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(The *Gengxin Yuce* records: Ling Sha (Cinnabar prepared with sulfur and mercury) is a miraculous substance. It takes shape through the processing of Sulfur (Liu Huang, 硫黄) and Mercury (Shui Yin, 水银), and is called Dan Ji (Base for Elixir). It usurps the creative power of heaven and earth, secretly possessing the unfathomable subtleties of Yin and Yang. It can transform the Five Elements and refine into Jiu Huan (Nine-fold Return Elixir). That which has not yet been raised in the furnace is called Qing Jin Dan Tou (Green Gold Pill Head); that which has been raised is called Ling Sha. There are three types of Ling Sha. One type, formed by Zhou Tian Huo (Heavenly Cycle Fire) over one Fu period, is called Jiu Zhuan Ling Sha (Nine-turn Ling Sha). The other type, stir-fried and refined over thirty days according to the Earth Number, is called Yi Jia Lao Huo Ling Sha (Old-fire Ling Sha of Physicians). Both are suitable for being soaked in water leached from Mulch Ash (Sang Hui, 桑灰) and boiled in Vinegar after undergoing Fu Zhi (Stabilization process), which yields good results.)

[Flavor and Properties]
Sweet, warm, non-toxic.

[Indications]
Treats diseases of the five Zang organs. Nourishes the spirit, calms the Hun and Po. Benefits Qi, brightens the eyes, unblocks blood vessels, relieves irritability and fullness, and benefits mental energy. Expels evil spirits and demonic influences. Long-term use promotes spiritual clarity, delays aging, lightens the body to resemble an immortal, and makes the mind agile. It primarily treats conditions of excess above and deficiency below, dizziness caused by copious phlegm-fluids, vomiting and regurgitation, cholera-like disorder, fan wei (reverse stomach/obstruction), and cold pain in the heart and abdomen. It regulates the ascending and descending of Yin and Yang, achieves mutual interaction between Water and Fire, harmonizes the five Zang organs, and assists Yuan Qi (Original Qi). Method of use: grind into powder, make pills with glutinous rice paste, and take with date decoction. It is most effective in weighing down and calming the spirit. Therefore, Li Shizhen said: Sulfur is the essence of Yang, and Mercury is the essence of Yin. When paired, they follow the way of husband and wife; pure Yin and pure Yang combine as two bodies. Thus, they can merge with the wonders of creation, regulate the ascent and descent of Yin and Yang, achieve mutual interaction between Water and Fire, and serve as a miraculous elixir for rescuing critical emergencies. However, it should not be taken for a long time. Su Dongpo stated that this medicine treats chronic fan wei and all kinds of vomiting and regurgitation, as well as infantile convulsive vomiting, with efficacy like a god, due to its subtle ability to harmonize Yin and Yang. Li Shizhen often found it particularly excellent when administered with Yin-Yang Water (Yin Yang Shui, 阴阳水).

(It grows in various countries of the South Sea. Those growing in shade are called Bi Cheng Qie (Long Pepper Fruit), while those growing in sunlight are called Hu Jiao (Pepper). Upon harvesting, remove the stems and wrinkled skin, using only the seeds. Soak in wine, steam from Si hour to You hour, pound finely, dry in the sun, and then use as medicine.)

[Flavor and Properties]
Pungent, warm, non-toxic.

[Indications]
Descends Qi and promotes digestion. Dispels wind from the skin. Relieves Qi distension in the heart and abdomen. Promotes appetite. Treats "ghost qi" (pathogenic factors causing inexplicable symptoms). Can darken hair and fragrance the body. Treats all kinds of cold qi, tan pi (phlegm masses), and cholera-like disorders with vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Treats coldness of Kidney Qi and Bladder. Warms the Spleen and Stomach. Stops vomiting and hiccups.