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[Classified as Middle Grade in the *Shennong Bencao Jing*]
【Flavor and Nature】Pungent, slightly cold, non-toxic.
【Indications】Primarily treats wind-stroke with alternating chills and fever, rebellious Qi rising in the epigastrium, frightful panting, dry mouth and scorched tongue, dyspnea (difficulty breathing), hardness and pain in the abdomen, expels evil spirits, and treats postpartum conditions and metal wounds.
【Verification and Analysis】Lu Zhiyi states: Shihao (Gypsum Fibrosum) is produced in Qilu Mountain and Lumen Mountain, and also found in Yanzhou, Pengcheng, and Qiantang. It grows within rocks, forming large layered blocks. The texture is fine, short, and dense, resembling a bundle of needles. It is white and clean like paste, soft and brittle, and when burned, turns into white powder like ash. There is a harder variety that grows underground, forming prismatic blocks with straight, hard, and white grain; when struck, it breaks transversely into segments with a wall-like luster on the fracture surface. When burned, it scatters easily without forming powder. Another variety has long, dense grains resembling a bundle of silk threads, known as Lizhi (Alabaster). Yet another variety forms blocks without edges, with hard and white horizontal grain, breaking into square pieces when struck, and scattering into powder when burned, known as Fangjieshi (Calcite). What ancients called "Changshi" refers to the harder form of Shihao; what they called "Han Shui Shi" refers to the softer form of Shihao. Lizhi and Fangjieshi both have pungent and cold flavors, but unlike the softer Shihao, they lack the ability to release the muscle layer and induce sweating, which is their distinct difference. Processing: Pounded and ground into powder in a stone mortar, sifted, then processed twice using the water-floating method with raw Gancao (Licorice Root) water. After clarification, remove the water, sun-dry, and grind again. Ji Zi (Egg White) serves as its guiding herb (Shi Yao). It is incompatible with Mangcao (Aconitum brachypodum root), Badou (Croton Seed), Mumu Dougong (a toxic plant), and iron.
【Theoretical Explanation】Lu Zhiyi states: Stone possesses stillness as its substance (Ti), while paste possesses dissolution/release as its function (Yong). The tranquility and quietude of its quality, along with its slightly cold nature, manifest the stillness of its substance. The texture penetrating the interstices and the pores, along with its pungent flavor resolving stagnation, manifest the releasing function. Substance and function mutually reveal each other, yet stillness and release occur at specific times, so substance and function have their respective priorities. Perhaps because it appears to possess the substance of stillness, its function of release is manifested; perhaps because it appears to possess the function of release, its substance of stillness is manifested. This is the method of treating against the trend by following it, or following the trend by opposing it, utilizing counter-assistance to achieve efficacy. For instance, Wind nature is turbulent; one follows its function (dispersal) and opposes its substance (stillness). Cold nature is vigorous and contracting; one follows its substance (condensation) and opposes its function (release). This addresses the inherent nature of wind and cold regarding stability and movement, not the inherent Qi of wind-cold transformation. Since nature does not change, but Qi may reverse-follow, "reverse-following" means going against the inherent cold Qi and following the superficial Yang manifestation, thereby generating heat similar to pathological heat. Therefore, for conditions involving stagnation that desire resolution, Shihao is appropriate. However, for stagnation requiring purgation, it is inappropriate. Its use in releasing the exterior is similar to that of Mahuang (Ephedrae Herba), Guizhi (Cinnamon Twig), and Gegen (Puerariae Lobatae Radix); the difference lies only in the opposing Qi of cold and heat. All indications are treated by leveraging Shihao's substance of stillness and function of release, opposing heat and following cold, analyzing and dispersing repeatedly, resolving difficulties effortlessly. One can extrapolate this to Summerheat desiring descent, Fire desiring flaming upward, Dryness desiring moistening, Dampness desiring flow, and the desires for stillness or release in organs, viscera,形体 (body structure), Blood, Qi, and acupoints. By carefully examining and aligning with these principles, efficacy is swift. Otherwise, disasters will converge; be cautious, be cautious.
(The Summerheat nature desires descent, transforming scorching heat into clarity and肃ness (cleanse and descend); the Fire nature desires flaming upward, and fire in emptiness expands, magnifying the expansive command of summer.)