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Astringent, neutral, non-toxic. Quench in vinegar seven times, then use after water-trituration. The shape resembles a pen holder, weighing several taels externally, with luster like porcelain; when broken, its texture resembles stone, and the interior resembles Longgu (Fossilized Bones). Those that stick to the tongue are authentic. There are also those slightly black in color but with a fracture surface resembling jadeite; these are Canglongchi (Green Dragon Teeth), which are superior to the white variety. Those small as bamboo shoots or finger-shaped are the teeth and bones of sea eels. Those growing in clusters resembling the roots of Cyathulae Radix (Guanzhong) are Hippocampi Teeth. They also stick to the tongue; the world often uses such items to counterfeit genuine ones, so one must not fail to distinguish them.

The *Shennong Bencao Jing* states it treats "killing spirit entities" (pathogenic factors harming essence), adult jingxian (convulsive disorders with fright) and various spasm diseases, dianji (epilepsy/mania) with wild running, stagnation of qi in the epigastrium, inability to breathe, and pediatric wujing (five types of fright) and shierxian (twelve types of epilepsy).

Invention: The Dragon is the deity of the East; therefore, both its bone and teeth primarily treat Liver diseases. Xu Shuwei stated: "The Liver stores Hun (Ethereal Soul) and possesses transformative power; thus, for those whose wandering Hun is unsettled, treat with Longchi (Dragon Teeth)." Ancient formulas include Yuanzhi Wan (Polygalae Pill), Longchi Qinghun San (Dragon Teeth Clearing Soul Powder), and Pingbu Zhenxin Wan (Neutralizing and Calming Heart Pill); all utilize agents that gather and restrain Liver Qi. Furthermore, Longgu (Fossilized Bones) is best when white, utilizing its ability to secure upper Qi to arrest lower collapse. Longchi (Dragon Teeth) is superior when greenish/cyan. Raw Longchi is slightly black, with a jade-like fracture surface, and its efficacy is more rapid than the white variety. It is a crucial herb for postpartum blood fainting because it directly enters the Liver channel. I had heard the legend of the Divine Dragon shedding its bones but initially did not believe it. Later, while selecting Longchi from a pharmacy, I saw bones that were incompletely transformed, half of which were indistinguishable from cattle bones. Only then did I realize that the universe is vast and contains everything. Just as snakes and insects can shed their forms and transform their bodies, how could it be limited to Cloud Dragons, Wind Tigers, etc.? The Dragon inherits pure Yang Qi of the East, hence it can raise clouds and bring rain. The Wood Qi of the East governs growth; its ears alone do not govern hearing because the Yang Spirit travels separately to the horns. It appears in spring and summer and hides in autumn and winter, following the encouragement of Yang Qi. The Tiger inherits the Yin-violent nature of the West; hence, its roar generates wind. The Metal Command of the West governs killing/destruction; its neck alone cannot look up because Yin majesty vibrates through its tail. It hides by day and acts swiftly by night, riding the fierce momentum of Yin Qi. From this reasoning, Hu Gu (Tiger Bone) can search out Wind pathogen, strengthen sinews and bones, and treat pain and swelling; Hu Jing (Tiger Eye) can stabilize human Po (Corporeal Soul). Po is the essence of Yin. Longgu can astringe Essence and Qi, gather Shen (Spirit), and stop sliding/collapse. Longchi can clear Human Hun; Hun is the Spirit of Yang. However, although the Dragon's nature is to fly and soar, its bone is uniquely sticky/adherent; this is precisely because it is stagnant and desires to shed. Like obtaining the power to fly through the heavens, it is not that it sheds its bone only after flying. Observing the treatments in the *Bencao Jing* regarding jingxian, dianji, and stagnation of qi, and Zhen Quan's treatments for calming the heart and stabilizing Hun and Po, they all essentially enter the Liver to gather Hun, used to treat the escape of Yang Spirit. This is the wonder of "similar energies seeking each other." Xu Shuwei said: "The Liver stores Hun and possesses transformative power; thus, for those whose Hun wanders unsettled, treat with Longchi." Li Shizhen said: "The Dragon is the deity of the East; therefore, its bone and teeth both primarily treat Liver diseases."