Library

Longgu (Fossilized Bones), sweet in taste, slightly cold in nature, and belonging to Yang. Although divided into male and female varieties, their therapeutic effects are identical; however, those with a black color should not be used. It must be calcined by fire, ground into powder, and then subjected to water levigation before it can be employed. It binds the large intestine prone to obstruction and slippery diarrhea, consolidates floating and dispersing Zheng Qi (Upright Qi), stops intestinal wind bleeding, as well as leukorrhea and metrorrhagia in women, secures seminal emission during dreams, treats infantile convulsions and wind-heat, expels Gui Zhu (ghostly affections) and evil spirits, eliminates intestinal abscesses and internal ulcers, consolidates deficiency sweating, reduces urination, dissipates hard accumulations, and resolves zheng jia (masses).

Longchi (Dragon Teeth), calms the mind and anchors the Hun (Ethereal Soul); it is especially suitable for urgent use in cases of men and women suffering from chaotic and strange dreams.

Zishao Hua (Purple Stamen Flower), formed from the essence of dragons adhering to aquatic plants, does not exist authentically in the world; if authentic, it would promote Yang energy.

One might ask: Dragons are adept at transformation; why are dragon bones often found in mountains, freely taken and carried away, with blood and bones dripping, yet never accompanied by wind, clouds, rain, or thunder? Are dragons not merely inert objects? The answer is: You mistakenly believe these are bones of true dragons. The dragon bones used in the world are congealed from Earth Qi, not from dragons that bring rain in the heavens. The divine dragon reveals its tail but not its head; since even the head is hidden from human sight, how could its skeletal remains be left for people to collect? Only Longgu is congealed from Earth Qi and lacks the ability to transform, which is why collecting it causes no hindrance.

Another might ask: Since Longgu is congealed from Earth Qi, it should deeply possess the nature of Earth, implying its property should belong to Yin rather than Yang. Why does Longchi anchor the Hun but not the Po (Corporeal Soul)? The response is: Tigers belong to Yin, while Dragons belong to Yang; Dragons correspond to Fire, and Tigers to Metal; this is an unchangeable principle. If Dragons born underground are considered Yin, can Tigers born on the surface be considered Yang? All things are born within Heaven and Earth; without Yin, Yang cannot arise; without Yang, Yin cannot grow. Tigers born on the surface do receive Yang Qi. Dragons born underground also receive Yin Qi. However, although Tigers are born through Yang, they cannot be called the essence of Yang; although Dragons are born through Yin, they cannot be called the essence of Yin. Yang Qi is Sheng Qi (Vitalizing Qi); Yin Qi is Sha Qi (Killing Qi). Vitalizing Qi corresponds to Wood and resonates with the Liver Qi in the human body; Killing Qi corresponds to Metal and resonates with the Lung Qi. The Po resides in the Lungs, and the Hun resides in the Liver. When the Hun moves, it seems appropriate to use Tiger Eyes to restrain it; when the Po flies, it seems appropriate to use Dragon Teeth to subdue it. Why does using Tiger Eyes to restrain the Hun make the Hun move more, and using Dragon Teeth to restrain the Po make the Po fly more? Essentially, when the Hun moves, it is due to the movement of Yang Qi; attracting Yang with Yang allows the Hun to return. When the Po flies, it is due to the flight of Yin Qi; attracting Po with Po allows the Po to descend. Dragon Teeth obtain Yang Qi, thus they can calm the Hun. Tiger Eyes obtain Yin Qi, thus they can suppress the Po. Who says that because Longgu is born underground, it belongs to Yin substances?

One may ask about the processing methods of Longgu. Ancients used soaking in decoction of black beans, soaking in wine overnight, washing with herbal soup, grinding into powder, placing in silk bags inside swallows' bellies, hanging over a well overnight, or quenching with vinegar before grinding. Which method is best? The answer is: All methods are usable. The method using swallows is the most efficacious. This is because swallows are favored by dragons, and dragons become active upon encountering swallows. When Longgu encounters swallows, it naturally becomes fluid, avoiding the harm of excessive astringency and retention in the intestines.