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Non-toxic. Grows in rock caves.

Shihua (Stone Flower): Mainly treats wind-cold syndrome of the waist and feet, belonging to the same category as Yenie (recorded by famous physicians). [Names] Ruxiang (Frankincense), Shisun (Stone Bamboo Shoot). [Origin] *Bencao Tujing* records: Shihua and Yenie are produced in the same location. That is, the fluid dripping from above the stone chamber, which accumulates over a long period and knots on the ground, is called "Shichuang" (Stone Bed); those growing on the Stone Bed in a branched, jagged manner like tree branches are Shihua (*Bencao Yan Yi* records): The color is white, round shape like an inverted large ladle, with hundreds or dozens of branches on it. Each branch diverges separately, resembling deer antlers, with fine raised textures on the surface. When flicked with a finger, it makes a ringing sound; this is Shihua. [Harvest Time] Collected in March and September. [Usage Standard] Those white as frost and snow are best. [Color] White. [Taste] Sweet. [Nature] Warm and mild. [Qi Character] Strong aroma indicates Yang. [Odor] Rotten. [Main Efficacy] Warms the waist and knees. [Processing Method] Grind into fine powder, process by water levigation, soak in wine, and take. [Therapeutic Action] (Tonification) (Ri Hua Zi states): Strengthens sinews and bones, assists Yang.

Non-toxic. Grows in rock caves.

Shichuang (Stone Bed): Soaked in wine and taken, belonging to the same category as Yenie (recorded by famous physicians). [Names] Ruchuang (Milk Bed), Nishi (Reverse Stone). [Origin] *Bencao Tujing* records: Produced in Nanhai and Liangshan Valley in Zhao State. It forms a bed-like structure from fluid dripping inside stone chambers accumulating and knotting over time, hence called Shichuang. *Shennong Bencao Jing* records: Shichuang is similar to Yenie, and further states that Konggongnie is the root of Yenie; Zhongru Chuang (Stalactite Bed) is Konggongnie, while the smaller and looser ones are Yenie. ○ Note: The above four substances originate from the same source, yet descriptions vary without consensus. Observing that the dripping of Zhongru (Stalactite/Milk Stone) resembles milk, it is named Zhongru; the two types of Nie (Yenie/Konggongnie) are also offshoots of dripping milk, akin to the "illegitimate sons" mentioned by Mencius, being lateral outgrowths of milk; Shichuang is formed by Zhongru water droplets knotting on the ground like a bed, hence called Bed; those growing on the Bed with branching, jagged structures resembling flowers are called Shihua. Alas, the rationale behind ancient naming has its origins. [Harvest Time] Anytime. [Usage Standard] Those knotted like a bed are best. [Color] White. [Taste] Sweet. [Nature] Warm and mild. [Qi Character] Strong aroma indicates Yang. [Odor] Rotten. [Processing Method] Grind into fine powder, process by water levigation, and use.

Non-toxic. Grows in stones.

Changshi (Long Stone) (from *Shennong Bencao Jing*): Mainly treats body heat, cold paralysis of the four limbs, difficult urination, unblocks blood vessels, brightens eyes, removes corneal opacity and blurred vision, expels three types of parasites below, kills gu poison, and prolonged use prevents hunger (Red text above is from *Shennong Bencao Jing*); resolves qi stagnation in the stomach, stops xiaoke (wasting-thirst syndrome), directs Qi downward, eliminates pathogenic qi in the hypochondrium and between the lungs (Black text above is recorded by famous physicians). [Names] Fangshi (Square Stone), Tushi (Earth Stone), Zhishi (Straight Stone). [Origin] *Bencao Tujing* records: Grows in Changzi Valley and Linzi of Mount Tai; currently produced in Luzhou. The texture resembles horse teeth, square and moist, jade-colored. This stone is quite similar to Shigao (Gypsum Fibrosum), distinguished by denser, coarser longitudinal veins (Tao Hongjing says): Lishi (Limestone) is also called Changlishi. Su Gong says: Lishi has yellow-red skin and white flesh with oblique veins, unlike Shigao. Market vendors scrape off the skin to substitute for Hanshui Shi (Alumen) and should be used for alchemy. Currently, Lingbao alchemy uses Changlishi as one substance; physicians traditionally use those resembling Shigao, which are indistinguishable from Changshi produced in Luzhou today, whereas other regions no longer produce Lishi, and medical formulas rarely use it singly, often calling Changshi Changlishi. ○ Note: *Bencao Jing* lists Lishi and Changshi as two separate items with different tastes and efficacies; how can they be considered the same? Currently, Liaoshan in Junzhou produces it, and locals identify this Changshi as Lishi. [Harvest Time] Anytime. [Texture] Similar to Shigao, texture like horse teeth. [Color] White. [Taste] Pungent, Bitter. [Nature] Cold and dispersing. [Qi Character] Thin Qi, strong Taste, Yin within Yang. [Odor] Rotten. [Main Efficacy] Promotes urination, kills gu poison. [Processing Method] Grind into fine powder, process by water levigation, and use.