（《日华》）
【释名】放光石、阴精石（《纲目》。义见下）。
【集解】宗 曰∶嘉州峨眉山出菩萨石，色莹白明澈，若泰山野狼牙石、上饶水精之类，
日中照之有五色，如佛顶圆光，因以名之。
时珍曰∶出峨眉、五台、匡庐岩窦间。其质六棱，或大如枣栗，其色莹洁，映日则光采
微芒，有小如樱珠，则五色粲然可喜，亦石英之类也。丹炉家 制，作五金三黄匮。
【气味】甘，平，无毒。
【主治】解药毒蛊毒，及金石药发动作痈疽渴疾，消扑损瘀血，止热狂惊痫，通月经，
解风肿，除淋，并水磨服。蛇、虫、蜂、蝎、野狼、犬、毒箭等伤，并末敷之（大明）。明目
去翳（时珍）。
石类上三十二种
（《本经》上品）
【释名】朱砂。
时珍曰∶丹乃石名，其字从井中一点，象丹在井中之形，义出许慎《说文》。后人以丹
为朱色之名，故呼朱砂。
【集解】《别录》曰∶丹砂生符陵山谷，采无时。光色如云母可拆者，良。作末名真朱。
弘景曰∶即今朱砂也。俗医别取武都仇池雄黄夹雌黄者，名为丹砂用之，谬矣。符陵是
涪州接巴郡南，今无复采者。乃出武陵、西川诸蛮夷中，皆通属巴地，故谓之巴砂。《仙经》
亦用越砂，即出广州临漳者。此二处并好，惟须光明莹澈为佳。如云母片者，谓之云母砂。
如樗蒲子、紫石英形者，谓之马齿砂，亦好。如大小豆及大块圆滑者，谓之豆砂。细末碎者，
谓之末砂。此二种粗，不入药用，但可画用尔。采砂皆凿坎入数丈许。虽同出一郡县，亦有
好恶。地有水井，胜火井也。仙方炼饵，最为长生之宝。
恭曰∶丹砂大略二种，有土砂、石砂。其土砂，复有块砂、末砂，体并重而色黄黑，不
任画。用疗疮疥亦好，但不入心腹之药。然可烧之，出水银乃多也。其石砂有十数品∶最上
者为光明砂，云一颗别生一石龛内，大者如鸡卵，小者如枣栗，形似芙蓉，破之如云母，光
明照彻，在龛中石台上生，得此者，带之辟恶，为上。其次或出石中，或出水内，形块大者
如拇指，小者如杏仁，光明无杂，名马牙砂，一名无重砂，入药及画俱善，俗间亦少有之。
其磨 新井、别井、水井、火井、芙蓉、石末、石堆、豆末等砂，形类颇相似。入药及画，
当择去其杂土石，便可用矣。别有越砂，大者如拳，小者如鸡鸭卵，形虽大，其杂土石，不
如细而明净者。《经》言末之名真朱者，谬矣，岂有一物以全末殊名乎？
曰∶砂凡百等，不可一一论。有妙硫砂，如拳许大，或重一镒，有十四面，面如镜，
若遇阴沉天雨，即镜面上有红浆汁出。有梅柏砂，如梅子许大，夜有光生，照见一室。有白
庭砂，如帝珠子许大，面上有小星现。有神座砂、金座砂、玉座砂，不经丹灶，服之而自延
寿命。次有白金砂、澄水砂、阴成砂、辰锦砂、芙蓉砂、镜面砂、箭镞砂、曹末砂、土砂、
金星砂、平面砂、神末砂等，不可一一细述也。
颂曰∶今出辰州、宜州、阶州，而辰砂为最。生深山石崖间，土人采之，穴地数十尺始
见其苗，乃白石，谓之朱砂床。砂生石上，其大块者如鸡子，小者如石榴子，状若芙蓉头、
箭镞，连床者紫黯若铁色，而光明莹澈，碎之崭岩作墙壁，又似云母片可拆者，真辰砂也，
无石者弥佳。过此皆淘土石中得之，非生于石床者。宜砂绝有大块者，碎之亦作墙壁，但罕
有类物状，而色亦深赤，为用不及辰砂，盖出土石间，非白石床所生也。然近宜州邻地、春
州、融州皆有砂，故其水尽赤。每烟雾郁蒸之气，亦赤黄色，土人谓之朱砂气，尤能作瘴疠
为人患也。阶砂又次之，都不堪入药，惟可画色尔。凡砂之绝好者，为光明砂，其次谓之颗
块，其次谓之鹿簌，其下谓之末砂。惟光明砂入药，余并不用。
宗 曰∶丹砂，今人谓之朱砂。辰州砂多出蛮峒、锦州界、 獠峒、老鸦井。其井深广
数十丈，先聚薪于井焚之。其青石壁迸裂处，即有小龛。龛中自有白石床，其石如玉。床上
乃生砂，小者如箭镞，大者如芙蓉，光明可鉴，研之鲜红，砂洎床大者重七、八两至十两。
晃州所出形如箭镞带石者，得自土中，非此比也。
承曰∶金州、商州亦出一种砂，色微黄，作土气。陕西、河东、河北、汴东、汴西并以
入药，长安、蜀州研以代银朱作漆器。又信州近年出一种砂，极有大者，光芒墙壁，略类宜
州所产。然有砒气，破之多作生砒色。若入药用，见火恐杀人。今浙中市肆往往货之，不可
不审。
时珍曰∶丹砂以辰、锦者为最。麻阳即古锦州地。佳者为箭镞砂，结不实者为肺砂，细
者为末砂。色紫不染纸者，为旧坑砂，为上品；色鲜染纸者，为新坑砂，次之。苏颂、陈承
