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Hanshuishi (Calcitum Rubrum), with acrid and sweet flavors, cold nature, and non-toxic properties, enters the Stomach Meridian. It clears excessive heat in the Stomach, dispels latent heat from the Five Zang Organs, and resolves toxicity caused by Croton Seed (Badou) and mineral drugs. It is also indicated for recurrence of febrile diseases due to overexertion after recovery from Cold Damage (Shanghan), disperses accumulated pathogenic heat, relieves restlessness and throat obstruction, eliminates thirst with wasting and fluid depletion (Xiaoke), and removes edema. This substance is preserved to resolve heat toxins and is an indispensable ingredient in any medicine cabinet.

A question was raised: Hanshuishi clears excessive heat in the Stomach, a function identical to that of Shigao (Gypsum Fibrosum). Why is Shigao used to purge Stomach heat rather than Hanshuishi? The answer is: Although Hanshuishi clears excessive heat in the Stomach, it cannot be compared to Shigao. Hanshuishi directs heat downward but cannot disperse it outwardly; whereas Shigao can purge fire both internally and externally, superiorly and inferiorly. [Commentary: Hanshuishi is of extreme Yin nature, even more so than Shigao.]

Another question arose: Since Hanshuishi is also a heat-resolving drug, why is it said that it cannot be compared to Shigao? Is there another meaning? The answer is: Hanshuishi can purge excess pathogenic heat but cannot purge deficiency heat arising from insufficiency, which is similar to Shigao. However, there is a difference: Shigao purges damp-heat, while Hanshuishi only purges dry-heat. Therefore, conditions involving dampness, swelling, and fullness attributed to the Spleen should strictly avoid using Hanshuishi.

Another question was posed: In recent times, few practitioners use Hanshuishi in prescriptions, suggesting it might be a dispensable herb. Why did you include it? The answer is: The understanding of Dryness syndromes has been unclear for a long time, and there are few herbs that moisten dryness. I retained Hanshuishi specifically to treat diseases of dry-heat.

Shizhongru (Stalactite), with a sweet flavor and warm nature, is non-toxic. It primarily treats cough with rebellious Qi, alleviates weakness and cold pain in the legs, calms the Five Zang Organs, ensures patency of all joints, promotes lactation, benefits the nine orifices, resolves tongue numbness and thirst, tonifies the Lower Jiao, stops seminal emission, supplements Qi and strengthens Yin, improves voice clarity and vision, and promotes fertility with long-term use. It must be processed before medicinal use. The processing method of Lei Gong is excellent; if not ground ten thousand times, it should absolutely not be used lightly.

Zhongru Shi specializes in transforming essence (Jing). It is most suitable for individuals with deficient Jing, but must be used within tonic formulas to be effective; otherwise, it is futile.

A question was asked: Zhongru Shi becomes highly toxic when exposed to fire. You stated that it must be processed for medicinal use. Does this involve exposure to fire or not? The answer is: Zhongru Shi must absolutely not be exposed to fire. It should be ground into an extremely fine powder and soaked for three days in decoction prepared from Mudanpi (Moutan Cortex), then the liquid discarded. This method renders it non-toxic and highly beneficial.

Another question was raised: Is bright Zhongru Shi preferred, or can mixed-color varieties be used? The answer is: Zhongru Shi is used to transform Jing. To enter the Kidney and transform Jing, one must select the bright variety. For treating various other diseases, mixed-color varieties may also be used.

Another question was posed: The qi of Shizhongru is fierce and rapid, causing sudden surges of Yang Qi and abrupt increases in food intake. People inevitably rely on it as a means for licentious indulgence. Who would know that essence is secretly damaged while the stone's qi remains alone, allowing solitary Yang to run rampant, thus defeating the purpose of nourishing essence? Li Shizhen warned against long-term indulgence, benefiting society greatly, yet you did not mention this. Why? The answer is: Individuals vary in their strength and constitution. Those with deficient Fire (Yang) must take Zhongru Shi to nourish essence. However, those with excessive Fire should not only avoid long-term use but also refrain from temporary use. Li Shizhen has already explained this thoroughly; what need is there for me to reiterate?