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Longgu (Fossilized Bones): The nature is neutral and slightly cold, the flavor is sweet. It belongs to Yang. It is non-toxic.
Bencao states: It governs Guizhu (a chronic wasting disease caused by evil qi) in the heart and abdomen, spirits and old demons, cough with reverse flow of Qi, diarrhea and dysentery with pus and blood, leukorrhea or metrorrhagia in women, hard and fixed masses (Zhengjia), and pediatric convulsive epilepsy due to heat Qi. It treats vexation and fullness in the heart and abdomen, flaccidity and atrophy of the four limbs, sweating, spontaneous fright during sleep. It addresses Qi stagnation hidden under the heart due to anger, preventing normal breathing. It treats intestinal abscesses and internal carbuncles, erosion of the yin organs. It stops sweating, reduces urination, and treats hematuria. It nourishes the spirit, stabilizes the Hun and Po, and calms the Five Zang organs.
The Classic of Materia Medica (Shennong Bencao Jing) states: Astringency can remove slippage and consolidate Qi.
Cheng Wuji says: Longgu, Muli (Oyster Shell), and Qiandan (Lead Tetroxide) all converge the Shen (Spirit) to calm fright. When used, it must be calcined until red-hot and ground into powder. It is incompatible with Shigao (Gypsum Fibrosum).
Zhenzhu Nang states: It secures rectal prolapse.

Xijiao (Rhinoceros Horn): The nature is warm, the flavor is acrid. It is non-toxic.
Bencao states: It repels evil Qi. It kills spirits and evil entities, treats Warm Malaria, Gu poison, epilepsy, and spasms, and eliminates the Three Corpses parasites. It treats various ominous evil Qi, sudden abdominal pain from central poisoning, distension and fullness, and Wind toxicity. It treats difficult labor in women and induces abortion.

Daimai (Hawksbill Turtle Shell): The nature is neutral, the flavor is bitter. It has slight toxicity.
Bencao states: It treats convulsive epilepsy with cold and heat, mania and spasms due to excessive heat. It drives away ghosts and removes evil. It treats a hundred diseases in children, various heat-type epilepsies, trismus (lockjaw), and adult mania. It also induces abortion. Long-term use enhances memory. It is stated that the yellow part on the nails should be ground for authenticity. It stabilizes the Hun and Po. Ren Shen (Ginseng Root) serves as an assistant herb. Combined with Mudan Pi (Moutan Cortex) and Changpu (Acorus Rhizome), it benefits the ears and eyes. It is antagonistic to Longgu, Longdan Cao (Gentian Root), and Dihuang (Rehmannia Root), and fears Niuxi (though text says Niuxi, likely referring to a specific toxic plant or preparation context, literally "Cow Lacquer").

Xijiao (Rhinoceros Horn): The nature is cold, the flavor is bitter. Sour, salty, slightly cold. Non-toxic.
Yixue Qiyuan states: It treats headache due to Shanghan (Cold Damage) and epidemic febrile diseases, calms the Shen, stops confusion, brightens the eyes, and calms fright. It treats aphasia due to Wind-stroke, pediatric aspiration of bran or beans, and wind-heat induced convulsive epilepsy. It is used in shaved slices.
Bencao states: It governs hundred poisons, Gu infections, evil ghosts, and miasma. It kills Gouwen (Veratrum), Zhen feathers, and snake venom, removes evil, prevents confusion, and wards off nightmares. It treats headache and chills/fever due to Shanghan and epidemic febrile diseases, and various toxic vapors. It treats all sores and swellings, and breaks blood stasis.
Tangye Bencao states: The theory of using Shengma (Cimicifugae Rhizoma) as a substitute for Xijiao is discussed under the Shengma entry. Yi Lao (Zhang Yuansu) treated Blood Stasis by three regions: Upper Jiao blood stasis uses Xijiao Dihuang Tang (Rhino-Horn and Rehmannia Decoction); Middle Jiao blood stasis uses Tao Ren Chengqi Tang (Peach Kernel and Magnolia Bark Decoction); Lower Jiao blood stasis uses Didang Tang and Wan (Tablet), where the tablet action is slower than the decoction. These three methods are most appropriate; later users have not surpassed them.