所谓阶州、金、商州砂者，乃陶弘景所谓武都雄黄，非丹砂也。范成大《桂海志》云∶本草
以辰砂为上，宜砂次之。然宜州出砂处，与湖北大牙山相连。北为辰砂，南为宜砂，地脉不
殊，无甚分别，老者亦出白石床上。苏颂乃云∶宜砂出土石间，非石床所生，是未识此也。
别有一种色红质嫩者，名土坑砂，乃土石间者，不甚耐火。邕州亦有砂，大者数十、百两，
作块黑暗，少墙壁，不堪入药，惟以烧取水银。颂云∶融州亦有，今融州无砂，乃邕州之讹
也。 仙《庚辛玉册》云∶丹砂石以五溪山峒中产者，得正南之气为上。麻阳诸山与五溪相
接者，次之。云南、波斯、西胡砂，并光洁可用。柳州一种砂，全似辰砂，惟块圆如皂角子，
不入药用。商州、黔州土丹砂，宣、信州砂，皆内含毒瓦斯及金、银、铜、铅气，不可服。张
果《丹砂要诀》云∶丹砂者，万灵之主，居之南方。或赤龙以建号，或朱鸟以为名。上品生
于辰、锦二州石穴，中品生于交、桂，下品生于衡、邵。名有数种，清浊体异，真伪不同。
辰、锦上品砂，生白石床之上，十二枚为一座，色如未开莲花，光明耀日。亦有九枚为一座。
七枚、五枚者次之。每座中有大者为主，四围小者为臣朝护，四面杂砂一、二斗抱之。中有
芙蓉头成颗者，亦入上品。又有如马牙光明者，为上品；白光若云母，为中品。又有紫灵砂，
圆长似笋而红紫，为上品；石片棱角生青光，为下品。交、桂所出，但是座上及打石得，形
似芙蓉头面光明者，亦入上品；颗粒而通明者，为中品；片段不明澈者，为下品。衡、邵所
出，虽是紫砂，得之砂石中者，亦下品也。有溪砂，生溪州砂石之中；土砂，生土穴之中，
土石相杂，故不入上品，不可服饵。唐李德裕《黄冶论》云∶光明砂者，天地自然之宝，在
石室之间，生雪床之上。如初生芙蓉，红芭未拆。细者环拱，大者处中，有辰居之象，有君
臣之位。光明外澈，采之者，寻石脉而求，此造化之所铸也。土宿真君曰∶丹砂受青阳之气，
始生矿石，二百年成丹砂而青女孕，又二百年而成铅，又二百年成银，又二百年复得太和之
气，化而为金，故诸金皆不若丹砂金为上也。
【修治】 曰∶凡修事朱砂，静室焚香斋沐后，取砂以香水浴过，拭干，碎捣之，钵中
更研三伏时。取一瓷锅子，每朱砂五两，用甘草二两，紫背天葵一镒，五方草一镒，着砂上
下，以东流水煮三伏时，勿令水火阙。去药，以东流水淘净干晒，又研如粉。用小瓷瓶入青
芝草、山须草半两盖之，下十斤火 ，从巳至子方歇，候冷取出，细研用。如要服，则
以熬蜜丸细麻子大，空腹服一丸。
时珍曰∶今法惟取好砂研末，以流水飞三次用。其末砂多杂石末、铁屑，不堪入药。又
法∶以绢袋盛砂，用荞麦灰淋汁，煮三伏时取出，流水浸洗过，研粉飞晒用。又丹砂以石胆、
硝石和埋土中，可化为水。
【气味】甘，微寒，无毒。
普曰∶神农∶甘；岐伯∶苦，有毒。扁鹊∶苦。李当之∶大寒。
权曰∶有大毒。
大明曰∶凉，微毒。之才曰∶恶磁石，畏碱水，忌一切血。
时珍曰∶丹砂，《别录》云无毒，岐伯、甄权言有毒，似相矛盾。按《何孟春余冬录》
云∶丹砂性寒而无毒，入火则热而有毒，能杀人，物性逐火而变。此说是也。丹砂之畏磁石、
碱水者，水克火也。 曰∶铁遇神砂，如泥似粉。
土宿真君曰∶丹砂用阴地缺、地骨皮、车前草、马鞭草、皂荚、石苇、决明、瞿麦、
南星、白附子、乌头、三角酸、藕荷、桑椹、地榆、紫河车、地丁，皆可伏制。而金公以砂
为子，有相生之道，可变化。
【主治】身体五脏百病，养精神，安魂魄，益气明目，杀精魅邪恶鬼。久服通神明不老。
能化为汞（《本经》）。通血脉，止烦满消渴，益精神，悦泽人面，除中恶腹痛，毒瓦斯疥 诸
疮。轻身神仙（《别录》）。镇心，主尸疰抽风（甄权）。润心肺，治疮痂息肉，并涂之（大明）。
治惊痫，解胎毒痘毒，驱邪疟，能发汗（时珍）。
【发明】保升曰∶朱砂法火色赤而主心。
杲曰∶丹砂纯阴，纳浮
溜之火而安神明，凡心热者非此不能除。
好古曰∶乃心经血分主药，主命门有余。
青霞子曰∶丹砂外包八石，内含金精，禀气于甲，受气于丙，出胎见壬，结块成庚，增
光归戊，阴阳升降，各本其原，自然不死。若以气衰血败，体竭骨枯，八石之功，稍能添益。
若欲长生久视，保命安神，须饵丹砂。且八石见火，悉成灰烬；丹砂伏火，化为黄银。能重
能轻，能神能灵，能黑能白，能暗能明。一斛人擎，力难升举；万斤遇火，轻速上腾。鬼神
寻求，莫知所在。
时珍曰∶丹砂生于炎方，禀离火之气而成，体阳而性阴，故外显丹色而内含真汞。其气
