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Cinnabar (Dan Sha): Sweet in flavor, slightly cold in nature, non-toxic. It primarily treats diseases of the five zang organs and various ailments of the body, nourishes the spirit, calms the hun and po souls, benefits qi, brightens the eyes, unblocks blood vessels, relieves irritability and fullness, treats xiao ke (wasting-thirst syndrome), expels spirits and evil ghosts, removes zhong e (sudden severe illness caused by evil influences), abdominal pain, and toxic vapors, and treats scabies and various sores. *Xing Ming Lun* states: It has great toxicity. It anchors the heart and calms the mind, treating shi zhu (a chronic wasting disease) accompanied by convulsions and wind-stroke. Ri Hua Zi states: Cool in nature, slightly toxic. It moistens the lungs and heart. Another account says: It treats shang han (cold damage) and shi qi (epidemic febrile diseases), cuts off plague, and treats retained dead fetus. Distinguished from similar substances produced in Yizhou, which contain arsenic odor; if exposed to fire during decoction, it can be fatal. Aversion: Ci Shi (Magnetitum). Fear: Saline water. Collection time: Anytime.

Cloud Mother (Yun Mu): Sweet in flavor, neutral in nature, non-toxic. It primarily treats diseases of the five zang organs, softens tendons and strengthens bones, calms the hun and po souls, promotes muscle growth, benefits qi, facilitates blood vessels, treats twelve types of leukorrhea in women, resolves qi long (urinary retention or difficulty), and clarifies the ears and eyes. Ri Hua Zi states: Treats blood masses. *Xian Jing* states: Among the thirty-six water methods, it can transform jade into jade paste, called Yu Quan (Jade Spring). Taking it prolongs life and prevents aging, though its efficacy is inferior to natural spring water. Another account says: If taken five jin before death, the complexion remains unchanged for three years after death.

Talcum (Hua Shi): Sweet in flavor, neutral in nature, non-toxic. It primarily clears heat from the stomach, relieves panting and irritability/fullness, and stops thirst. Ri Hua Zi states: Moistens the lungs and heart, brightens the eyes, nourishes hair, and assists the voice and throat. Another account says: Resolves lung dryness and thirst; regular consumption keeps the spirit stable. Taken as powder resembling hemp seeds, long-term use lightens the body and prolongs life. *Huainanzi* states: Salty in flavor, cold in nature, non-toxic. It treats xiao ke (wasting-thirst syndrome), nourishes the five zang organs, and relieves irritability. Decocted with gold foil, silver foil, and Ophiopogonis Radix (Mai Men Dong), it is very beneficial. Aversion: Lu Jiao (Cervi Cornu Detortum).

Stalactite (Zhong Ru): Sweet in flavor, neutral in nature, non-toxic. It primarily treats necrotic skin and muscles, wind-stroke with alternating chills and fever, expels pathogenic factors, calms the five zang organs, benefits zi jing (essence related to reproduction/kidney essence), brightens the eyes, directs qi downward, firms muscles, reconnects severed tissues, tonifies the middle jiao, treats wu lao qi shang (five labors and seven injuries), deficiency and shortness of breath, and stops dysentery. *Xing Ming Lun* states: It serves as the sovereign herb. White ones are superior grade, with slight toxicity. They primarily treat dysentery and intestinal disorders, and warm the kidney cold. Another account says: Treats burns, wind-rash, wind-heat, leukorrhea, and lin syndrome. Zexie (Alismatis Rhizoma) serves as the assistant. Aversion: Bie Jia (Testudinis Carapax et Plastrum) and flowing water. Dislike: Xuchangqing (Celastrus Flagellaris). Taboo: Sheep blood. Origin: Those from Mount Lu in Jiangdong are superior. Those grown in Jiangnan are mostly green and unsuitable for medicinal use.