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Non-toxic.

Shimian (a mineral substance growing on rock surfaces) primarily benefits Qi (vital energy), regulates the middle Jiao (digestive system), and stops hunger when consumed. (From *Bencao Gangmu*) [Origin] (Li Shizhen states) Shimian does not appear frequently; it is also considered an auspicious object. Some say it arises during times of famine. (In the 3rd year of Tianbao under Emperor Xuanzong of Tang) at Liquan in Fanhe County, Wuwei Commandery, a spring gushed forth, stones turned into flour, and poor people took it to eat. (In the 4th year of Yuanhe under Emperor Xianzong of Tang) in the valleys of Yunzhou, Weizhou, and Daizhou in Shanxi, stones turned into flour, and people took it to eat. (In the 4th month of the 5th year of Xiangfu under Emperor Zhenzong of Song) the people of Cizhou suffered from famine; on the mountains of Xiangning County, stone wax resembling flour grew, which could be made into cakes and pastries. (In the 3rd month of the 7th year of Jiayou under Emperor Renzong of Song) flour grew underground in Pengcheng; in the 5th month, flour grew in Zhongli County. (In the 5th month of the 3rd year of Yuanfeng under Emperor Zhezong of Song) stones in Linqu and Yidu of Qingzhou all turned into flour.

Shizhi (a type of Lingzhi-like fungus growing on rocks, from *Bencao Gangmu*) primarily extends life, promotes longevity, reverses aging, and restores youth. (From *Pinhui Xuji*) Various types of Lingzhi, when pounded into powder or dissolved in water and taken, make the body light and grant immortality. (From *Ge Hong Shenxian Zhuan*) [Name] (Ge Hong states) Lingzhi is divided into five categories: Stone, Wood, Grass, Fungus, and Meat, totaling nearly one hundred species. [Origin] Daoists have a "Chart of Stone Lingzhi"; Stone Lingzhi refers to stones shaped like Lingzhi, growing at sea edges, on islands of famous mountains, or along cliffs where accumulated stones exist. [Harvesting Time] Harvesting requires fasting and sacrificial rituals before taking. [Usage] The whole entity is used. [Texture] Its shape resembles meat, with a head, tail, and four limbs, appearing as a living creature attached among large stones; the large ones weigh over ten jin, and the small ones three to four jin. [Color] Red ones resemble coral, white ones resemble cut fat, black ones resemble *Zeqi* (Spurges), green ones resemble kingfisher feathers, and yellow ones resemble purple gold; all are bright and translucent. [Taste] Sweet and Pungent. [Nature] Warm and Hot. [Processing] Pounded into powder for consumption. There are five categories of Stone Lingzhi, detailed below for easy collection:

Qiming Zhi (Seven-Bright Lingzhi) (From *Pinhui Fenlu*) ○ (Ge Hong states) Grows between high mountain stone cliffs near water. Its shape resembles plates or bowls, no more than one chi in diameter, with stems connecting them, rising three to four cun. Those with seven holes are named Qiming Zhi; those with nine holes are named Jiuguang Zhi. The light shines like stars, visible within a hundred steps at night. It is usually monitored around the Autumn Equinox. When pounded and taken as one cun bi (a traditional measure of powdered medicine), the body becomes warm upon ingestion, the taste is sweet and pleasant, consuming one jin grants immortality and allows night vision.

Yuzhi Zhi (Jade Fat Lingzhi) (From *Pinhui Fenlu*) ○ (Ge Hong states) Grows on mountains producing jade. Jade paste flows out and condenses into Lingzhi over thousands of years. It takes the form of birds and beasts, mostly resembling dark jade, grey jade, and crystal. Its color varies without fixed hue. After harvesting, it is pounded into powder, mixed with juice from *Wuxin Cao* (Heartless Grass), and turns into water instantly. Consuming up to one sheng grants immortality.

Shimi Zhi (Stone Honey Lingzhi) (From *Pinhui Fenlu*) ○ (Ge Hong states) Grows in stone caves of Mount Shaoshi, containing deep valleys that cannot be crossed. One can only see stone bees entering from above the stone cave into the stone canopy. After a long time, a single drop appears. Consuming one sheng grants immortality.

Shigui Zhi (Stone Cassia Lingzhi) (From *Pinhui Fenlu*) ○ (Ge Hong states) Grows in stone caves, having branches resembling cassia trees but with stone fruits. It is about one chi high, bright in color, and pungent in taste. ○ (Li Shizhen states) Claims of immortals are vague and their existence unknown, yet the objects described are not necessarily non-existent. Within the office of the Puding Branch in Guizhou Province, there is a fake mountain. Among the stones, there are tree roots, trunks, and branches made entirely of stone. Some leaves resemble pomegranate leaves, lush and green, blooming with flowers slightly yellow like cassia. In the Ding Si year of the Jiajing reign, Assistant Censor Jiao Xicheng wrote a poem to record this, comparing it to the story of broken pines turning to stone in Kangwang, though he did not know its name. Now, according to the chart and *Baopuzi*, this is indeed Shigui Zhi. Also, stone plums growing by the sea have slanting branches; stone cypresses have leaves resembling side-cypress (*Ce Bai*). These are also categories of Stone Cassia.