不热而寒，离中有阴也。其味不苦而甘，火中有土也。是以同远志、龙骨之类，则养心气；
同当归、丹参之类，则养心血；同枸杞、地黄之类，则养肾；同浓朴、川椒之类，则养脾；
同南星、川乌之类，则祛风。可以明目，可以安胎，可以解毒，可以发汗，随佐使而见功，
无所往而不可。夏子益《奇疾方》云∶凡人自觉本形作两人，并行并卧，不辨真假者，离魂
病也。用辰砂、人参、茯苓，浓煎日饮，真者气爽，假者化也。《类编》云∶钱丕少卿夜多
恶梦，通宵不寐，自虑非吉。遇邓州推官胡用之曰∶昔常如此。有道士教戴辰砂如箭镞者，
涉旬即验，四五年不复有梦。因解髻中一绛囊遗之。即夕无梦，神魂安静。道书谓丹砂辟恶
安魂，观此二事可征矣。
《抱朴子》曰∶临沅县廖氏家，世世寿考。后徙去，子孙多夭折。他人居其故宅，复多
寿考。疑其井水赤，乃掘之，得古人埋丹砂数十斛也。饮此水而得寿，况炼服者乎？
颂曰∶郑康成注《周礼》，以丹砂、石胆、雄黄、 石、磁石为五毒。古人惟以攻疮疡，
而《本经》以丹砂为无毒，故多炼治服食，鲜有不为药患者，岂五毒之说胜乎？当以为戒。
宗 曰∶朱砂镇养心神，但宜生使。若炼服，少有不作疾者。一医疾，服伏火者数粒，
一旦大热，数夕而毙。沈存中云∶表兄李善胜炼朱砂为丹，岁余，沐浴再入鼎，误遗一块。
其徒丸服之，遂发懵冒，一夕而毙。夫生朱砂，初生小儿便可服；因火力所变，遂能杀人，
不可不谨。
陈文中曰∶小儿初生，便服朱砂、轻粉、白蜜、黄连水，欲下胎毒。此皆伤脾败阳之药，
轻粉下痰损心，朱砂下涎损神，儿实者服之软弱，弱者服之易伤，变生诸病也。
时珍曰∶叶石林《避暑录》载∶林彦振、谢任伯皆服伏火丹砂，俱病脑疽死。张杲《医
说》载∶张悫服食丹砂，病中消数年，发鬓疽而死。皆可为服丹之戒。而周密《野语》载∶
临川周推官平生孱弱，多服丹砂、乌、附药，晚年发背疽。医悉归罪丹石，服解毒药不效。
疡医老祝诊脉曰∶此乃极阴证，正当多服伏火丹砂及三建汤。乃用小剂试之，复作大剂，三
日后用膏敷贴，半月而疮平，凡服三建汤一百五十服。此又与前诸说异。盖人之脏腑禀受万
殊，在智者辨其阴阳脉证，不以先入为主。非妙入精微者，不能企此。
【附方】旧八，新二十七。
服食丹砂∶三皇真人炼丹方∶丹砂一斤，研末重筛，以醇酒沃之如泥状。盛以铜盘，置
高阁上，勿令妇人见。
燥则复以酒沃，令如泥，阴雨疾风则藏之。尽酒三斗，乃曝之，三百日当紫色。斋戒沐
浴七日，静室饭丸麻子大，常以平旦，向日吞三丸。一月，三虫出；半年，诸病瘥；一年，
须发黑；三年，神人至。（《太上玄变经》）
小神丹方∶真丹末三斤，白蜜六斤。搅合日曝，至可丸，丸麻子大。每旦服十丸。一年，
白发反黑，齿落更生，身体润泽，老翁成少。（《抱朴子内编》）
明目轻身，去三尸，除疮癞。美酒五升，浸朱砂五两，五宿，日干研末，蜜丸小豆大。
每服二十丸，白汤下，久服见效。（《卫生易简方》）
神注丹方∶白茯苓四两（糯米酒煮，软竹刀切片，阴干为末），入朱砂末二钱。以乳香
水
(Cited from *Ri Hua Ben Cao*)
[Names] Guangguang Shi (Radiant Stone), Yinjing Shi (Yin Essence Stone) (from *Bencao Gangmu*, meaning see below).
[Collection and Explanation] Su Song said: Pusa Shi (Bodhisattva Stone) is produced in Emei Mountain, Jiazhou. Its color is crystal clear and white, similar to Yelangya Shi (Wild Wolf Tooth Stone) in Mount Tai or Shuijing (Rock Crystal) in Shangrao. When illuminated by the sun, it displays five colors, resembling the circular halo above a Buddha's head, hence its name.
