Library

[Realgar (Orpiment)]
Taste: Acrid, Sweet. Nature: Neutral, Cold. Toxicity: Toxic. Origin: Produced on the north slope of Wudu Mountain, hence Orpiment enjoys a high reputation. Color resembles gold because it is steamed by the essence of metal (since Yin Mountain produces gold). Texture is layered like fish scales, resembling mica. Regarding processing and treatment, it must avoid contact with chickens, dogs, and women. If accidentally touched, it turns black as iron.
Ground into powder, it is used mostly externally. Rarely used internally; users should exercise caution. Removes white films from the eyes (or skin blemishes), treats all kinds of malignant sores; dissipates dead muscle in the skin, resolves various insect poisons. Expels evil influences, acting similarly to Realgar (Arsenolite). Pregnant women wearing it may cause a male fetus to turn female. If processed ("Fu") with herbal medicines, it can also transmute copper into silver. (Following the previous method, using herbs to control fire properties so that the metallic body color remains unchanged. Meaning after melting into liquid, it can transmute silver into gold, and copper into silver.)

[Red Kaolin]
Taste: Sweet, Sour, Acrid. Nature: Warm. Toxicity: Non-toxic. Origin: Mostly produced in Mount Tai, collectible at any time. Varieties include five colors but share one name. Although their functions in tonifying different organs vary, they generally belong to astringent agents. One can infer others from these examples, so detailed explanation is unnecessary. Red color and adhesion to the tongue indicate quality; it must be calcined in fire, quenched in vinegar, and then ground. It fears Kansui (Radix Euphorbiae Kansuensis) and dislikes Rhubarb (Radix et Rhizoma Rhei) and Pine Resin. For healing ulcers and promoting flesh growth in various decoctions, and for stopping bleeding and returning blood to its vessels, it is effective. Nourishes Heart Qi, secures Essence, stops diarrhea and dysentery, relieves pain. (White variety enters the Large Intestine Meridian, especially effective for stopping diarrhea.)

[Ning Shui Shi / Cold Water Stone]
(Also known as Han Shui Shi / Cold Water Stone) Taste: Acrid, Sweet. Nature: Cold. Toxicity: Non-toxic. Origin: Mostly produced in Hejian (Commandery name), also produced in Handan (i.e., Zhao Commandery). There are differences between longitudinal and transverse grain structures; those that are moist, clear, and bright are superior. When placed in water, it takes on the same color as water. Even in summer, it appears congealed like water, hence the name Ning Shui Shi. It must be ground extremely fine before use. Add ginger juice when taking; its nature opposes Sanguisorba Root (Radix Sanguisorbae). Clears heat in the Stomach and drives out latent heat in the Five Zang Organs; resolves Croton Seed (Fructus Crotonis) toxicity and suppresses various toxicities caused by mineral drugs (Dan Shi). Treats complications of cold damage due to overexertion; eliminates accumulated pathogenic heat. Stops irritability, throat thirst, and Xiao Ke (Wasting-Thirst); removes edema and stubborn bi-syndrome in the lower abdomen.