Library

First substance: Sweet in taste, slightly cold in nature, non-toxic. It primarily treats diseases of the five zang organs and various ailments of the body, nourishes the spirit (Shen), calms the soul (Hun) and魄 (Po), supplements primordial qi (Yuan Qi), brightens the eyes, and unblocks the blood vessels (Xue Mai). It stops irritability and fullness, alleviates Xiao Ke (wasting-thirst syndrome), enhances mental clarity, and improves facial luster. It kills spirits, demons, and evil ghosts, removes Zhong E (sudden severe illness due to pathogenic factors), abdominal pain, and toxic vapors, and treats Jie (scabies) and various sores. Long-term consumption promotes spiritual illumination, prevents aging, and makes the body light as if one were an immortal. It can be transformed into mercury; when ground into powder, it is called "Zhen Zhu" (True Cinnabar), with a luster like mica; those that can be separated are of superior quality. It grows in the valleys of Fuling, and can be harvested at any time.

Second substance: Sweet and sour in taste, cold (very cold) in nature, non-toxic. It primarily treats Qing Mang (blindness or dim vision) and deafness, brightens the eyes, unblocks the nine orifices, unblocks the blood vessels, nourishes the spirit, and supplements Liver Qi. It treats redness and pain in the eyes, removes corneal opacity (Yi), stops tearing, promotes urination, induces lactation, unblocks joints, and breaks down hard accumulations. Long-term consumption makes the body light, extends life, prevents aging, enhances memory, elevates aspirations, and leads to an immortal-like state. It can transform copper, iron, lead, and tin into gold. It grows in the valleys of Yizhou and in Yue mountains where copper exists; when fumigated by copper essence, it forms Kong Qing (Void Green Malachite), which is hollow inside. It is harvested in mid-March, but also at other times.

Third substance: Sour in taste, cold in nature, non-toxic. It primarily supplements qi and treats Qiu Bi (rhinitis/nasal obstruction), stopping diarrhea and dysentery. It grows in caves on the shady side of mountains, with a greenish-white color.

Fourth substance: Sour in taste, slightly cold in nature, non-toxic. It primarily treats eye pain, stops tearing, treats Feng Bi (wind-bi syndrome/arthralgia), benefits the joints, unblocks the nine orifices, breaks down Zheng Jia (masses) and hard accumulations, nourishes the Liver and Gallbladder, eliminates chills and fever, and kills white parasites. It treats Tou Feng (head wind) and cold in the brain, and stops irritability and thirst. It supplements deficiencies and strengthens Yin Qi. Long-term consumption makes the body light and prevents aging. It can transform metals and copper. It grows in the valleys of Shu and Yue regions, and can be harvested at any time.

Fifth substance: Sweet, sour, and salty in taste, neutral in nature, non-toxic. It primarily brightens the eyes, unblocks the nine orifices, treats deafness, and clears evil qi from beneath the heart. It induces vomiting. It kills various toxins and intestinal parasites. Long-term consumption promotes spiritual illumination, makes the body light, and extends life. It can be melted to make bronze swords and repels weapons. It grows in the valleys of Yuzhang, and can be harvested at any time.

Sixth substance: Sweet in taste, neutral in nature, non-toxic. It primarily treats eye pain, brightens the eyes, treats fractures and sores, heals non-healing traumatic wounds (Jin Chuang), breaks down accumulations, detoxifies vapors, benefits the spirit, treats cold-heat and wind-bi syndromes, and various diseases of the male urethra, supplementing Jing (Essence). Long-term consumption makes the body light and prevents aging. It grows in the valleys of Zhuya, as well as in Wudu and Zhuti, and can be harvested at any time.