Li Shizhen said: It is found in rock caves of Emei, Wutai, and Mount Lu. Its texture is hexagonal; some are as large as dates or chestnuts, with a crystal-clear and clean color, shimmering slightly when reflecting sunlight. Smaller ones resemble cherry beads, displaying brilliant and lovely five colors. It belongs to the category of Quartz. Alchemists process it to make containers for Wu Jin San Huang (Five Metals and Three Yellows, referring to minerals like gold, silver, copper, iron, tin, arsenic sulfide, realgar, and orpiment).
[Flavor and Property] Sweet flavor, neutral nature, non-toxic.
[Therapeutic Actions] Resolves drug toxicity and gu poison, as well as carbuncles, sores, and thirst diseases triggered by mineral medicines. Eliminates blood stasis from falls and injuries. Stops manic delirium, convulsions, and epilepsy. Regulates menstruation. Resolves wind-induced edema. Treats strangury. All should be ground with water and taken orally. For bites from snakes, insects, bees, scorpions, wild wolves, dogs, or arrow wounds, apply the powdered medicine externally (from *Da Ming Ben Cao*). Brightens eyes and removes corneal opacities (Li Shizhen).
Stone Category, Upper Section, No. 32
(From *Shennong Bencao Jing*, Upper Grade)
[Name] Zhusha (Cinnabar).
Li Shizhen said: "Dan" is the name of a stone. The character consists of a dot within "Jing" (well), symbolizing the shape of cinnabar in a well. This meaning comes from Xu Shen's *Shuowen Jiezi*. Later generations used "Dan" to denote the color red, hence the name Zhusha.
[Collection and Explanation] *Mingyi Bielu* says: Cinnabar grows in the valleys of Fuling. It can be harvested at any time. Those with luster and color like mica that can be peeled into sheets are of good quality. Ground into powder, it is called Zhenzhu (True Vermilion).
