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Yu Yu Liang (Haematitum)

The flavor is sweet, the nature is cold. It is non-toxic. It is harvested from Luzhou (in Shanxi Province), resembling goose eggs in shape. The outer shell consists of overlapping layers wrapping around a core of fine yellow powder. It resembles Puhuang (Typhae Pollen), and feels gritty when chewed. It should be calcined with fire and quenched with vinegar, then repeatedly pounded in a porcelain mortar. Water is added to clarify the juice, ensuring no sand or soil remains. When used in prescriptions as an assistant drug, it is suitably combined with Mudanpi (Moutan Cortex). It treats blood obstruction and abdominal masses, red and white leukorrhea; it eliminates chills, fever, irritability, fullness, cough, and qi rebellion caused by pathogenic factors. Long-term consumption can lighten the body and prolong life. The classics state: "Heavy substances can dispel fear." The heavy nature of Haematitum makes it a sedative and consolidating agent.

Additionally, there is Shizhong Huangzi (Yellow Core within Stone), which is immature Yu Yu Liang. It is stored within the shell, producing a water-sounding noise when shaken. The commentary in *Ben Jing* states: "Water that has solidified is Yu Yu Liang; water that has not solidified is Shizhong Huangzi." It is also suitable for long-term consumption, helping to resist aging and lighten the body. There is also Taiyi Yu Liang, recorded in ancient prescriptions. After examining various theories, none provide true understanding. Some point to the water shell as the correct identification, but this is merely speculative conjecture. The therapeutic effects described are slightly similar to those mentioned previously.

Zi Shi Ying (Lepidocrocitum) and Bai Shi Ying (Quartzum Album)

The flavor is sweet and pungent, the nature is warm. It is non-toxic. It is frequently produced in Mount Tai. There are five color varieties and two main types. However, the green, red, and yellow varieties are rarely used in treatment. Only the purple and white varieties are sought after for consumption. They are stored in mortars, ground into powder, stirred with water, and filtered. Changshi (Longstone) is used as an envoy drug. It enters the Heart, Liver, and Lung meridians. (Purple stone enters the Heart and Liver meridians; white stone enters the Lung meridian.) It is incompatible with Fuzi (Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata), Bianqing (Atacamitum), Huanglian (Coptidis Rhizoma), and Maijujiang (Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens). Zi Shi Ying is transparent and clear like crystal, resembling the head of a backgammon piece. It treats wind-cold in the uterus of women, leading to infertility for ten years; it treats chills, fever, and pathogenic factors in men, causing abnormal cough and qi rebellion. It calms palpitations and tonifies Heart deficiency; it fills the Lower Jiao and especially pacifies the soul. It also dissipates carbuncles and swellings, prepared by decocting with ginger and vinegar. Bai Shi Ying is two to three cun long and as thick as a finger. Its six faces are smooth as if cut, white, transparent, and lustrous. It treats chronic cold in the chest and diaphragm accompanied by cough and qi rebellion; it regulates Xiao Ke (Wasting-Thirst) and impotence. It supplements Qi, dispels wind-bi, directs rebellious Qi downward, and promotes urination. It treats Fei Wei (Lung Atrophy) and Fei Yong (Lung Abscess), stopping the vomiting of pus and blood.