气味甘寒，微苦辛。主治瘾疹，可作浴汤。
《诗》言∶中谷有 ， 其干矣。益母草得水湿之精，能耐旱 ，滋养皮肤，故主治瘾
疹，
茺蔚子明目益精而补肾，复除水气以健脾，故有茺蔚之名。益母草清热而解毒，凉血以
安胎
（李时珍曰∶茺蔚子治妇女经脉不调，胎产，一切血气诸病妙品也。其根茎花叶实并皆
入药
，可同用。若治手足厥阴血分风热，明目，益精，调女人经脉，则单用茺蔚子为良。若治肿
毒疮疡，消水行血，妇人胎产诸病，则宜并用为良。盖其根茎花叶专于行，而子则行中有补
故也。又曰∶茎叶味辛而苦，花味微苦甘，根味甘，并无毒。）
气味甘，微寒，无毒。主治身体五脏百病，养精神，安魂魄，益气明目，杀精魅邪恶
鬼。永服通神明，不老，能化为汞。
（丹砂又名朱砂，始出涪州山谷，今辰州、锦州及云南、波斯蛮獠洞中石穴内皆有，而
以辰
州者为胜，故又名辰砂。大者如芙蓉花，小者如箭旋，碎之作墙壁光明可鉴，成层可拆研之
。鲜红斯为上品，细小者为米砂，淘土石中得者为土砂，又名阴砂，皆为下品。苏恭曰∶形
虽大而杂土石，又不若细而明净者佳。）
水银出于丹砂之中，精气内藏，水之精也。色赤体坚，象合离明，火之精也。气味甘寒，
生
于土石之中，乃资中土，而得水火之精。主治身体五脏百病者，五脏之气，内归坤土，外合
周身，丹砂从中土而达五脏之气，出于身体，则百病咸除。养精神者，养肾脏之精，心脏之
神，而上下水火相交矣。安魂魄者，安肝脏之魂，肺藏之魄，而内外气血调和矣。调和其气
，故益气。调和其血，故明目。上下水火相交，则精魅之怪，邪恶之鬼自消杀矣。久服则灵
气充盛，故神明不老，内丹可成，故能化为汞。
[Chongwei Stem, Leaves, Flower and Spike] (Leonurus japonicus)
Odor and Flavor: Sweet and cold, slightly bitter and acrid.
Indications: Urticaria (a skin disease characterized by itchy red or pale wheals), can be used as a bath decoction.
The *Book of Songs* states: "In the valley there is Amaranthus, its stems and leaves are withered." Leonurus japonicus absorbs the essence of water and dampness, thus possessing the ability to withstand drought and nourish the skin; therefore, it is indicated for urticaria.
The seed of Leonurus japonicus (Chongwei Zi) brightens the eyes, benefits essence, and tonifies the Kidney. It also eliminates fluid retention to strengthen the Spleen, hence the name "Chongwei." The herb Leonurus japonicus clears heat and resolves toxicity, cools the blood and calms the fetus.
(Li Shizhen said: Chongwei Zi is an excellent product for treating various blood and qi disorders in women, including irregular menstruation, pregnancy, and postpartum conditions. Its root, stem, flower, leaf, and fruit are all medicinal materials and can be used together. If treating wind-heat in the blood level of the Foot Jueyin channel, brightening the eyes, benefiting essence, and regulating women's menstruation, using Chongwei Zi alone is superior. If treating swelling, toxins, sores, ulcers, eliminating edema, moving blood, and various gynecological pregnancy and postpartum diseases, it is better to use them in combination. This is because the root, stem, flower, and leaf specialize in moving and dispersing, while the seed contains tonification within its moving action. He also said: The stem and leaves are acrid and bitter, the flower is slightly bitter and sweet, the root is sweet, and none are toxic.)
[Cinnabar]
Odor and Flavor: Sweet, slightly cold, non-toxic.
Indications: Various diseases of the five Zang organs of the body, nourishes spirit, calms the soul and po, benefits Qi and brightens the eyes, destroys demons and evil spirits. Long-term consumption leads to spiritual clarity, anti-aging, and the ability to transform into mercury.
(Cinnabar, also known as Zhu Sha, originally came from the valleys of Fuzhou. Currently, it is found in stone caves in Chenzhou, Jinzhou, Yunnan, and the caves of barbarians in Persia, among others, but the variety from Chenzhou is considered the best, hence the alternative name Chensha. Large pieces resemble hibiscus flowers, small pieces resemble arrow whorls. When crushed, they make walls bright enough to serve as mirrors; they can be separated into layers and ground. Bright red is the premium grade, fine particles are called Rice Cinnabar, and that obtained from washing earth and stones is called Earth Cinnabar, also known as Yin Cinnabar, both being inferior grades. Su Gong said: Although large in size, if mixed with earth and stones, it is not as good as those that are fine and clear.)
Mercury originates from cinnabar. Its essence and spirit are stored internally; it is the essence of Water. Its color is red and its substance is firm, symbolizing the brightness of the Li trigram; it is the essence of Fire. Its odor and flavor are sweet and cold. Born within earth and stones, it relies on Central Earth to acquire the essence of Water and Fire. Its indication for various diseases of the five Zang organs is because the Qi of the five Zang organs returns inwardly to Kun Earth and outwardly harmonizes with the whole body. Cinnabar transmits the Qi of the five Zang organs from Central Earth, emerging from the body, thereby eliminating all diseases. Nourishing the spirit refers to nourishing the Essence of the Kidney and the Shen (Spirit) of the Heart, allowing Water and Fire to interact between upper and lower. Calming the Hun and Po refers to calming the Hun (Ethereal Soul) of the Liver and the Po (Corporeal Soul) of the Lung, thereby harmonizing Qi and Blood inside and outside. Harmonizing its Qi thus benefits Qi. Harmonizing its Blood thus brightens the eyes. When Water and Fire interact between upper and lower, the anomalies of demons and the ghosts of evil naturally perish. Long-term consumption fills the body with spiritual energy, thus ensuring spiritual clarity and anti-aging, allowing the Internal Elixir to be formed, hence the ability to transform into mercury.