Library

[Shiyan (Salt)]
Salty in taste, warm in nature, non-toxic. Primarily used to kill demons and insects, evil zhu toxins and vapors (infectious pathogenic factors), sores in the lower body, chills and fever caused by Shanghan (Cold Damage), expel phlegm-pi (phlegm accumulation in the chest/diaphragm) from the chest, stop heart and abdominal pain, strengthen muscles and bones. However, excessive consumption damages the lungs and predisposes one to coughing. *Yaoxing Lun* states: It has slight toxicity. It can kill all kinds of toxic vapors and ghost zhu qi (qi of ghosts/epidemic pathogens), primarily treating heart pain associated with ghost zhu or corpse zhu (diseases caused by dead person's breath or epidemic qi), and erosive sores in the lower body. Ri Huazi states: It warms the Water Zang (Kidney) and treats Huoluan (Cholera-like syndrome), Jinchuang (metal weapon injuries), brightens the eyes, stops wind-tearing, dispels evil qi, treats all insect-induced swellings and toxins, aids digestion, nourishes the five flavors (harmonizes dietary tastes), promotes flesh growth and supplements the skin, unblocks large and small bowels, treats pediatric hernia and Neishen Qi (Kidney Qi deficiency). Another account says: It treats chest and heart phlegm-fluids, chills and fever diseases, and Zhangnue (Malarial fevers due to miasma). It also treats gingival recession (gum shrinkage exposing tooth roots) and heart/abdominal pain during pregnancy.

[Shuiyin (Mercury)]
Pungent in taste, cold in nature, toxic. Primarily used for jixuan (scabies/tinea), scaly ulcers, balditio alba (white tinea capitis), killing lice in the skin, inducing abortion, and clearing heat. *Yaoxing Lun* states: It kills gold and copper toxins, induces abortion, and treats various sores and related conditions, killing parasites. Ri Huazi states: Non-toxic. It treats Tianxing Reji (epidemic febrile diseases), induces labor, expels dead fetuses, treats severe sores, dispels wind, calms the spirit and stabilizes the heart. Gold-plated powder, when consumed by people suffering from Fengzheng (wind syndromes) or severe cases, along with fat pork and iron ingestion, can counteract its toxicity. Aversion: Cishi (Magnetite).

[Shigao (Gypsum Fibrosum)]
Pungent and sweet in taste, slightly cold in nature, non-toxic. Primarily used for wind-stroke chills and fever, rebellious Qi below the heart, fright and wheezing, dry mouth and scorched tongue, inability to breathe comfortably, hard and painful abdomen, dispelling evil spirits, treating postpartum conditions, Jinchuang (metal weapon injuries), removing Shiqi headache and body heat, Sanjiao (Triple Burner) intense heat, skin heat, stagnant Qi in the intestines and stomach, releasing the muscle layer and inducing sweating, stopping Xiaoke (wasting-thirst) with irritability and rebellion, abdominal distension, sudden Qi, and wheezing. *Yaoxing Lun* states: It acts as a Shi drug (guide/enhancer). It treats Shanghan headache like splitting, high fever, skin feeling hot and dry like fire, releases the muscle layer, and expels toxic sweat. It primarily unblocks gastric stagnation, relieves oppression and irritability, urgent discomfort below the heart, restlessness, treats dry and scorched lips and tongue; decocted with Congbai (Scallion White) as tea, it removes headaches. Xiao Bing states: It acts as a Chen drug (assistant). Ri Huazi states: It treats Tianxing Kuanre (epidemic extreme heat), promotes lactation, treats Toufeng Xuan (vertigo/head wind), heart irritability, and rubbing teeth benefits dental health. Jizi (Egg) is its Shi drug. Antagonism: Mangcao (Aristolochia debilis), Mumdugong, Badou (Croton Seed). Aversion: Iron.