Library

Non-toxic. Parasitic plant.
Chi Zhi (Red Ganoderma) treats chest congestion, tonifies Heart Qi, enhances wisdom, and prevents forgetfulness. Long-term consumption makes the body light, delays aging, prolongs life, and even leads to immortality (from *Shennong Bencao Jing*). [Name] Dan Zhi. [Description] There are black and green varieties, but purple ones are the most common; they do not belong to the category of "Five Zhis." However, Ganoderma is rare; even if one or two are obtained, how can they be consumed for a long time? (Tao Hongjing said) According to county records, there is no place named "Gaoxia," which is likely a mountain name. These six types of Zhi are all immortal herbs, rarely seen in secular society, with many species differing in shape and color, all recorded in the *Zhi Cao Tu*. The Zi Zhi (Purple Ganoderma) used in modern times grows on rotting tree stumps, resembling soft wood (pronounced "ruan"), hence called Zi Zhi. (*Erya* states: pronounced "qiu", Zhi is explained as: a name for auspicious herbs, blooming three times a year.) *Lunheng* states: Zhi grows in the earth because the earth's qi is harmonious, thus Zhi grass grows. *Ruiming Li* states: When the ruler is benevolent, Zhi grass grows; this is what is meant. [Habitat] (*Bencao Tujing* states) Grows in Huo Mountain.

Non-toxic. Parasitic plant.
Hei Zhi (Black Ganoderma) treats strangury, promotes urination, tonifies Kidney Qi, opens the nine orifices, and sharpens hearing and vision. Long-term consumption makes the body light, delays aging, prolongs life, and even leads to immortality (from *Shennong Bencao Jing*). [Name] Xuan Zhi. [Habitat] (*Bencao Tujing* states) Grows in Changshan. [Harvest Time] (Growth) No specific season; (Collection) Harvested in June and August. [Texture] Similar to *Phyllanthus urinaria* (Ze Qi). [Color] Black. [Flavor] Salty. [Nature] Neutral. [Processing] Wash, chop into pieces, or grind into powder for use. [Compatibility] Combined with Hemp Seed (Mahuang Ren), White Melon Seeds (Baiguazi), and Cinnamon Twig (Mugui) to benefit the human body.

Non-toxic. Parasitic plant.
Qing Zhi (Green/Blue Ganoderma) improves vision, tonifies Liver Qi, stabilizes the Jing and Hun, and fosters benevolence and forbearance. Long-term consumption makes the body light, delays aging, prolongs life, and even leads to immortality (from *Shennong Bencao Jing*). [Name] Long Zhi. [Habitat] (*Bencao Tujing* states) Grows in Mount Tai. [Harvest Time] (Growth) No specific season; (Collection) Harvested in June and August. [Texture] Similar to kingfisher feathers. [Color] Green/Blue. [Flavor] Sour. [Nature] Neutral. [Qi/F Flavor Dissipation] Wash, chop into pieces, or grind into powder for use. [Compatibility] Combined with Hemp Seed (Mahuang Ren), White Melon Seeds (Baiguazi), and Cinnamon Twig (Mugui) to benefit the human body.

Non-toxic. Parasitic plant.
Bai Zhi (White Ganoderma) treats cough and rebellious Qi, tonifies Lung Qi, unblocks the mouth and nose, strengthens willpower, promotes courage and bravery, and stabilizes the Po. Long-term consumption makes the body light, delays aging, prolongs life, and even leads to immortality (from *Shennong Bencao Jing*). [Name] Yu Zhi. [Habitat] (*Bencao Tujing* states) Grows in Mount Hua. [Harvest Time] (Growth) No specific season; (Collection) Harvested in June and August. [Texture] Similar to cut fat. [Color] White. [Flavor] Pungent. [Nature] Neutral. [Qi/F Flavor Dissipation] Belongs to thin Qi, Yin within Yang. [Odor] Rotten. [Synergy/Assistance] Yam (Shanyao) enhances its efficacy. [Incompatibility/Aversion] Averse to Bian Qing and Artemisia capillaris (Yinchen Hao).