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(Shennong Bencao Jing, Upper Grade)
The Classic states: When bone qi is refined and one strictly follows the Dao in accordance with method, one can long enjoy the mandate of heaven.
[Flavor and Nature] Salty, cold, non-toxic.
[Indications] Primarily treats chills and fever due to Shanghan (Cold Damage), the shivering sensation of Wen Nue (Warm Malaria), sudden fright, resentment, and anger; eliminates stiffness or flaccidity and Shu Luo (scrofula); treats red and white leukorrhea in women. Long-term consumption strengthens bones and joints, expels evil spirits, and prolongs life.
[Verification] It says: Produced in the ponds and marshes of the East Sea, as well as in the South Sea, Guangzhou, Fujian, Yongjia, and coastal areas. Initially, it relies on water foam attached to rocks, gradually forming shapes on the side facing the sun, large as fist-sized stones, growing from all sides to several zhang, or even dozens of zhang. The shape resembles houses, often leaning to the left, towering like cliffs, connected and immovable. Inside the "houses" is meat, large ones like horse hooves, small ones like finger surfaces, named Li Huang (oyster meat). When the tide comes, the houses open; when it recedes, they close, capturing small insects to fill the belly during closure. Another variety is round like a turtle shell, mixed with sand and gravel of various sizes. Men who consume it will have no beard. Processing: Use twenty-four specimens leaning to the left each time, boil them in one dou (approx. 2 liters) of east-flowing water with two liang of salt for one fushi (approx. 2 hours), then place them in fire until red hot, grind into powder, attract with amber, and the powder rises immediately. Ancestors said: Oysters grow alone without a pair, and those leaning to the left belong to the image of One Yang. Therefore, the diseases treated in the Bencao Jing are all those generated by Shaoyang (Lesser Yang). However, it must combine with the factor of water fluids to form a solid image to be compatible. Another evaluation of the drug states: Creating existence from nothing, establishing firmness through illusory bubbles; it is the metal within water, the key to passes and ferries.
[Interpretation] It says: This is a product of dampness generation. Dampness interacts mutually, condensing the fusion of water and absorbing the consolidation of mountains, forming shape through mutual interaction. Yet, they are connected, firm and unshifting, resembling warts hanging on mountains and rivers. Their opening and closing follow the tides, truly responding to the key of opening and closing, the pivot of Yin and Yang, hence named "Mu" (Male/Door Bolt). "Mu" refers to the door bolt. "Li" refers to the function of hard metal. Salty flavor and cold nature, its body belongs to water while its function operates in water, because it does not depart from the water phase. Chills and fever of Shanghan are the movement of the One Yang pivot; shivering of Warm Malaria is what the One Yang pivot generates; fright and anger are the upward reversal of One Yang following opening; red and white leukorrhea is the downward reversal of One Yang failing to close; stiffness/flaccidity and Shu Luo are the inability of One Yang to follow either opening or closing. If the door bolt disappears, opening and closing cannot occur properly. Long-term consumption strengthens bones and joints; borrowing the melting and knotting of water, it resembles human bones, taking the image of Xun (Wind/Wood) entering, refining bone qi. Expelling evil spirits occurs because it grows uniquely without a pair, the Jade Balance rotates left, Sheng Yang (Generating Yang) prevails excessively, and Yin naturally contracts. Prolonging life happens because it remains to become elixir; consuming it leads to immortality; water congeals into substance, naturally extending life. (Some say it transforms from hundred-year-old vultures, which would be transformational generation. However, such vultures are rare, so why are oysters so abundant? Just as sparrows transform into clams, this is merely one aspect of transformation, not the norm.)
"Mu" is named because there is no female counterpart; some are named because they do not produce seeds or spread vines; some are named because after producing offspring, the root sprouts new shoots. This belongs to damp generation and also to transformational generation, meaning it can exist without males. Duan Chengshi refuted this using Peony, stating it has no eyes, thus how could it look back? He did not know that where affection lies is where the gaze falls; it does not necessarily require visual sight. These views are rigid and inflexible, unsuitable for investigating things to understand ancient principles. The Heavenly Dao rotates to the left; oyster shells lean to the left. Measuring the odd balance, the Dao lies in unity, representing the image of the pivot. All diseases treated belong to uncertain coming and going. Uncertain coming and going is precisely the pivot image of opening and closing. It enters not only Shaoyang but also Shaoyin (Lesser Yin). Thus, in Neijing, diseases such as Shu Luo, Dan Yin, Nue, and Lin Lu are all called Han Re Bing (Chills and Fever Disease). Therefore, the characters "Han Re" (Chills and Fever) in the Bencao Jing should permeate the entire chapter, making the meaning of the pivot clearly visible.)