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Duan Shi (Calcined Limestone) is made by firing bluestone, hence its flavor is pungent and its nature is warm. *Ben Jing* (Shennong's Classic of Materia Medica) does not mention it being toxic; however, observing that its indicated conditions rarely involve internal administration, its toxicity can be inferred. Since the fire qi has not yet dissipated, its property can scorch objects; therefore, it is primarily used to remove black moles and polyps, and to cause eyebrow hair loss. It treats ulcers, sores, scabies, itching, heat-induced malignant sores, leprosy causing dead flesh (necrotic tissue), and bone abscesses. These are all caused by wind-heat toxins infiltrating between the bones, muscles, skin, and flesh. The pungency and warmth of Duan Shi can disperse these pathogens, and it can cauterize and remove necrotic bad flesh while generating new muscle tissue; thus, it is a crucial herb for treating various swellings and toxic sores. Ancient formulas often combined Duan Shi with Baicao (White Grass), ground into powder, which was highly effective in treating metal weapon injuries (Jin Chuang). This is because its property can harden tissues and prevent decay, and blood stops bleeding upon contact with Duan Shi, while Baicao promotes blood circulation and clears heat from the blood.

Duan Shi that has naturally weathered and cracked is considered superior. It treats heat-induced malignant sores, leprosy causing dead flesh, causes eyebrow hair loss and kills hemorrhoid worms, removes polyps, and treats bone abscesses. When placed inside a yellow ox gallbladder and dried in the shade, it can stop bleeding from knife or axe wounds when applied externally. Steamed thoroughly with white glutinous rice, it can be applied to warts and moles to remove them at the root. Boiled down into a paste with the lye extracted from various ashes, it resolves swelling and toxins, opening abscesses to drain pus. For postpartum women whose vaginal introitus fails to close, washing with a decoction allows it to contract. If wine turns sour during brewing, adding a small amount of Duan Shi neutralizes the acidity. It induces abortion very rapidly and expels parasites particularly effectively. Duan Shi found in ancient tombs is called "Di Long Gu" (Earth Dragon Bone); its fire toxicity has been expelled, its drying nature is greatly reduced, and having absorbed earth qi, it resolves various toxins more swiftly. Therefore, it is especially effective for stubborn sores with profuse purulent discharge and for promoting the closure of various wound openings. "Chuan You Hui" (Ship Oil Putty) is called "Shui Long Gu" (Water Dragon Bone); it possesses the moistening quality of oil and the yin nature of water. Thus, it treats metal weapon injuries, falls and bruises, as well as various sores and Wind-Blood sores.

Mo (Ink) has a pungent flavor and stops bleeding quite rapidly. This is because black overcomes red (in Traditional Chinese Medicine theory, black corresponds to Water and red to Fire, where Water extinguishes Fire). For epistaxis (nosebleed) or lower body bleeding caused by epidemic heat toxins, resulting in the loss of several sheng (a unit of volume) of blood, dripping ink prepared by grinding with water is effective. For postpartum blood syncope, taking ink ground with vinegar works. For threads floating in the eyes, chicken blood ground and applied quickly helps. For Ke Wu (alien influence/abdominal pain due to external pathogenic factors), swallowing ink mixed with Di Jiang Zhi (earth slurry juice) is used. To expel a dead fetus and deliver the placenta, or to treat metal weapon injuries to regenerate flesh and stop bleeding, it can be taken with Ku Jiu (bitter wine/vinegar) or delivered with chive juice. To resolve carbuncles, pig bile mixed with strong vinegar is applied topically. If Lu Jiao Jiao (Deer Antler Glue) is included in the formula, red [ingredients/color] is indispensable.