一名朱砂
甘微寒，无毒。研细水飞用，入火则烈，毒能杀人，急以生羊血、童
便、金汁等解之。
《本经》主身体五脏百病，养精神，安魂魄，益气明目，杀精魅邪恶鬼，久服通神明，
不老。能化为汞。
发明 丹砂体阳性阴，外显丹色，内含真汞，不热而寒，离中有坎也。不苦而甘，火中
有土也。婴儿 女交会于中，镇心安神是其本性。用则水飞以免镇坠，不宜见火，恐性飞腾
。《本经》治身体五脏百病，安定神明，则精气自固。火不妄炎，则金木得平，而魂魄自定
。五脏皆安，精华上发，而气益目明。阳明神物，故应辟除不祥，消散阴恶杀厉之气，仲淳
缪子《经疏》之言也。同远志、龙骨则养心气。同当归、丹参则养心血。以人参、茯神浓煎
调入丹砂，治离魂病。以丹砂末一钱和生鸡子黄三枚搅匀顿服，治妊娠胎动不安∶胎死即出
，未死即安。又以丹砂一两为末，取飞净三钱，于一时顷分三次酒服，治子死腹中立出。慎
勿经火，若经伏火及一切烹炼，则毒等于砒 。惟养正丹则同铅汞硫黄 之，以汞善走而火
毒不致蕴发也。
辛温有毒，忌一切血。
发明 水银和硫黄 炼成朱，转 为婴，故专杀虫、治疮，以毒攻毒而已。今食品往往
用之，良非所宜。观其同蟹壳烧之，则臭虫绝迹。和枣肉熏之，则疮疥顿枯，其性悍烈可知
。
[Cinnabar]
Also known as Zhusha.
Sweet, slightly cold, non-toxic. It must be ground into a fine powder and processed by water levigation (Shuifei) for use. If exposed to fire, its nature becomes fierce; it is toxic and can cause death. In emergencies, it can be detoxified with raw sheep blood, children's urine, or Jinzhi (charcoal filtrate).
The *Shennong Bencao Jing* states that it treats various diseases of the five zang organs of the body, nourishes the spirit, calms the hun and po, benefits qi and brightens the eyes, expels spirits and evil ghosts, and long-term use leads to spiritual clarity and anti-aging. It can be transformed into mercury (Shuiyin).
[Invention/Commentary]
Cinnabar has an exterior yang and interior yin constitution. Its exterior displays the cinnabar red color, while its interior contains true mercury. It is not hot but cold, corresponding to the image of Kan (Water) within Li (Fire). It is not bitter but sweet, corresponding to the image of Earth within Fire. The interaction of yin and yang energies within it makes calming the heart and soothing the spirit its inherent nature. When used, water levigation is employed to avoid its heavy, sinking properties damaging healthy qi. It should not be exposed to fire, lest its medicinal nature become volatile and scatter. The *Bencao Jing* treats diseases of the five zang organs and stabilizes the spirit and mind, thereby naturally consolidating essence and qi. If heart fire does not flare up recklessly, lung metal and liver wood remain in balance, and the hun and po are stabilized. With the five zang organs at peace, essence and brilliance ascend to the eyes, resulting in abundant qi and clear vision. As a divine substance of the Yangming channel, it wards off misfortune and dissipates yin, evil, and lethal qi. This is the statement from Miao Xichong's *Jingshu* (Elucidation of the Classic). Combined with Yuanzhi (Polygalae Radix) and Longgu (Fossilia Ossis Mastodi et Cornus), it nourishes heart qi. Combined with Danggui (Angelicae Sinensis Radix) and Danshen (Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix), it nourishes heart blood. Decocting Renshen (Ginseng Radix) and Fushen (Poria with Hostwood) thickly and mixing in Cinnabar powder treats Li Hun Bing (Soul Separation Disease). Mixing one qian of Cinnabar powder with three raw egg yolks, stirring evenly, and taking in one dose treats restlessness of the fetus during pregnancy: if the fetus is dead, it will be expelled; if alive, it will be secured. Also, taking one liang of Cinnabar powder, using three qian of purified powder, divided into three doses taken with wine within one shichen (two hours), treats immediate expulsion of a dead fetus in the womb. Do not process Cinnabar with fire. If subjected to fu huo (hidden fire processing) or any cooking/refining, its toxicity equals that of Pishuang (Arsenic Trioxide). Only Yangzheng Dan (Nourishing Righteousness Pill) combines Cinnabar with lead, mercury, and sulfur; because mercury moves freely, the fire toxicity does not accumulate and erupt.
[Mercuric Sulfide / Artificial Cinnabar]
Pungent, warm, toxic. Contraindicated with all blood products.
[Invention/Commentary]
Mercury and sulfur are refined together to form Zhu (Cinnabar/Artificial Cinnabar), which is then processed into Ying (a specific refined form). Therefore, it is specifically used to kill parasites and treat sores, employing poison to attack poison. Nowadays, it is often used in food, which is highly inappropriate. Observing that when burned with crab shells, bedbugs disappear completely; and when fumigated with jujube paste, sores and scabies wither instantly, its fierce and violent nature can be known.