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(Recorded as a Superior Grade herb in the *Shennong Bencao Jing* [Divine Farmer's Materia Medica])

[Names] Li Shizhen stated: "Zeng" is pronounced like "Ceng" (layer). Its blue-green color grows in layers, hence the name. Some say it forms from solid ore to hollow spaces, and then layer by layer from the hollows, thus called Zengqing.

[Collection & Description] The *Bie Lu* [Supplementary Records] states: Zengqing is found in the valleys of Shu and Yue regions, and can be collected at any time. It has the property of transforming gold and copper.
Bao stated: It is found in the stone mountains of Shu Commandery. Wherever copper exists in these mountains, Zengqing emerges on the sunny side (Yang face). The blue-green hue is the essence of copper.
Tao Hongjing stated: Old theories suggest that Zengqing and Kongqing [Hollow Azure Mineral] come from the same mountain and have similar therapeutic properties. Currently, no Zengqing is found in Tongguan; it is only produced in Shixing. Its shape resembles linked Coptis chinensis [Huanglian], with colors and textures slightly resembling Kongqing. It is very rare and expensive, and rarely used in *Xian Jing* [Immortal Classics]. The method for transforming metals is the same as for Kongqing.
Su Gong stated: Those from Weizhou are of good quality, those from Ezhou are secondary, and those from other prefectures are not usable.
Li Shizhen stated: It grows wherever copper is present, given enough time. Its shape resembles linked Coptis chinensis or earthworm excrement, with square edges, deep blue-green color like Persian Indigo, growing in layers. Those that produce a metallic sound when struck are authentic. The *Zaohua Zhinan* [Guide to Creation] states: Layer Qing grows in copper mines and is considered an enlightened form of Malachite. Its skin possesses the correct eastern color (blue-green), suitable for refining great elixirs, and its alchemical transformation rivals the Three Yellows [Realgar, Orpiment, and Yellow Ocher]. The *Hengshan Ji* [Records of Heng Mountain] states: There are trees called Layer Qing Gang on the mountain, producing Layer Qing, which can be combined to make immortal medicines.

[Processing] Kou Zongshi stated: When using Zengqing, do not use pieces containing attached stones or Copper Green [Malachite powder]. For every one qian [approx. 3-5g] of Zengqing, take Zi Bei Tian Kui [Ophiopogon japonicus var. bulbifer], Gan Cao [Licorice Root], and Qing Zhi Cao [Artemisia argyi] in equal amounts (one unit each), dry or moist, one yi [ancient weight unit] each. Finely chop them, place them in a porcelain pot, and put the Zengqing inside. Add two yi of East-flowing water, and slowly boil for five days and nights, ensuring the fire and water timing are precise. Remove it, wash with East-flowing water, grind into a fine powder, and use.

[Properties & Flavor] Sour, slightly cold, non-toxic.
Xu Zhicai stated: It is inhibited by Tusizi [Cuscuta seed].
Dugu Tao stated: When Zengqing is calcined into a paste, it can amalgamate mercury and control Cinnabar, because it generates from metal qi. It must be soaked and boiled in wine and vinegar before use.
Ge Hong stated: Applying Zengqing to iron turns it red like copper.

[Indications] Eye pain, stopping tearing, wind-bi [Wind-Dampness obstruction], benefiting joints, unblocking the nine orifices, breaking hard masses and accumulations. Long-term use lightens the body and prevents aging (*Shennong Bencao Jing*).
Nourishes Liver and Gallbladder, eliminates chills and fever, kills white parasites, treats head wind and cold in the brain, stops irritability and thirst, supplements deficiencies, and strengthens Yin Qi (*Bie Lu*).

[Elucidation] Li Shizhen stated: Zengqing treats eye conditions based on the same principle as Kongqing. Ancient formulas such as Pi Xie Tai Yi Shen Jing Dan [Evil-Repelling Great One Divine Spirit Elixir] use it. Bian Que's formula for treating accumulations and retained fluids, Cengqing Wan [Layer Qing Pill], is also recorded in *Gujin Luyan* [Records Verified Through Generations]. Most other ingredients are not listed here.

[Attached Formulas] Three new formulas.
For pox entering the eyes and not receding: Zengqing 1 qian, Zhusha [Cinnabar] 2 qian. Grind into powder. Take 5 larvae of *Otiorhynchus sulcatus* [Woodlouse larva], crush to extract juice, mix with the powder, and apply to the eyes (*Shengji Lu*).
Wind-Heat Eye Disease: Zengqing San [Layer Qing Powder]: Treats all wind-heat toxic vapors attacking upward, causing red or ulcerated eyes, photophobia, gritty sensation with discharge/tears, itching or pain. Zengqing 4 liang, Man Jing Zi [Vitex fruit] 2 liang, Bai Jiang [Prepared Ginger Rhizome], Fang Feng [Saposhnikovia root] 1 liang each. Grind into powder. Blow a small amount into the nose; efficacy is immediate (*Heji Jufang* [Formulas of the Bureau of Prescriptions]).
Malignant sores in the ear: Zengqing 5 qian, Xionghuang [Realgar] 7.5 qian, Huang Qin [Scutellaria root] 2.5 qian. Grind into powder and apply externally (*Weisheng Baojian* [Precious Mirror of Health]).