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[Shangpin Category of the Classic of Materia Medica]
[Flavor and Properties] Bitter, sweet, warm, non-toxic.
[Indications] Primarily treats carbuncles, sores, and malignant ulcers; head ulcers and alopecia areata (white baldness); scabies, itching, and wind-pathogen-induced skin diseases; stabilizes the Five Viscera, eliminates heat. Long-term consumption lightens the body, prevents aging, and prolongs life.
[Evidence] It is stated: Pine resin originates from the valleys of Mount Tai, but is also found everywhere. Currently, those from the frontier regions and Mount Heng are considered superior. The pine tree is tall and slender with many nodes; its bark is rough, thick, and scaly; its leaves do not wither in winter. In the second and third lunar months, flower spikes emerge, three to five inches long, called Songhuang (Pine Pollen). After flowering and fruiting, the cones resemble lychees, layered like scales. In late autumn, the seeds mature, the scales split, and they scatter with the wind, taking root when touching the soil. The resin is transparent, resembling Olibanum (Frankincense). It naturally condenses within the pine bark or flows and solidifies at the roots, shielded from sunlight and moonlight; this type is first grade. Those obtained by chiseling are second grade. Those obtained by boiling are unsuitable for use. It should be harvested in the sixth lunar month. Processing: Use a large cauldron filled with water. Place a steamer basket on top of the cauldron. Line the bottom of the steamer basket with white cogon grass (Imperatae Rhizoma), then spread yellow sand about one cun thick on the grass. Spread the resin on top. Cook using mulberry wood fire. Frequently add hot water as the liquid reduces. Wait until all the resin has entered the cauldron, then remove it and throw it into cold water. Once solidified, steam it again. Repeat this process three times until the color is white as jade. Grind it slowly in a mortar. Add water to the bottom of the mortar to facilitate fine grinding. Tao Hongjing said: The methods for harvesting and refining pine resin are recorded in formulas for ingestion. Boil it soft with ash lye from mulberry branches or wine, immerse it in cold water, repeat dozens of times until it becomes white and smooth, then it can be used. Zhu Zhenheng said: Pine resin belongs to Yang Metal; it can subdue Mercury, control Cinnabar, and allow Silver Powder to be made into containers.
[Elucidation] It is stated: Pines have resin just as humans have blood. When blood is sufficient, hair flourishes and does not wither; when resin is sufficient, leaves flourish and do not wither. Pine needles point upward, resembling human beard and hair; thus, it is a herb entering the Heart Blood aspect. Carbuncles, sores, malignant ulcers, head ulcers, alopecia areata, scabies, itching, and wind-pathogen conditions are all ailments within the blood, caused by blood depletion leading to hyperactivity of Fire Qi. Integrating with Five Elements theory: Yellow color enters Spleen; firm and solid nature enters Lung; longevity characteristic enters Liver; non-withering characteristic enters Kidney; bitter flavor and warm temperature enter Heart. With the Five Elements complete, it stabilizes the Five Viscera. If bitterness eliminates heat, it is merely utilizing the moistening and lubricating quality of Yin. (Most trees perish early; their Qi and fluids only suffice for their immediate needs. Pines live long; surely their Qi and fluids do more than mere self-preservation. The surplus of Qi transforms into Poria (Fu Ling); the surplus of fluid transforms into Pine Resin and Amber, all becoming imperishable substances.)