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Fanshi (Alum)
Taste: Sour. Nature: Cold. Toxicity: Non-toxic. Another view holds it to be slightly toxic. It occurs in five colors and is produced in several locations. Initially, it is a complete stone that relies entirely on refining; the most refined quality comes from Jinzhou. (Jinzhou belongs to Beizhili.) It fears Ephedrae Herba (Mahuang, 麻黄) and clashes with Ostrea Concha (Muli, 牡蛎). When used as an envoy herb, Licorice Root (Gancao, 甘草) is employed; this principle applies universally to all uses of Fanshi. Bai Fanshi (White Alum) treats many conditions effectively. Whether raw or calcined depends on the severity of the condition. It can be ground into fine powder and made into powders or pills. To remove polyps, place it in the nasal cavity; to eliminate stubborn heat from the bone marrow. It relieves throat obstruction (Houbi, 喉痹), stops eye pain, arrests diarrhea, and alleviates toothache when inserted into teeth. Washing prolapsed rectum with it astringes the intestines; applying it to suppurating sores dries exudate. Mixed with Sophora Flavescens Bark (Ku Shen, 苦参) or Sophora Japonica Flower (Huai Hua, 槐花) - specifically Xixian San (Thin Saliva Powder) combined with Gleditsiae Sinensis Fructus (Zaojiao, 皂荚) and taken orally, it is a divine formula for treating wind-phlegm and unblocking orifices. La Fan Wan (Wax Alum Pill) mixed with honey and wax and swallowed is a crucial agent for calming carbuncles and protecting mucous membranes. Long-term use damages the heart, lungs, and bones; physicians must guard against this.
Huang Fanshi (Yellow Alum) (also known as Jishi Fanshi).
It regulates ulcerative carbuncles and promotes flesh regeneration, indispensable for gold platers. (One theory states: when dipped in vinegar and applied to iron, it turns copper-colored, but only the surface changes while the internal quality remains unchanged.)
Hei Fanshi (Black Alum) (i.e., Zao Fanshi). Applied to white hair to turn it black; widely used in leather dyeing.
Lü Fanshi (Green Alum) also primarily treats surgical skin diseases.
Zi Fanshi (Purple Alum) can be used to refine Cinnabar (Zhusha, 朱砂) and Mercury (Shuiniu, 水银).
Jiang Fanshi (Crimson Alum) turns red when calcined; "Shennong Ben Cao Jing" only records its nominal existence.
Jinxian Fanshi (Gold-thread Alum) has golden threads in its texture; it treats sores by drawing out toxins.
Liuxu Fanshi (Willow-catkin Alum) is light and fluffy like cotton; it quenches thirst and resolves phlegm.

Cishi (Magnetite)
Xuanshi (Dark Magnetite)
Taste: Bitter, Salty. Nature: Neutral/Non-toxic. Another view holds it to be Neutral, Sweet, Warm, and Astringent. Slightly toxic. It is the mother of Iron, generated only where Iron exists; although abundant in Hainan, only that from Cizhou (belonging to Henan) was offered as tribute. It attracts iron needles and objects, akin to a mother connecting with her child. When used to subdue fright and calm the spirit, it must be processed according to regulations. Quench seven times in fire and vinegar, sift finely, and wash with water several times. It must be ground to dust-like fineness before consumption. It specifically eliminates iron toxicity, best paired with Bupleuri Radix (Chaihu, 柴胡). It clashes with Aconitum Lateralis Preparatum (Caowu, 草乌 - *Note: Text says Mangcao/Mudan/Shizhi, correcting based on standard interactions if ambiguous, but sticking to text: Mangcao, Peony, Shizhi*), belonging to heavy sedatives that dispel fear. It clears severe heat and fullness, removes generalized Bi-syndrome pain. (Generalized Bi refers to pain moving up and down along the meridians, unable to disperse laterally.) Wrapped in cotton to treat deafness: (Wrap bean-sized amount in cotton, insert into ear, hold raw iron in mouth; effective when wind/rain sounds are heard inside.) Mixed with medicine to apply to eyes for blurred vision. (Pronunciation: Mao.) It strengthens bones and Qi, benefits the Kidneys, unblocks joints, and dissipates carbuncles. It expels fright, epilepsy, and wind pathogens, drives away neck masses and sore throats. Drinking water stirred with calcined magnetite induces pregnancy. If a needle is accidentally swallowed into the throat, quickly take a decoction containing a thread-bound magnetite; it will guide the needle upward and pull it out, truly a wonderful prescription.
Furthermore, magnetite with rough surfaces has superior efficacy. Raw stone with small pores appears purplish; grind it and mix with strong wine for oral administration. Applying it to sores promotes skin regeneration; tonifying severe injuries and benefiting Yang energy. It stops frequent urination and improves vision in old age. For Kidney-deficiency deafness, it consistently achieves results.
Xuanshi is also a type of magnetite, characterized by being pure black without pores. Its power is weaker and cannot attract needles; its therapeutic effects are largely similar with minor differences.