Tao Hongjing said: This is current-day Zhusha. Folk doctors mistakenly take Realgar from Qiuchi, Wudu, mixed with Orpiment, naming it Zhusha for use; this is erroneous. Fuling is located south of Fuszhou connecting to Ba Commandery; mining has ceased there now. Instead, it is produced in Wuling and various barbarian regions of Western Sichuan, all belonging to the Ba area, thus called Basha (Ba Cinnabar). *Xianjing* (Immortal Classics) also uses Yuesha (Yue Cinnabar), produced in Linzhang, Guangzhou. Both origins are good, provided they are bright, crystal clear, and transparent. Those shaped like mica sheets are called Yunmusha (Mica Cinnabar). Those shaped like Chupu dice or Zi Yanshi (Purple Fluorite) are called Mazhisha (Horse Tooth Cinnabar), which are also good. Those resembling soybeans or large smooth chunks are called Dousha (Bean Cinnabar). Fine powders are called Moshsha (Powder Cinnabar). These two types are coarse and not suitable for medicinal use, only for painting. Mining involves digging pits several zhang deep. Even within the same commandery, quality varies. Locations with underground water wells are superior to fire wells. In Daoist alchemy and ingestion practices, it is considered the supreme treasure for longevity.
Meng Shen said: Cinnabar is roughly divided into two types: Tusha (Earth Cinnabar) and Shisha (Stone Cinnabar). Tusha includes Kuasha (Chunk Cinnabar) and Moshsha, characterized by heavy texture and yellow-black color, unsuitable for painting. It is good for treating sores and scabies but not for internal medicines affecting the heart and abdomen. However, it can be calcined to extract Mercury, yielding a high output. Shisha has over ten varieties: The highest grade is Guangmingsha (Bright Cinnabar), said to grow singly in a stone niche. Large pieces are egg-sized, small ones date- or chestnut-sized, shaped like lotus buds. Broken open, they resemble mica, shining brightly. Growing on stone platforms within niches, possessing this allows one to ward off evil, ranking it as Supreme Grade. Next are those found in stones or water, chunky like thumbs or almond-sized, bright and pure, named Mayashsha (Horse Tooth Cinnabar) or Wuchongsha (No-Weight Cinnabar); excellent for both medicine and painting, though rare in common markets. Others include Xinjing Sha, Biejing Sha, Shuijing Sha, Huojing Sha, Furong Sha, Shimò Sha, Shidui Sha, Doumo Sha, etc., which look similar. For medicinal or painting use, impurities like earth and stones must be removed. There is also Yuesha, fist-sized or egg-sized; despite its size, it contains earth/stone impurities and is inferior to fine, clear specimens. The claim in *Benjing* that powder is named Zhenzhu is wrong; how can a single substance change its name simply by being powdered?
Anonymous Scholar said: There are hundreds of grades of cinnabar, impossible to list all. You have Miaoshasha (Wonderful Sulfur Cinnabar), fist-sized or weighing one yi (ancient unit), with fourteen mirror-like faces. On cloudy or rainy days, red liquid oozes from the mirrors. Meibashsha (Plum Cypress Cinnabar), plum-sized, glows at night, illuminating a room. Baitingsha (White Court Cinnabar), emperor-bead-sized, shows small stars on its surface. Shenzuosa (Divine Throne Cinnabar), Jinzuosa (Gold Throne Cinnabar), Yuzuosa (Jade Throne Cinnabar) can extend life if ingested without alchemical processing. Next are Baijins ha, Chengshuisha, Yinchengsha, Chenjinsha, Furongsha, Jingmiansha, Jianzusha, Caomo Sha, Tusha, Jinxingsha, Pingmiansha, Shenmo Sha, etc., too numerous to detail.
Su Song said: Currently produced in Chenzhou, Yizhou, and Jiazhou, with Chensha (Chen Cinnabar) being the best. It grows in deep mountain cliffs. Locals dig tens of chi deep to find its "sprout," which is white stone called Zhusha Chuang (Cinnabar Bed). Cinnabar grows on this stone. Large pieces are egg-sized, small like pomegranate seeds, shaped like lotus heads or arrowheads. Connected to the bed, they are purple-dull like iron, yet bright and clear. Crushed, they look like walls or peelable mica sheets; this is true Chensha, free of stone impurities is best. Others washed from earth/stones do not grow on beds. Yizha has huge chunks, wall-like, but rarely resembles objects, with deep red color; its efficacy is inferior to Chensha because it comes from earth/stones, not white stone beds. However, neighboring Chunzhou and Rongzhou also have cinnabar, turning their waters red. The misty vapor is reddish-yellow, called Zhusha Qi (Cinnabar Qi) by locals, prone to causing miasma and epidemics. Jiazha is inferior, unfit for medicine, only for pigments. The finest is Guangmingsha, then Kuaikuai (Chunks), then Lusù, then Moshsha. Only Guangmingsha is used medicinally.
