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Non-toxic. Grows in caves.

Yuquan (Jade Spring) [Source: *Shennong Bencao Jing*]. Mainly treats diseases of the five zang organs and hundred ailments, softens tendons and strengthens bones, calms the hun and po spirits, promotes muscle growth, and benefits qi and strength. Long-term consumption enables one to withstand cold and heat, prevents hunger and thirst, prevents aging, and makes one like an immortal. When a person is on the verge of death, consuming five jin results in the body retaining its color for three years after death. (The above red text is from *Shennong Bencao Jing*). Promotes blood circulation, treats twelve types of leukorrhea in women, eliminates Qi long (Qi stagnation with urinary difficulty), improves hearing and vision, lightens the body, and prolongs life. (The above black text is recorded by famous physicians). [Names] Yuzha, Yuye, Qiongjiang. [Origin] *Tujing* states: Yuquan grows in the valleys of Lantian. (Tao Hongjing says) Lantian is southeast of Chang'an and historically produced fine jade; this must be the essence of jade. It has a white texture and clear luster, can be melted into water, hence named Yuquan. People today no longer recognize it specifically, merely calling it "jade" generally. Su Song said: Yuquan is the liquid of jade; that from the pools of immortals' chambers is superior, while artificially processed paste is inferior to natural spring liquid. (*Yanyi* says) The classic states Yuquan grows in Lantian valleys, yet there are no such springs there now, nor do ancient texts mention harvesting it; it also mentions consuming five jin, but no dosage unit is specified in ancient formulas; it also names it Yuzha. Thus, it is unclear what substance this is. Various interpretations do not mention "spring," only establishing text for "jade." Although Tao Hongjing said it could be melted into water and thus named Yuquan, if true, it should be called "Yu Shui" (Jade Water) rather than Yuquan. Upon detailed examination, the character "Quan" (Spring) is likely a corruption of "Jiang" (Paste/Nectar), which fits the meaning better. Harvesting jade to make paste is undoubtedly correct. [Harvest Time] Any time. [Medicinal Part] Paste. [Texture] Clear as water. [Color] White. [Taste] Sweet and bland. [Nature] Cold. [Qi Property] Thin qi, Yin within Yang. [Odor] Rotten. [Main Indication] Treats blood masses. [Incompatibility] Averse to Kuandonghua (Adenophora Flower).

Non-toxic. Produced by frying and refining.

