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Salty, neutral, non-toxic. Primarily treats eye obstructions, nebulae, and pain, as well as Qingmang (blindness or severe visual impairment). Long-term consumption benefits essence, lightens the body. Grows in the South Sea.

Folklore claims it is Zi Bei (Purple Shell), which is slightly different but also rare. It is also said to be the shell of the Bao Yu (Abalone/Fissurella), growing attached to rocks, large ones like a hand, shining with five colors, and containing pearls inside. Nowadays, people soak Zi Bei in water and apply it to the eyes for熨 (hot compress), which can improve vision. This substance was originally listed under the Jue Ming (Cassia Seed) entry; since its shell belongs to a different category, it is now listed as a secondary item.

[Note] This substance is the shell of the Bao Yu (Abalone/Fissurella), growing attached to rocks, shaped like a clam, with only one piece without a pair, and those with seven pores are superior. The Zi Bei (Purple Shell) used by common people today is completely different and does not belong to this category.

Bitter, non-toxic. Primarily treats damp-bi qi stagnation, heaviness of the body, and immobility of the four limbs and joints. Grows in the yin soil of mountains, harvested in February and August.

This is the mountain turtle that does not enter water, with variable size, rarely used in prescriptions. Although there are many types of turtles, only two are used in medicine. There is another type of turtle, small with a narrow long tail, said to treat snake venom because it eats snakes; using it for divination yields opposite auspicious/inauspicious results. Carrying the anterior bone of the Qin Gui (Qin Turtle) prevents getting lost in mountains. In Guangzhou, there is a [missing character] turtle, whose blood effectively treats arrow wounds from the Li people (southern ethnic minorities).

[Note] When a turtle's belly is broken, it swallows snakes upon seeing them. In Jingchu, it is called Xi She Gui (Snake-Swallowing Turtle). Qin Gui is exactly this turtle, with no other distinction.

Salty and sweet, neutral, toxic. Primarily treats leukorrhea (red and white discharge), breaks zheng jia (masses) and malaria, five types of hemorrhoids, genital erosion, damp-bi, heaviness and weakness of the four limbs, unclosed fontanelle in infants, difficult-to-dry head sores, female genital sores, shock and anger qi, abdominal pain preventing prolonged standing, cold-heat in bones, relapse of Shanghan (Cold Damage) due to overexertion, or severe cold-heat in muscles and body nearing death; making it into a decoction is excellent. Long-term consumption lightens the body, reduces hunger, tonifies qi, enhances wisdom, and promotes appetite. Also known as Shen Wu, grows in ponds, marshes, and lakes in the South Sea, harvestable anytime. Avoid moisture; if it becomes moist, it becomes toxic.

Incompatible with Shashen (Adenophora Root) and Feilian (Cockroach). For aquatic divine turtles, those one chi two cun long are best. They are avoided for divination, their shells are used for medicine, and they enter immortal formulas, requiring roasting when used. Urine from raw turtles effectively treats chronic cough and can stop malaria. Meat, made into soup, provides great tonification and spiritual efficacy; do not kill lightly. Books record much about it, not detailed here.

[Note] Turtles taken to brew wine primarily treat Feng Zheng (Wind Stroke) with flaccidity/spasticity, limb contractures, or chronic paralysis with loss of control, all of which resolve.