Su Song added: Dan Sha is now called Zhusha. Chenzha comes from Man Dong, Jinzhou border, Liao Dong, Laoya Well. The well is dozens of zhang deep/wide. Firewood is burned inside. Cracks in blue stone walls reveal small niches containing white jade-like stone beds where cinnabar grows. Small as arrowheads, large as lotus buds, bright enough to reflect, grinding yields fresh red. Combined with the bed, large pieces weigh 7-10 liang. Huangzhou produces arrowhead-shaped cinnabar with stone from soil, different from this.
Chen Cheng said: Jinzhou and Shanzhou produce a yellowish, earthy cinnabar. Used in Shaanxi, Hedong, Hebei, Bian East/West. In Chang'an and Shuzhou, it is ground to replace Yin Zhu (Silver Vermilion) for lacquerware. Xinzhou recently produces large, wall-like cinnabar similar to Yizhou but with arsenic odor; breaking it reveals raw arsenic color. Heating it for medicine may be fatal. Sold in Zhejiang markets; caution is advised.
Li Shizhen said: Chenzhou and Jinzhou cinnabar are best. Mayang is ancient Jinzhou. Good types include Jianzusha (Arrowhead Cinnabar), Feishsha (Lung Cinnabar, loosely formed), and Moshsha (Fine Powder). Purple color that does not stain paper is Jiukengsha (Old Pit Cinnabar), Superior Grade; bright color that stains paper is Xinkengsha (New Pit Cinnabar), Second Grade. The Jiazhou, Jinzhou, Shanzhou cinnabar mentioned by Su Song and Chen Cheng is actually Realgar from Wudu described by Tao Hongjing, not Cinnabar. Fan Dacheng's *Gu Hai Zhi* states Chensha is superior, Yizha secondary. However, Yizhou's cinnabar source connects to Hubei Daya Mountain. North is Chensha, South is Yizha; the geological vein is similar, and old pieces also grow on white stone beds. Su Song's claim that Yizha comes from earth/stones is incorrect. Another type, Hongzhi Nensha (Red Tender Earth Pit Cinnabar), is earth-mixed and heat-resistant poorly. Yongzhou has large, dark, blocky cinnabar lacking wall-like structure, unfit for medicine, used only for mercury extraction. Su Song's mention of Rongzhou is an error for Yongzhou. *Gengxin Yuce* states cinnabar from Wuxi Mountains receiving direct south qi is best. Mayang mountains connecting to Wuxi are second. Yunnan, Persia, and Western Hu cinnabar are clean and usable. Liuzhou cinnabar resembles Chensha but is round like soap beans, unfit for medicine. Shanzhou, Qianzhou earth cinnabar, and Xuanzhou, Xinzhou cinnabar contain toxic vapors and metal energies (gold, silver, copper, lead), unfit for ingestion. Zhang Guo's *Dansha Yaojue* states Cinnabar is the master of spirits, located in the South. Superior grade grows in stone caves of Chenzhou and Jinzhou; Middle grade in Jiaozhou and Guizhou; Inferior grade in Hengzhou and Shaozhou. Names vary by clarity and form. Superior Chenzhou/Jinzhou cinnabar grows on white stone beds, often in groups of 12 (like unopened lotuses), shining brightly. Groups of 9, 7, or 5 are next. The largest is the "Monarch," surrounded by "Ministers." Lotus-bud shapes are superior. Horse-tooth bright ones are superior; white cloud-mica-like are middle. Purple Spirit Cinnabar (purple-red, bamboo-shoot shaped) is superior; green-glinting angular stone flakes are inferior. Jia/Gui cinnabar resembling lotus heads/bright surfaces is superior; transparent grains are middle; opaque fragments are inferior. Heng/Shao紫砂 (Purple Cinnabar) from sand/stone is inferior. Xisha (Stream Cinnabar) and Tusha (Earth Cinnabar) are mixed with earth/stone, not superior, unfit for ingestion. Li Deyu's *Huangye Lun* describes Guangmingsha as a natural treasure in stone rooms on snow beds, resembling lotus buds, arranged with central monarch and surrounding ministers, reflecting cosmic order. Tu Su Zhenjun states Cinnabar absorbs Qingyang Qi, forming ore, becoming Cinnabar after 200 years (pregnant by Qingnu), Lead after 400 years, Silver after 600 years, and Gold after 800 years (transformed by Taihe Qi). Thus, Cinnabar Gold is supreme.