Fanshi (Alum Stone) [Source: *Shennong Bencao Jing*]. Mainly treats chills and fever, diarrhea and dysentery, white leukorrhea, yin erosion, malignant sores, and eye pain; strengthens bones and teeth. After refining and taking it, the body becomes light, aging is prevented, and lifespan is increased. (The above red text is from *Shennong Bencao Jing*). Clears stubborn heat in the bone marrow and removes nasal polyps. (The above black text is recorded by famous physicians). [Names] Yutuo, Huangfan, Machifan, Baifan, Yuze, Heifan, Fanhudie, Qingfan, Jiangfan, Zaofan, Zaojiafan, Shidan, Fanjing. [Origin] *Tujing* states: Grows in the valleys of Hexi and Wudu Shimen in Longxi. Current Baifan (White Alum) is produced in Jinzhou, Cizhou, and Wuwei Jun. Initially, they are all stones; stones are harvested, crushed, fried, and refined to become alum. There are five types with different colors: Baifan, Qingfan, Huangfan, Heifan, and Jiangfan. Among them, Baifan is used medicinally. Fanjing and Fanhudie are products of refining Baifan. When boiling to the extreme, splashes appear in the center of the pan as if objects are flying out; catching them with an iron spoon forms insect-like shapes called Fanhudie; those forming blocks like crystal are called Fanjing. These two types have stronger medicinal potency than common alum. (*Yanyi* says) Currently, the Fanwu in Fangzhou burns stones to refine alum, resulting in white color inferior to that from Jinzhou. None should be taken in excess as they damage the heart and lungs due to their water-repelling nature. Thus, *Shuihua Shu* states that water cannot wet paper that has just dried, indicating its property of repelling water. This principle is often utilized in medicines treating phlegm-rheum. [Harvest Time] Any time. [Medicinal Part] Those that are white and bright. [Texture] Similar to Calcite but clear and pure. [Color] Cyan-white. [Taste] Sour and astringent. [Nature] Cold. [Qi Property] Strong taste, thin qi, Yang within Yin. [Odor] Fishy. [Main Indication] Diarrhea and dysentery, resolves phlegm. [Assistant Herb] Gancao (Licorice Root) acts as its assistant. [Incompatibility] Averse to Mahuang (Ephedra), hostile to Muli (Oyster Shell). [Processing Method] Place in a porcelain bottle, calcine over fire, then grind into fine powder. [Therapeutic Applications] *Tujing* states: Baifan treats snake bites and scorpion stings. Heat the tip of a knife until red, place alum on it to melt, and drip the hot liquid onto the bite site. ○ Heifan dyes beard and hair. (*Xin Bencao* note): Qingfan and Heifan treat gan accumulation and various sores; Huangfan also treats sores and promotes flesh regeneration. (*Yaoxing Lun*) states: Fanshi treats shulou (scrofula/lymphatic tuberculosis) and luoli (swollen lymph nodes), epistaxis, and nasal polyps; swallowing saliva treats acute throat obstruction. (*Rihua Zi Bencao*) states: Baifan dispels wind, relieves fatigue, resolves phlegm, stops thirst, and warms the water organ. (*Bielu*) states: Baifan treats redness and swelling of the umbilicus in infants with continuous discharge; apply calcined fine powder externally. Treats corneal opacity and pterygium: use high-quality true Baifan, place a grain-sized piece larger than the lesion on the affected area to induce tearing, wipe away bad fluid with cotton daily until the disease subsides and opacity clears. For gangrenous foot attacking the heart, boil 3 liang of Baifan in 1.5 dou of water for 3-5 boils, soak feet. For toenails growing into flesh causing sores, insert dry Baifan powder into the sore for cure. If bleeding from gum gaps resembles epistaxis, apply externally for cure. For dog bites, wrap injured area with alum powder to stop pain and accelerate healing. For sudden ear swelling with pus, calcine alum, blow into ear 3-4 times daily with a brush tube or pack with cotton for immediate relief. For crumbling teeth, wrap alum stone in cotton and chew, spitting out juice. For urinary/fecal retention, have patient lie supine, fill navel with fine Baifan powder, add fresh well water; when cold penetrates abdomen, passage opens. If no navel hole, make a paper ring one finger high and proceed similarly. For newborns with membrane covering tongue like pomegranate skin, prick with fingernail to bleed, apply half a mung bean size of calcined alum ash; failure to remove causes muteness. For rheumatism of feet/knees, deficiency sweating, weakness, pain, and genital sweat, calcine alum to ash, mix one spoonful in boiling water, and wash painful areas. [Combined Therapies] Bathe with Baifan combined with Taoren (Peach Kernel) and Congtang (Scallion Decoction) to induce sweating, treating stroke aphasia and tinea. ○ Boil 1 liang of Baifan in 2 sheng of water down to 1 sheng, add 0.5 he of honey, take in one dose for chest phlegm-stasis, hypochondriac mass, headache, and loss of appetite; induce vomiting; if not vomiting, drink warm water. ○ Combine Baifan with egg and place in vinegar; apply two bi (spoonfuls) to infant's soles to treat oral ulcers preventing breastfeeding. ○ Calcine Fanshi to powder, mix with wine, take one cunbi daily three times for genital itching and prolapse. ○ Mix Baifan powder with pig fat, pack in cotton, insert into nose for several days to treat nasal polyps expelling with medicine. ○ Boil half sheng of vinegar, add 1 liang of Fanshi powder, soak stung area for scorpion bites for efficacy. ○ Feifan (Flying Alum) mixed with fried purple Huangdan (Litharge) applied as paste for injuries from donkey saliva or horse sweat. ○ Calcine Baifan to ash, mix with salt flowers, grind finely, apply with chopstick tip to treat xuanlong (prolapsed rectum/throat tissue) causing throat obstruction. ○ Dissolve 12 fen of Baifan in hot wine, apply with horsehair brush for persistent infantile wind-rash. ○ Decoct 1 fen of Baifan in 4 he of water in copper vessel to half he, add little white honey, filter through cotton, instill into infant's eyes three times daily for white membrane. ○ Calcine 1 liang of Baifan to ash, combine with 1 liang of Lutefang (Honeycomb), lightly roast, grind to powder; take 2 qian boiled in one zhong of water for 10+ boils, gargle hot and spit out for swollen/painful teeth.