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Pungent in flavor, warm in nature, non-toxic. It treats traumatic wounds and ulcerations, blood stasis, diarrhea and dysentery, alternating chills and fever, scrofula (tuberculous lymphadenitis), zheng jia (abdominal masses), qi stagnation, coldness and pain in the feet, and weakness of the limbs. Also known as Jiangshi (Ginger Stone), it is the root of Stalactite (Zhongru). It grows in the valleys of Zhao State, as well as at Liang Mountain and Nanhai. It can be harvested at any time. (Incompatible with Baizhu [Atractylodis Rhizoma] and Fangji [Stephaniae Tetrandrae Radix].)

Zhao State belongs to Jizhou Province. This is what people nowadays call Konggongnie, which is as large as cattle or sheep horns and about one or two chi in length. It also originates from Shixing. (From *Xinxiu Bencao* page 44, *Daguan Bencao* Vol. 4, *Zhenghe Bencao* page 113.)

Pungent in flavor, warm in nature, non-toxic. It treats food stagnation and indigestion, pathological qi accumulation, malignant sores, carbuncles, hemorrhoids, unblocks the nine orifices, and promotes lactation. It treats yin sores in men and vaginal erosion in women, as well as excessive sleepiness caused by food stagnation. Also known as Tongshi, it is the root of Yennie, with a greenish-yellow color. It grows in the valleys of Liang Mountain. (Uses Mulan [Magnoliae Officinalis Cortex] as an assistant; incompatible with Xixin [Asari Radix et Rhizoma].)

Liang Mountain belongs to Fengyi Commandery. This is what is now called Zhongruchuang (Stalactite Bed). It also originates from Shixing and usually occurs in large broken pieces. Generally speaking, for substances like Stalactite, the three types share the same essence. The substance formed by fluid dripping from the top of stone chambers accumulating over a long period is called Zhongruchuang, which is this Konggongnie. The next type, which grows smaller, is called Yennie, which people nowadays refer to as Konggongnie. When Yennie drips further and becomes light and of good quality, it is called Zhongru (Stalactite). Although they belong to the same category, their therapeutic properties differ significantly, leading to a vast disparity in value. These two types of "nie" are unsuitable for making pills and powders; people generally crush them, soak them in wine, and drink the infusion to treat foot weakness. Regarding the previously mentioned indications, it is likely that decocting them in water as a soup is more appropriate. According to records, although these three types share the same root, they grow in different places, suggesting that each adapts to its local environment to achieve its efficacy. (From *Xinxiu Bencao* page 45, *Daguan Bencao* Vol. 4, *Zhenghe Bencao* page 113.)

Sweet in flavor, warm in nature, non-toxic. It treats deficiency and damage caused by wind-cold, pain and numbness in the waist and legs, calms the five zang organs, and tonifies qi. Also known as Shi Yi Bing. It grows in the rocks and soil of famous mountains and can be harvested at any time.

This stone is also a type of Stalactite. Its shape resembles Chongqing (Chrysocolla or Malachite) but is white with black spots. It is soft, brittle, and easily broken. It is found in both the east and west of Mount Mao and Ping Mountain, where it can be obtained by excavating the soil. It is not used in secular medical formulas, but Liu Jun's Daoxian San in the *Xianjing* (Scriptures of Immortals) utilizes it. Furthermore, *Zhen Gao* records that Li Zheng collected and consumed it to treat wind-bi and deficiency damage, thereby achieving longevity. (From *Xinxiu Bencao* page 46, *Daguan Bencao* Vol. 4, *Zhenghe Bencao* page 115.)