[Processing] Lei Xiao said: To process Zhusha, burn incense and purify in a quiet room. Wash the cinnabar with fragrant water, dry, crush, and grind in a mortar for three shichen (6 hours). Place 5 liang of Zhusha in a porcelain pot with 2 liang of Gancao (Licorice Root), one yi of Zi Bei Tiankui (Ophiopogon with purple back), and one yi of Wufang Cao (Five Directions Grass). Cover top and bottom with herbs. Boil in flowing east-water for three shichen, ensuring no water/fire shortage. Remove herbs, wash thoroughly with east-flowing water, dry, and grind to powder. Place in a small porcelain bottle covered with half a liang each of Qingzhi Cao (Green Mushroom Grass) and Shanxu Cao (Mountain Beard Grass). Calcine under 10 jin of fire from Si hour (9-11 AM) to Zi hour (11 PM-1 AM). Cool, grind finely. For ingestion, mix with honey into sesame-seed-sized pills. Take one pill on an empty stomach.
Li Shizhen said: Current method: Take good cinnabar, grind to powder, wash three times with flowing water. Moshsha often contains stone dust and iron filings, unfit for medicine. Alternative: Put cinnabar in a silk bag, boil in buckwheat ash lye for three shichen, rinse with flowing water, grind, float-wash, and dry. Another method: Bury cinnabar with Shidan (Stalactite) and Xiaoshi (Niter) in soil to dissolve into water.
[Flavor and Property] Sweet, slightly cold, non-toxic.
Lei Xiao cited: Shennong: Sweet; Qibo: Bitter, toxic. Bian Que: Bitter. Li Dangzhi: Very cold.
Zhen Quan said: Highly toxic.
Meng Shen said: Cool, slightly toxic.
Xu Zhicai said: Clashes with Cishi (Magnetite), fears alkaline water, avoids all blood-related substances.
Li Shizhen said: *Bielu* says non-toxic; Qibo and Zhen Quan say toxic, seemingly contradictory. He Mengchun's *Yudonglu* states: Cinnabar is cold and non-toxic naturally, but becomes hot and toxic when heated, capable of killing. Material properties change with fire. This is correct. Cinnabar fears magnetite and alkaline water due to Water overcoming Fire. Lei Xiao said: Iron meets Shensha (Cinnabar) like soft mud or fine powder.
Tu Su Zhenjun said: Cinnabar can be subdued using Yindiqie, Digupi, Cheqiancao, Mabiancao, Zaojiao, Shiwei, Jueming, Qumai, Nanxing, Baifuzi, Wutou, Sanjiaosuan, Ouhe, Sangshen, Diyu, Zihache, Diding. Metal elements interacting with cinnabar follow generative cycles, allowing transformation.
[Therapeutic Actions] Treats hundred diseases of the five zang organs, nourishes spirit, calms hun and po, benefits qi, brightens eyes, kills demons and evil ghosts. Long-term use brings divine clarity and immortality. Can transform into Mercury (from *Benjing*). Unblocks blood vessels, stops irritability and fullness, resolves thirst, benefits spirit, beautifies complexion, removes sudden abdominal pain from evil qi, treats toxic sores and skin lesions. Lightens the body, aids immortality (from *Bielu*). Calms the Heart, treats corpse-transmission convulsions (Zhen Quan). Moistens lungs and heart, treats crusts and polyps, applied externally (Meng Shen). Treats fright and epilepsy, resolves fetal and smallpox toxins, drives away malaria, induces sweating (Li Shizhen).
[Elucidation] Wang Baosheng said: Zhusha corresponds to Fire, color Red, governs the Heart.
Zhang Guo said: Cinnabar is purely Yin, subdues floating fire to calm the mind-spirit. Only this can remove Heart Heat.
Kou Zongshi said: It is the chief herb for the Heart channel and Blood aspect, addressing excess in the Gate of Life.
Qingxia Zi said: Cinnabar encases eight stones, contains metal essence, receives Qi from Jia, breathes Bing, births Ren, forms Geng, returns to Wu. Yin and Yang rise and fall according to origin, ensuring immortality. If Qi/Blood fail and bones wither, the eight stones' power can supplement. For longevity and calming spirit, one must ingest Cinnabar. While other stones turn to ash in fire, Cinnabar transforms into Yellow Silver under controlled fire. It can be heavy or light, spiritual or mundane, black or white, dark or bright. Heavy to lift, but light to ascend when fired. Spirits cannot locate it.
