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Arsenicum (Realgar/Orpiment mixture, specifically Arsenolite), ancient texts do not record the commanderies and counties of its origin. Currently, it is also found near Tongshan, but the best quality comes from Xinzhou. Its lumps can be very large, with a color like egg yolk yellow, bright and clear without impurities. This type of substance is inherently rare in its local area; every tael of genuine large pieces is highly prized by people, with market prices exceeding that of gold. It is sometimes used in ancient elixir recipes, but only this specific type can be used for medicinal purposes. The flakes sold in markets are often mixed with earth and stones; if taken as medicine, it causes significant harm. In case of accidental poisoning, grinding mung beans (Vigna radiata) in cold water to drink the slurry can detoxify it.

Non-flammable Wood (Pumice-like stone), originates from Shangdang. It is currently found in the mountains of Zezhou and Luzhou. It is likely a type of stone. Its color is greenish-white like rotten wood, and it does not burn when heated, hence its name. Some say it is the root of Talcum (Hua Shi), found wherever Talcum is produced, and is also called Non-ash Wood. It can be harvested at any time. Currently, a type of Pine Stone is produced in the mountains of Chuzhou, resembling pine trunks but actually being stone. Some claim that old pines turn into stone. People often use it to decorate mountain pavilions or carve it into pillows. Although not used in medicine, it is similar to Non-flammable Wood, so it is appended here.

Gold Star Stone (Chalcedony with gold mica inclusions), grows in Bingzhou and Haozhou. Nature: Cold. Toxicity: Non-toxic. Indications: Treats toxicity due to stagnation in the Spleen and Lung, lung damage with bleeding, hemoptysis, discharge of hot phlegm/saliva, and resolves various toxins. There is also a Silver Star Stone, which has similar physical properties. Harvesting time: Anytime.

Silver Star Stone: See text under Gold Star Stone.

Well Spring Stone (Calcium Carbonate deposit), grows in the spring waters of Jujiacun, twenty li west of Shenzhou city, at a depth of about one zhang. The stone resembles soil in color, varying in shape (round, square, long, short) and size. It is solid inside and round outside, forming layered, overlapping structures. Its nature is greatly Cold. Toxicity: Non-toxic. Indications: Resolves heat accumulation in the Heart, eliminates swelling and toxicity, and treats pediatric heat-type malnutrition (Gan syndrome). Harvesting time: Any month.

Cimicifuga Rhizome (Chishij/Atractylodes macrocephala confusion - Note: Text describes Cimicifuga racemosa characteristics 'single stem like arrow shaft', traditionally known as Chijian), grows in Chenkang river valleys, Yongzhou, and Mount Shaoshi near Mount Tai. It is currently found between the rivers and lakes, but does not meet standard medicinal criteria. Its shoot is a single stem like an arrow shaft, with leaves growing at the tip. It flowers in April; both the stem and leaves are red. The fruit resembles Chinaberry seeds (Melia azedarach), with a nut having five or six ridges. Inside is flesh like flour, which withers upon sun-drying. Its root is large like Asparagus Root (Tianmendong), except it lacks a central vascular bundle. About five to six cun away from the root, there are over ten subsidiary roots surrounding it, resembling taro. Roots are harvested in March, April, and August and dried. Currently, shoots are harvested in March and April, and roots in July, August, and September. According to careful observation, this herb remains still when there is wind and sways spontaneously when there is no wind. *Baopuzi* states: "In immortal recipes, there is a herb called Helí Cao, also known as Dúyáo Zhī (Solo-swaying Mushroom) and Lí Mǔ." The names Helí and Lí Mǔ refer to the fact that this herb has a main root like a taro tuber, surrounded by twelve 'orphan' roots. These orphan roots are several feet away from the main tuber, connected by fine white rootlets. Although they rely on each other, they are not physically connected but linked by Qi. Similarly, Cuscuta (Tusi) has a hidden root below; without this hidden root, Cuscuta cannot climb up, nor are they physically attached. However, regarding the uniqueness of Chijian, Tao Hongjing already noted that this is not commonly seen by laypeople. The hidden root of Cuscuta is rarely seen nowadays. Perhaps among these species, there are occasionally miraculous varieties like this. Furthermore, both Tao Hongjing and Su Song state that Chijian belongs to the Zhī (Mushroom/Fungi) category. However, in the section on Six Zhīs, the Five Zhīs are described as producing five-colored mushrooms on the Five Sacred Mountains, while the purple mushroom offered by various regions grows in the valleys of Gaoxia. Su Song notes: "Zhīs are mostly yellow or white, rarely black or green. Purple Zhīs are the most common. They do not belong to the Five Zhīs category. Since Zhīs are hard to obtain, even if one or two are acquired, how can they be taken for a long time?" Although Zhīs appear in mountains occasionally, people cannot identify the true ones, and physicians absolutely do not use them. Therefore, prefectures and commanderies have no illustrations of them. They are considered auspicious or strange items, not commonly existing in the world, so their description is merely appended here. Regarding the timing of herb collection, it is first based on the *Shennong Bencao Jing* (*Benjing*), followed by contemporary local practices. For Chijian, the *Benjing* only mentions harvesting roots in March, April, and August, without mentioning the use of shoots. However, current practitioners use both roots and shoots, with different harvesting times, differing from the *Benjing*. It is difficult to list all simultaneously, so we follow current methods. Other herbs with similar situations follow this principle. Additionally, the Preface states: "For root herbs, harvesting is usually done in February or August. This is because in early spring, sap begins to moisten and sprout, before rushing into branches and leaves, resulting in rich and potent energy. By autumn, sap flows back from branches and leaves to the roots." Current practical verification suggests: in spring, earlier is better; in autumn, later is better. Based on this meaning, roots should be harvested after late autumn and before early spring, when shoots and stems have withered and fallen, and before new buds emerge, ensuring the medicinal qi and flavor are complete. However, other herbs grow and die at different times, so harvesting should follow their natural seasons, without rigid adherence to spring or autumn. The text further states: "Flowers, fruits, stems, and leaves should be harvested according to their respective maturity. Years may vary in early or late timing, so one should not strictly follow the original text. This is the principle, applicable to others as well."