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(Recorded in the Lower Category of *Bencao Jing Jizhu* / *Supplement to the Materia Medica*)

**[Names]** Earth Milk (*Tang Bencao*).
Ta Hongjing stated: This is the lipid fluid of the earth, growing in earthen caves, resembling Yin (a type of jade) in shape, hence the name.

**[Collected Explanations]** *Bencao Jing Jizhu* records: It grows on the shady sides of high mountain cliffs, white in color like fat or grease, with no specific time for harvesting. Ta Hongjing said: This is still similar to Stalactite (Zhongru) and Konggong [substances], thus it also has an alias, but it is merely found on cliffs; its use is unknown today. Su Gong said: This is indeed Earth Milk. It originates from earthen pits on the flat ground northwest of Sanjiao Post Station, Zhang County, Weizhou. There are over sixty pits visible, which were places where people harvested it in the past. Locals say: Taking it is similar to taking Stalactite, but it does not cause fever. Tao Hongjing and *Xinxiu Bencao* state that it grows on cliffs, which is incorrect.
Li Shizhen said: This is simply Stalactite growing within the soil of mountain cliffs, commonly found in famous mountains of the South. People also excavate it to create artificial rockeries for sale as ornamental items, unaware that it is Earth Stalactite.

**[Flavor and Properties]** Salty, Neutral, Non-toxic.

**[Indications]** Female genital ulceration and erosion, severe heat, dry scabs (*Bencao Jing Jizhu*).

(Recorded in Song Dynasty *Jiayou Bencao*)

**[Names]** Stone Malt Candy (*Bencao Jing Jizhu*), Stone Mushroom (*Bencao Gangmu*), Huagong Stone.
Li Shizhen said: Its shape resembles congealed brain matter, hence the name. In the past, a certain Master Hua consumed this substance, so it is also called Huagong Stone.

**[Collected Explanations]** *Bencao Jing Jizhu* records: Stone Brain grows in the stone and soil of famous mountains, with no specific time for harvesting.
Ta Hongjing said: This stone is also a type of Stalactite, shaped like Azurite but white with black spots, soft and easily broken. It is currently found in both the East and West Ping Mountains of Maoshan, extracted by chiseling out earthen niches.
Su Gong said: It originates from Songli Mountain in Xuzhou. Initially found in rotten stones, it is obtained at depths of more than one zhang below the soil. It is as large as a chicken egg or a date. Upon touch, it disperses like flour, yellowish-white. Locals call it "Snow-Holding Stone," claiming that consuming it grants longevity.
Miao Baosheng said: Su Gong's citation of Snow-Holding Stone as a note is incorrect.
Li Shizhen said: According to *Baopuzi · Inner Chapters*: Stone Brain Mushroom grows within Talcum Stone, resembling the form of Yellow Child within Stone, though not always present. One must break thousands of large Talcum Stones to obtain just one piece. When first broken, it shines with five colors inside the stone, naturally formed. Consuming one sheng can grant longevity. This is the Stone Mushroom. The "Stone Brain" mentioned in *Bencao Jing Jizhu* and various immortal dietary regimens likely refers to this substance. Su Gong described the original Stone Brain but erroneously used it to annotate Snow-Holding Stone. Snow-Holding Stone is actually liquid on the surface of rocks, which is different from this. See the entry below.

**[Flavor and Properties]** Sweet, Warm, Non-toxic.

**[Indications]** Deficiency damage caused by Wind-Cold, pain and numbness in the waist and legs, calming the Five Viscera, benefiting Qi (*Bencao Jing Jizhu*).

**[Innovative Insights]** Ta Hongjing said: It is not seen in common prescriptions, but is used in Liu Jun's Daoxian Powder from the *Immortal Classics*. Furthermore, *Zhen Gao* records: Li Zheng collected and consumed it, treating wind-bi deficiency damage, thereby achieving longevity.
Su Gong said: What Master Hua consumed during the Sui Dynasty was also named Stone Brain.
Li Shizhen said: *Zhen Gao* records that Jiang Bozhen consumed Stone Brain at Daheng Mountain, which frequently causes the body to feel hot without thirst; this refers to the aforementioned substance.