Li Shizhen said: Cinnabar grows in fiery regions, inheriting Li Fire Qi. Form is Yang, nature is Yin; thus outer red color hides inner true Mercury. Its Qi is cold, not hot (Yin within Li). Its taste is sweet, not bitter (Earth within Fire). Combined with Yuanzhi and Longgu, it nourishes Heart Qi; with Danggui and Danshen, nourishes Heart Blood; with Gouqi and Dihuang, nourishes Kidney; with Houpo and Chuanjiao, nourishes Spleen; with Nanxing and Chuanwu, expels Wind. It brightens eyes, calms fetus, detoxifies, induces sweat. Efficacy depends on synergies. Xia Ziyi's *Qiji Fang* describes "Li Hun Bing" (Soul Separation Disease): patient feels double self. Treat with Chensha, Renshen, Fuling decoction. True soul refreshes, false dissolves. *Leibian* records Official Qian Pi suffering nightmares. Daoist advised wearing Arrowhead Chensha. Dreams stopped for years. Daoist texts cite Cinnabar for warding off evil and calming soul, confirmed by these cases.
*Baopuzi* records Liao family in Linyuan living long lives until moving away; descendants died young. New residents lived long. Red well water revealed buried cinnabar. Drinking it brought longevity; ingesting processed cinnabar would be even better.
Su Song noted Zheng Kangcheng classified Cinnabar, Shidan, Xionghuang, Ci Shi, and Magnetite as "Five Poisons." Ancients used them only for sores. *Benjing* calls Cinnabar non-toxic, leading many to ingest it, causing harm. One should heed the "Five Poisons" warning.
Su Song added: Zhusha calms spirit but should be used raw. Calcined use often causes disease. A doctor took a few grains of calcined cinnabar, died of fever nights later. Shen Kuo's cousin Li Shansheng refined cinnabar; a piece was accidentally ingested by a disciple, causing death. Raw Zhusha is safe for infants; fire-altered cinnabar is lethal. Caution is vital.
Chen Wenzhong warned against giving newborns Zhusha, Qingfen, honey, and Huanglian water to purge fetal toxins. These damage Spleen and Yang. Qingfen harms Heart; Zhusha damages Spirit. Strong babies become weak; weak babies get sick.
Li Shizhen cited Ye Shilin's *Bushu Lu*: Lin Yanzhen and Xie Renbo died of brain abscess after taking calcined cinnabar. Zhang Guo's *Yishuo*: Zhang Que died of temporal abscess after long-term cinnabar use. These warn against ingestion. However, Zhou Mi's *Yeyu* records Official Zhou of Linchuan, frail, taking cinnabar and Aconite, developing back abscess. Doctors blamed minerals, antidotes failed. Surgeor Zhu diagnosed extreme Yin syndrome, prescribed more calcined cinnabar and Sanjian Tang. Healed after 150 doses. This differs from others. Individual constitution varies; wise physicians distinguish Yin/Yang pulse/symptoms without bias. Only masters of subtle details can navigate this.
[Attached Prescriptions] 8 Old, 27 New.
Ingesting Cinnabar: Sanhuang Zhenren Formula: 1 jin Cinnabar, ground and sifted, mixed with strong wine to paste. Store in copper plate on high shelf, away from women.
If dry, add wine. Hide in rain/wind. After 3 dou wine absorbed, sun-dry. Turns purple in 300 days. Purify 7 days. Make sesame-sized pills in quiet room. Swallow 3 facing sunrise at dawn. 1 month: 3 worms exit. 6 months: diseases heal. 1 year: hair/blackens. 3 years: spirits arrive (*Taishang Xuanbian Jing*).
Xiaoshen Dan Formula: 3 jin True Cinnabar powder, 6 jin White Honey. Mix, sun-dry until pillable. Sesame-sized. 10 pills morning. 1 year: white hair turns black, teeth regrow, body glossy, old man becomes young (*Baopuzi Neipian*).
Brighten Eyes/Lighten Body: Soak 5 liang Zhusha in 5 sheng fine wine for 5 days. Dry, grind, honey pills bean-sized. 20 pills with warm water. Long-term effective (*Weisheng Yijian Fang*).
Shenzhu Dan Formula: 4 liang Bai Fuling (boiled in glutinous rice wine, sliced, dried, powdered), add 2 qian Zhusha powder. Use Frankincense water...