightens the body, prevents aging, and prolongs life. When grapes are ripe, pour one dou each of mutton broth and rice washing water at the root base. Leave overnight. Pick ripe grapes, place them in a new white ceramic jar, fill it tightly, seal it in a stone vessel, and it will naturally ferment into nectar. Strain out the dregs and drink. The taste surpasses strong wine and is very beneficial.