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[Cishi, Magnetitum]
Pungent and salty in flavor, cold in nature, non-toxic. It primarily treats generalized bi-syndrome (painful obstruction syndrome) caused by wind-dampness, pain in the limbs and joints, inability to hold objects, a sensation of shivering soreness, clears excessive heat, relieves fullness and irritability, and cures deafness. It nourishes the Kidney, strengthens bones and Qi, benefits essence, eliminates vexation, unblocks joint passages, dissipates carbuncles and scrofula (tuberculous lymphadenitis), neck masses, and throat pain, and treats pediatric convulsions. *Yaoxing Lun* states: As a minister herb, it is salty with slight toxicity. It can tonify Kidney deficiency in men, address wind-deficiency leading to stiffness, and alleviate lumbar immobility. Chen Zangqi states: Salty, warm, non-toxic. It primarily treats severe injuries or deficiencies, benefits the Yang pathway, stops frequent white urination, treats waist and foot ailments, removes scar tissue from sores, promotes skin growth, and aids fertility. Ri Huazi states: Sweet and astringent, neutral. It treats dim vision, emaciation of sinews and bones, tonifies five exhaustions and seven injuries, eliminates restlessness, reduces swelling and detoxifies, and treats conditions such as children accidentally swallowing iron needles. *Waitai Miyao* states: It treats ding-sores (carbuncles). Grind Cishi into powder, mix with strong vinegar, apply externally; this will immediately draw out the root of the toxin, resulting in cure, which is miraculous. *Guiyi Fang*: Treats abdominal evisceration due to metallic wounds. Take 3 liang each of Cishi and Huashi (Talcum), grind into powder, take one fangcunbi (a measure for powder) mixed with rice water, twice daily. *Danfang Jingyuan* states: Consumption may prolong life, but excessive intake will surely cause great disaster. *Qingxiazi* states: The bristles of Cishi treat Kidney diseases. Chaihu (Bupleuri Radix) acts as its guiding herb (shi). It neutralizes iron toxicity. Antagonisms: Dislikes Mumaocao. Fears Huangshizhi.

[Xuanshi, Magnetitum Nigrum]
Salty, warm, non-toxic. It primarily treats convulsions in adults and children, female sterility, cold pain in the lower abdomen, scanty sperm accompanied by heaviness of the body, and its consumption enables one to have offspring. Also known as Xuanshui Shi or Chushi. It grows on the south slope of Mount Tai. On the north slope of the mountain, there is copper ore; copper is considered female (yin), and Xuanshi is considered male (yang). Antagonisms: Dislikes Songzhi (Pine branch), Baishi (Cupressus fruit), and Jungui (Cinnamomum cassia bark). Another account states: Cishi contains fine pores with yellowish-red centers; high-quality Cishi can suspend ten needles. Those without pores, possessing pure black luster, are Xuanshi, which cannot suspend needles.

[Ningshui Shi, Gypsum Fibrosum]
Also known as Hanshui Shi. Pungent and sweet, cold and extremely cold, non-toxic. It primarily treats fever, accumulation of pathogenic qi in the abdomen, a burning sensation in the skin, vexation and fullness requiring drinking water. It clears excess heat from seasonal epidemics, latent heat in the five zang organs, stomach heat, vexation and fullness, thirst, edema, and bi-pain in the lower abdomen. *Yaoxing Lun* states: It suppresses wind and discomfort caused by Danchi (mineral pill) toxicity, removes mental restlessness, thirst, and stuffiness, and resolves recurrent fatigue after typhoid recovery. Another account states: It treats wind-heat, cardiac irritability, dry mouth, delirious speech, generalized high fever, and various poisonings. Detoxification: Resolves Bidou (Croton seed) toxicity. Fears Diyü (Sanguisorbae Radix). Collection: Anytime.