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(Ben Jing, Lower Category)
The Shuai (Commander) leads the Wei Qi (Defensive Qi) to protect the exterior. There are twenty-four on the left and right [referring to the distribution of Defensive Qi in the Six Yang Meridians], while the Ying Qi (Nutritive Qi) formation occupies the center. If there were no Commander of Blood, who would preside over life?

[Odor and Flavor] Bitter, cold, non-toxic.

[Indications] Primarily treats Gui Zhu (Ghost Attachment), Zei Feng (Thief Wind), Gu Du (Gu Poison). It kills spirits and evil ghosts, eliminates toxic pathogenic qi in the abdomen, and treats women's red leukorrhea and metrorrhagia.

[Verification] Says: Dai Zhe Shi (Hematitum) is produced in Dai Commandery and Gumu. The Classic of Mountains and Seas (North Mountain Canon) states: "In the mountains of Shaoyang, there is much fine hematite." The West Mountain Canon states: "On the mountain of brittle stone, the Guan River originates; within it flows hematite." The Guanzi states: "Where there is hematite in the mountains, there is iron beneath." Hematite is found in mountains everywhere, but those from the northwest are considered superior. Those growing in mountain gorges are reddish-cyan with a luster, their surface texture resembling floating bubbles, commonly known as Ding Tou Zhe (Nail-Head Hematite). Processing method: Grind finely, then wash repeatedly with water collected in the twelfth lunar month. Remove the reddish impurities floating on the surface like thin clouds. After clarifying and discarding the water, boil in tea decoction for one shi (approx. two hours). Take out, grind more than ten thousand times before use. Alternatively, heat an iron cauldron until red-hot, add one liang of white beeswax. Wait for it to melt, then pour in freshly drawn well water to shock it. Boil again for twenty or so boils, take out, and dry in the sun for use.

Ancestors said: Removing the floating red color deprives it of its initial aggressive nature; cooking with white beeswax cultivates its root. Thus, great protection and support are gained for the Liver and Blood.

[Commentary] Says: The Ling Shu (Spiritual Pivot) refers to Wei Qi as the "Shuai" (Commander). Tao Hongjing refers to Da Zhe Shi (Large Hematite) as the "Blood Master." Therefore, Da Zhe Shi should be regarded as the commander of Ying Qi. The Classic states: "It is named Ying Qi, used to nourish the body; nothing is more precious than this." Ancestors said: The three syndromes of Gui Zhu greatly harm the Sheng Qi (Vital Qi), but they must hide within the Yin Blood to wreak havoc. Hematite, colored like cinnabar and azurite, conveys the Ministerial Fire and Sovereign Fire, acting as the Blood Commander to provide support, allowing Qi and Blood to return to order and measure, harmonizing with the fifty circuits of circulation, thereby sustaining the Vital Qi as usual, and keeping the Nutritive Blood secure and stable.

(Ben Jing, Lower Category)
[Odor and Flavor] Salty, cold, non-toxic.

[Indications] Primarily improves vision, treats eye pain, tonifies Qi, strengthens sinews and bones, and eliminates toxic poisons.

[Verification] Says: Rong Yan (Military Salt) is Qing Yan (Green Salt), which also includes Chi Yan (Red Salt). Historical records state that the salt of the Hu people comes in nine types: Bai Yan (White Salt), Shi Yan (Table Salt), Hei Yan (Black Salt), Hu Yan (Hu Salt), Rou Yan (Soft Salt), Chi Yan (Red Salt), Bo Yan (Mottled Salt), Chou Yan (Stinking Salt), and Ma Chi Yan (Horse-Tooth Salt). Among these, Rong Yan is Hu Yan. Ri Hua Zi calls it Qiang Yan. The Tang Ben Cao calls it Tu Deng Yan. The Da Ming Ben Cao calls it Yin Tu Yan. It grows in the earth and stones on the shady side of Heya Mountain. Its size varies; its shape is blocky or sheet-like, sometimes with square edges, resembling chicken eggs or water caltrop seeds. It is hard and compact like stone, with colors ranging from dark purple to white. Its taste is not very salty, and it has an odor similar to chicken droppings. When burned, it does not crackle; this is the true Rong Yan. The Liangzhou Yiwu Zhi states: "In the ruins of Jianglai, now called Longcheng. For a thousand li, the land is saline and barren, covered with tribulus. Beneath lies salt, accumulating like chess pieces." It further says: "There are two peaks of Salt Mountain, with two colors as substance: red like cinnabar, black like lacquer. Their sizes vary, carved into various objects. Made into beast shapes to ward off evil, worn for good luck." Some say Rong Yan can treat diseases. Zhang Guo's Yudong Yaojue states: "Chi Rong Yan (Red Military Salt) is produced in the Western Regions, formed by condensing the natural qi of soil and water. The local soil and water qi are yellow and red, so the redder the salt, the truer it is. After prolonged burning, the red turns green/blue. Hence, it is also called Jiang Yan (Crimson Salt)." Xiliang Ji states: "There is a Green Salt Pool producing Qing Yan. Each piece is half a square inch, shaped like stone, with a very sweet and delicious taste." Zhenla Ji states: "In the mountains, there are stones that taste better than salt and can be carved into vessels." Liang Jiegong Zhuan states: "Between Jiaohe, digging several feet into the gravel reveals Zi Yan (Purple Salt), red and purple in color, fresh and sweet. About one zhang below, amber is often found." Beihu Lu states: "In Zhangye Pool, Peach Blossom Salt grows, colored like peach blossoms, expanding and contracting with the moon." Today, near Liangzhou in Ningxia, the Qing Yan from salt wells is bright and clean like stone. Shandan Wei, i.e., Zhangye area, has pools producing red salt. These two salts are the Qing and Chi varieties of Rong Yan. Currently, medical formularies only use Qing Yan, not Chi Yan, regarding Chi Yan as an anomaly. The Ben Cao states: "Qing Yan is produced in the North Sea, Chi Yan in the South Sea, both originating from the Western Regions." The terms North and South refer to the north and south of the Western Sea. In Lingnan, there is a type of red salt dyed with color, which is not true Chi Yan; when burned, it exudes white juice, solidifying back to white. Dan Fang Yuan states: "Man Yan (Barbarian Salt) can subdue yin and yang, with Chi Yan being the best." Dugu Tao states: "Rong Yan accumulates like eggs; when dried, it can be used to process Earth Cinnabar."

[Commentary] Says: Boiling seawater to make salt is human labor. However, Rong Yan gathers the natural essence of seawater without artificial intervention. Produced north of the sea, it is black as lacquer; produced south of the sea, its color does not exceed the hues of water and fire. Water and fire determine its superiority or inferiority, and also its therapeutic functions. Thus, it primarily benefits clear vision and insight because eye consciousness arises from water. Essence of consciousness roots in water, clarity serves as dust, dust utilizes fire, and the root is the body of fire. As for tonifying Qi, strengthening sinews and bones, and eliminating toxins, these are auspicious signs of Bao Ming (Fire) being clear and Cheng Zhan (Water) being tranquil.
(Bao Ming refers to Fire, Cheng Zhan refers to Water. The Classic states: Bao Ming generates moisture, and water emerges from fire.)