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(Tang Bencao)
[Flavor and Nature] Salty, neutral in nature, non-toxic.
[Indications] Primarily treats epistaxis (nosebleed), burns and scalds, Chuanshen (infectious consumption disease), and Feiwai (withering of the lung lobes).
[Analysis] It is stated that: The sediment is called "Niaobai" (Urine Sediment), formed by the clarification and condensation of human urine. In vessels aged for many years, there may be deposits over an inch thick. Take these and place them in a porcelain dish, exposing them to a clean and high place. After one or two years, when both inside and outside turn white and completely lose any foul odor, it can be used. Grind it to an extremely fine powder, pass it through water levigation (water flying) several times, then grind it ten thousand times more. If a foul odor remains, repeat soaking and levigation until done approximately hundreds of times, stopping only when the odor is gone. The so-called "Cui" (quenching/refining improperly) results in the loss of all essence and an increase in fire toxicity, making it unsuitable for use.
[Commentary] It is said: The white sediment from urine is called "Niaobai", collected with the help of dust falling into the urine. Thus, objects entering the Yin aspect peel off their color to become white, representing Yin within Yin. It enters the Hand Taiyin Lung Meridian and Foot Taiyin Spleen Meridian. Because Jing (Essence) and Qi (Vital Energy) originally circulate and transform within the Qi transformation of the Spleen and Lung, they ultimately return to the Spleen and Lung. Its potency is a hundred times that of urine; its white color corresponds to the moistening and downward-moving salty flavor, allowing Water to assist Fire; since Niaobai gathers dust and earth, it can also allow Earth to control Water. When excessive, it causes harm; when controlled, balance is achieved, and transformation occurs.

(Tang Bencao)
[Flavor and Nature] Salty, bitter, pungent, warm in nature, toxic.
[Indications] Primarily treats accumulations and masses, breaks up blood stasis, relieves pain, directs Qi downward, treats cough, chronic cold conditions, removes necrotic tissue, promotes flesh regeneration, and induces abortion. Also used in veterinary medicine for donkeys and horses.
[Analysis] It is stated that: It originates from the Western Regions (Xirong), currently found in Xiliang Xia Kingdom, as well as Hedong and Shaanxi bordering prefectures. However, Naoshuo (Ammonium Chloride) from the Western Regions comes in bright, lustrous chunks; large ones are fist-sized, weighing three to five taels, and small ones are finger-nail sized, which are most precious for medicinal use. Those from the borders are fragmented like hemp seeds, mixed with sand and gravel. Although impurities can be removed by water levigation, the medicinal efficacy is weak. Processing: Remove dust and filth via water levigation, place in a porcelain vessel, and boil dry using a double-boiler method to reduce its toxicity. Alternatively, use a cabinet made of Minium (Huangdan) and Calcined Oyster Shell (Duanshi), calcine until red, and it becomes non-toxic. Some say: Naoshuo interacts with Chixu, requiring retention in a golden tripod. Quan says: It softens the five metals, dissolves the eight stones, and can be combined with Polypody Rhizome (Juanbai), Greater Yarrow Root (Yangti), Phytolacca Root (Shanglu), Winter Melon (Donggua), Daphne Mezereum (Yangzhizhu), Cocklebur Fruit (Canger), and Smoked Plum (Wumei) to subdue Naoshuo. If poisoned by Naoshuo, crush fresh Mung Bean (Lvdou) to extract juice, drink one to two sheng, and the poison will be instantly resolved. It fears sour substances and Jiangshui (fermented grain liquid), and avoids mutton blood.
Mr. Miu Zhongchun said: Naoshuo inherits Yin toxic qi and Yang toxic essence, corroding the intestines and stomach, consuming heart blood. Its toxicity is so fierce, truly awe-inspiring.
[Commentary] The character "Nao" derives from phonetic components suggesting ventilation, taking "ventilation" as its measure. It is also known as Qisha (Qi Sand); its nature is highly penetrating, turning into water and excreting when wet. It is also called Tongugu Jiangjun (Bone-Penetrating General). Zhang Kuangye's Travel Record states: At Beiting Mountain in Gaochang, smoke once surged without clouds; at dusk, the flames resembled torches, illuminating birds and rodents until they turned red, hence called Huoyanshan (Flaming Mountains). There is Naoshuo there; locals collect it wearing wooden clogs. If the sole of the clog turns leathery and scorched, it indicates intense heat/toxicity. It is also called Huosha (Fire Sand); thus, its nature embodies fire toxicity, countering chronic cold, and able to dissolve solid forms. Li Shizhen said: Naoshuo is similar to Nuxiao (Saltpeter),結ed from brine, originating from Qinghai, generated by interaction with moonlight, and forming quality attached to salt. Therefore, it can be administered for Yin-storage conditions, such as relieving pain, directing Qi downward, and treating cough, because Qi stagnation causes pain, and accumulation prevents Qi descent. The Classic states: Cough with rebellious Qi indicates accumulated Qi in the chest. If this belongs to deficiency emptiness, the harm is even greater; do not test diseases with drugs rashly.