Library

Bitter and acrid, warm in nature, non-toxic. Primarily treats alternating chills and fever in women, zheng zha (abdominal masses), amenorrhea, ji ju (accumulations of pathological products), swelling and pain in the yin region, metrorrhagia (bleeding between periods), infertility, as well as diarrhea and dysentery.
It should not be taken for a long time, as it damages the five zang organs and causes emaciation. Also known as Bai Shan. Grows in the valleys of Handan; can be harvested at any time.
This is the material used for painting today; it is abundant and cheap, rarely used in folk prescriptions, and not required by the "Xian Jing" (Scriptures of Immortals).
[Note] Hu Jushi stated that Bai Shan exists in Jin Yang Township, Xiao Gui County, Shixing Commandery.

Acrid, slightly cold in nature. Primarily treats cough with reverse flow of qi, wei fan (gastric reflux/vomiting), jing xian (convulsions and epilepsy), dian ji (schizophrenia-like disorders), clears heat, directs qi downward. Stops frequent urination, eliminates toxic heat causing umbilical contraction, and stops bleeding from metal wounds (lacerations). When refined, it becomes "Jiu Guang"; long-term use enhances spiritual clarity. Grows in Ping Ze, Shu Commandery. Also known as Qian Hua, originating from lead.
This refers to the yellow dan (minium) made by roasting lead for painting purposes today. It is also rarely used in folk prescriptions; only the "Xian Jing" requires it for coating the cinnabar furnace. The phrase "transformed into Jiu Guang" likely refers to the method of refining Jiu Guang.
[Note] Both Dan powder and Bai powder are actually made by stir-frying tin. The current text calls it Qian Dan (Lead Oxide), and Tao Hongjing states it is made by roasting lead; both are incorrect.

Acrid, cold in nature, non-toxic. Primarily treats poisoning from Fu Shi (hidden parasites/toxins) and insect stings, kills three types of parasites (San Chong). Removes Bie Zha (masses resembling tortoises), treats malignant sores, induces abortion, and stops frequent urination. Also known as Jie Xi.
This is the Hu Fen (White Lead Powder) made by melting lead today. Those with a golden hue are more effective in treating Shi Chong (corpse worms/parasites), but calling them Fen Xi contradicts the classic texts.
[Note] Qian Dan and Hu Fen are practically made from tin. Tao Hongjing now claims they are made from melted lead, and the text's reference to Fen Xi is also a deep error.

Primarily treats blood obstruction in women, zheng zha (abdominal masses), Fu Chang (pathogenic factors hidden in the intestines), sterility, and Fu Shi evil qi. Grows in the valleys of Guiyang Commandery.
This substance belongs to a different category than Hu Fen, yet it is listed in the same entry. This is likely because it is not a formally standardized medicine, so it is appended among the tin items. In ancient times, mirrors were not made of pure copper but contained mixed tin. The "Bie Lu" mentions using the nose of a copper mirror, which refers to broken noses from ancient copper mirrors today. They should be heated until red-hot and then drunk after being immersed in wine. If immersed in vinegar repeatedly one hundred times, they can also be crushed.
Qian (Lead) and Xi (Tin) are stated in the "Ben Jing" to originate from Guiyang.
Currently, they are produced in Linghe, which was established by dividing Guiyang. Although Qian and Xi are similar, their medicinal applications differ greatly.
[Note] The product from Linghe is called Qian, also known as Bai [character missing], and this single source supplies the entire country.
Its...