Library

Slightly cold, non-toxic.

[Invention] He Sha (River Sand) inherits the Qi of water and earth; therefore, it "produces offspring" in summer, unblocks Stone Lin (urinary calculi), and treats Jiao Chang Sha (a acute condition characterized by severe abdominal pain). It is effective when taken as a clarified liquid after being heated in sand and quenched with cold water. Furthermore, for stubborn Bi syndrome caused by wind-dampness leading to numbness and tendon contraction, river sand can be selected in the sixth month, exposed to the sun until hot, and the patient sits prone upon it. The sand should be replaced when it cools down, continuing until a slight sweat appears. Wind-cold and overexertion must be avoided during treatment; recovery usually occurs within a few sessions. Yu Tian Sha (Sand from Yutian) is excellent for inducing the eruption of measles in summer.

Sweet and cold, non-toxic.

[Invention] Shi Yan (Stone Swallow) is found on the sandy beaches along the northwest banks of rivers in Qiyang. Its shape resembles a tadpole but is smaller, harder, and heavier than stone. The folk belief that it flies out of stone caves during thunderstorms and falls with the rain is absurd. Its nature is cold and cooling; it is a substance that benefits orifices and moves damp-heat. Therefore, it can treat eye obstructions and cataracts (Zhang Yi); it should be ground into water and applied to the eyes frequently. For Heat Lin (dysuria with scanty, dark urine), the decoction can be drunk. In cases of difficult labor in women, holding one piece in each hand facilitates delivery, though grinding it into juice for ingestion seems more logical.

Sweet and cold, non-toxic.

[Invention] Shi Xie (Stone Crab) grows in the coastal waters of the South Sea and is found in various prefectures. Its texture is stony, resembling a crab. Some claim that in Yulin Port, Yazhou, the soil is extremely fine and cold, causing crabs entering it to become immobile and turn to stone in moments; this is also an absurd statement. Its nature is salty and cold, and its texture is hard. It can grind away ocular accumulations and opacities. Therefore, for Qing Mang (blindness), Yin Fu Zhang Yi (eyelid or corneal proliferations), Ding Yi (punctate opacities), and Qi Chuang (contact dermatitis), it can be ground with water and applied topically. To induce labor and expel retained placenta, or to treat Heat-Jie Xue Yun (postpartum dizziness and fainting due to blood stasis and heat), it can be ground with hot water and ingested.

Warm, slightly toxic.

[Invention] She Huang (Snake Gallstone) grows inside snakes, similar to Niu Huang (Calculus Bovis). Because it is rare, people substitute it with She Han Shi (Ophicalcite) processed with vinegar and levigated with water. This utilizes the property of snake-related substances to penetrate into the Liver. She Han Shi enters the Blood aspect of the Hand and Foot Jueyin meridians (Liver and Pericardium); its nature is not very different from Dai Zhe Shi (Magnetitum). It serves as a heavy agent for calming fright and treating epilepsy in children, and is suitable for those with Pi Feng Xie Xie (spleen-wind diarrhea).

Also known as Lei Xi.

Warm, non-toxic.

[Invention] Lei Xi (Thunder Wedge) inherits the Qi of water and fire from the southeast. It treats pediatric fright and epilepsy when ground into juice and ingested. Made into a pillow, it wards off evil dreams and inauspicious signs, and suppresses malignant malaria. Scraped powder kills Zhai Chong (parasites associated with consumption diseases like tuberculosis) and expels Gu Du (gu poison). Placing it in chests prevents insect infestation. Wearing it calms the spirit and treats disorders caused by fright and pathogenic influences.