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Yinie (Insect Gall-like Mineral), detailed under the entry for Shizhongru (Stalactite).

Konggongnie, detailed under the entry for Shizhongru (Stalactite).

Shihua (Stone Flower), detailed under the entry for Shizhongru (Stalactite).

Shichuang (Stone Bed), detailed under the entry for Shizhongru (Stalactite).

Shinao (Stone Brain), detailed under the entry for Shizhongru (Stalactite).

Shinaoyou (Stone Brain Oil), detailed under the entry for Zhongrushi (Stalactite).

Puxiao (Mirabilite/Natrii Sulfas) grows in the sunny slopes of valleys with saline water in Yizhou. Xiaoshi (Natrii Sulfas/Sodium Nitrate) grows in the valleys of Yizhou as well as Wudu, Longxi, and Xiqiang regions.

Mangxiao (Crystallized Natrii Sulfas) is produced from Puxiao. It is now found in both northern and southern regions, but the variety from Western Sichuan is considered the best. Old theories state that these three substances share the same origin. Initially, their seedlings are harvested, leached with water to extract juice, which is then boiled and refined to produce Puxiao. It is also known as "Xiaoshipu" because Xiaoshi is derived from it. Further refining of Puxiao or "Dishuang" (Earth Frost) until it becomes hard, white, and stone-like yields Xiaoshi, also known as Mangxiao. Additionally, taking Puxiao, leaching it with warm water, boiling the juice down by half, pouring it into a basin, and leaving it overnight results in the formation of fine needle-like crystals on the surface, which is Mangxiao. Although they are one substance with different names, due to distinct refinement methods, their therapeutic effects differ. However, *Shennong Bencao Jing* records their origins separately, leading to suspicion that they might be two different substances. Modern physicians and formulary compilers no longer investigate their origins, simply classifying unrefined, slightly bluish blocks as Puxiao; refined products with needle-like crystals on top in basins as Mangxiao (also called Penxiao); and the sediment at the bottom of the basin as Xiaoshi. Puxiao has the strongest action, Mangxiao is moderate, and Xiaoshi is milder. It is unknown which is the true authentic form. Su Gong notes that ancient formulas from the Jin and Song dynasties used Xiaoshi frequently and Mangxiao rarely. Recent physicians use only Mangxiao and rarely mention Xiaoshi, which is incorrect. Zhang Zhongjing’s formulas for Cold Damage, such as Chengqi Tang and Jianxiong Wan, all use Mangxiao. Ge Hong’s *Zhouhou Beiji Fang* also uses Mangxiao frequently for Cold Damage, seasonal epidemics, and Warm Diseases. Only in formulas treating food stagnation in the chest and diaphragm is Puxiao used. The text states that if Puxiao is unavailable, Mangxiao can be substituted. This indicates that before the Jin and Song dynasties, Puxiao and Mangxiao were used interchangeably. Hu Qia’s formula, Shizao Tang, uses Mangxiao, while Dawuyin Wan uses Xiaoshi. It also states that if Xiaoshi is unavailable, Mangxiao can be used. This suggests that during the Liang and Sui periods, Mangxiao and Xiaoshi were interchangeable. Thus, Puxiao and Xiaoshi are considered refined forms, while Mangxiao is coarse. Tao Hongjing cites Huangfu Mi’s method for refining Xiaoshi: boiling Mangxiao with Shipi (a mineral) produces true Xiaoshi, though Shipi is no longer recognized. He also annotates Fanshi (Alumen): natural forms are called Machi Fan (Green-and-White Alumen), while refined forms are pure white. People in Shu used refined alumen as Xiaoshi, indicating that true Xiaoshi was rare at that time. Consequently, medical texts rarely distinguished them, using them interchangeably. If so, although current usage may not reflect true identification, their similar efficacy allows for general interchangeability. The reason *Shennong Bencao Jing* lists different origins is likely due to regional variations in refinement techniques. For example, Xiong (Ligusticum wallichii) and Miwu (Chuanxiong foliage), Daji (Euphorbia pekinensis), and Zeqi (Euphorbia lathyris) are the same plant, yet listed separately in *Bencao Jing* because roots and shoots have different geographical preferences, not because they are different species. Similarly, Puxiao and Xiaoshi are listed with different origins for analogous reasons. Another variety, Yingxiao, also derives from Puxiao. It resembles white quartz, has four or five edges, is white and translucent, and its effects are similar to Mangxiao, though it lacks strong purgative power and is weaker. It is also called Mayaxiao (Horse Tooth Salt), named for its shape, and is widely used in recent times. The "Jinshi Ling" method mixes Mayaxiao, Mangxiao, Puxiao, and Xiaoshi in sequence. This method dates to the Tang Dynasty, but how they were distinguished then is unknown. A separate entry for Shengxiao (Raw Salt) states it grows on rocks in Mount West of Maozhou, varying in size and color (greenish-white), and is rarely used. Physicians also use a type called Tianxiao (Sweet Salt), which is finer. Some suspect this is Yingxiao, but its refinement method is unknown. Southern physicians argue about the distinctions among salts. One theory claims *Bencao* lists Puxiao, Xiaoshi, and Mangxiao but not Mayaxiao, causing confusion. Some argue Mangxiao and Xiaoshi are identical and should not be duplicated. Others suggest that since Mangxiao forms needles overnight from refined Puxiao, it must be Mayaxiao. Still others claim Mayaxiao and Yingxiao are the same. Given the distinct physical properties of modern salts, the confusion seems unnecessary. Puxiao tastes bitter and slightly salty. *Bencao Jing* says it is bitter; *Mingyi Bielu* says it is acrid, likely confusing it with Xiaoshi. Shu-produced Puxiao is white like ice/snow; inland varieties are dark and small. All are brittle and crumble easily, forming frost-like powder when exposed to wind. They melt when heated and can be cast. Boiling Puxiao with Gancao (Licorice Root) and Zhu Dan (Pig Bile) reduces the volume by half. Pouring this into a large basin with Ningshuishi (Gypsum Fibrosum) fragments and soaking overnight yields Mangxiao, which solidifies like white quartz. Scrape-rime refined salt, tasting bitter and acrid like Jieyan (Halite), burns away completely to leave Xiaoshi. Xiaoshi can dissolve metals and stones, yet resists fire itself, making it a divine product of heaven and earth. Yaxiao is synonymous with Mangxiao. Shengxiao occurs naturally without refining, found in Shu roads, resembling smaller, harder Puxiao. Although these arguments are detailed, they differ significantly from ancient descriptions and cannot be fully trusted. Zhang Zhongjing’s *Shanghan Lun* treats cases of bladder urgency, abdominal fullness, generalized jaundice, black forehead, hot soles, resulting in Heidan (Black Jaundice), black stool, abdominal distension resembling water accumulation, and loose stools. This is caused by female labor exhaustion (Nulao Dan), not water retention. Abdominal fullness is difficult to treat; prescribe Xiaoshi Fanshi San (Niter and Alum Powder). Roast Xiaoshi until yellow, calcine Fanshi until juices evaporate. Mix equal parts, sieve through double-layer silk, and take with barley gruel, one cun-bi dose, three times daily. Cover with thick clothing to induce slight sweating. The pathogen exits via urine and stool; urine turns normal yellow, stool turns normal black. Use hulled barley. In *Qianjin Fang*, Xiaoshi is used in 2 parts, Fanshi in 1 part. Liu Yuxi’s *Chuanxin Fang* records Shi Shanshen Ganlu Yin for treating heat obstruction in the lower chest and vomiting of stagnant material. Take 1 jin of Shu Puxiao powder. Add honey: 13 liang in winter, 12 liang in spring, summer, and autumn. Mix Puxiao powder evenly with honey. Pack into fresh green bamboo segments (half-full max). Steam inside a rice steamer (bamboo segment above rice level). Once rice is cooked, remove, filter hot liquid through cotton into a porcelain bowl. Stir continuously with a bamboo spatula until solidified. Store in a container. In hot weather, cool the bowl in cold water before stirring. Take half to one spoonful after meals or before bed, swallowing slowly. Can also be used to promote bowel movement.