味甘，微寒。甘言味，寒言性，何以不言色与气？盖入口则知其味，入腹则知其性，若
色与气则在下文主治之中可推而知之也。主身体五脏百病。百病者，凡病皆可用，无所禁忌
，非谓能治天下之病也。凡和平之药皆如此。养精神，凡精气所结之物，皆足以养精神。人
与天地同，此精气以类相益也。安魂魄，亦入心，重镇怯。益气。气降则藏，藏则益。明目
，凡石药皆能明目，石者金气所凝，目之能鉴物，亦金气所成也。又五脏之精皆上注于目，
目大小 属心，丹砂益目中心脏之精。杀精魅邪恶鬼。大赤为天地纯阳之色，故足以辟阴邪
。久服，通神明，不老。能化为汞。石属金，汞亦金之精也。凡上品之药，皆得天地五行之
精以成其质。人身不外阴阳五行，采其精气以补真元，则神灵通而形质固矣。但物性皆偏，
太过不及翻足为害，苟非通乎造化之微者，未有试而不毙者也。
此因其色与质以知其效者。丹砂正赤，为纯阳之色。心属火，色赤，故能入心，而统治
心经之证。其质重，故又有镇坠气血之能也。凡药之用，或取其气，或取其味，或取其色，
或取其形，或取其质，或取其性情，或取其所生之时，或取其所成之地，各以其所偏胜而即
资之疗疾，故能补偏救弊，调和脏腑。深求其理，可自得之。
(Sweet in taste, slightly cold in nature.) "Sweet" refers to its taste, and "cold" refers to its thermal nature. Why are color and aroma not mentioned? Because the taste is known upon entering the mouth, and the thermal nature is perceived after entering the abdomen; as for color and aroma, they can be inferred from the therapeutic indications described later.
It treats diseases of the five Zang organs (Liver, Heart, Spleen, Lung, Kidney) throughout the body. "Hundred diseases" implies that it can be used for various ailments without specific contraindications, but it does not mean it can cure all diseases under heaven. This characteristic applies to most harmonious (mild) medicines.
Nourishes the Spirit (Shen). Any substance formed by the condensation of Essence and Qi is sufficient to nourish the Spirit. Humans are consistent with Heaven and Earth; this is the principle of mutual benefit among similar types of Essence and Qi.
Calms the Hun (Ethereal Soul) and Po (Corporeal Soul). It also enters the Heart channel, using its heavy nature to settle fear and timidity.
Benefits Qi. When Qi descends, the Zang organs become tranquil; when the Zang organs are tranquil, Qi is benefited.
Brightens the eyes. All mineral drugs (Shi Yao) can brighten the eyes. Minerals are the condensation of Metal Qi, and the eye's ability to perceive objects is also formed by Metal Qi. Furthermore, the Essence of the five Zang organs all ascend to the eyes. The inner and outer canthi belong to the Heart; Cinnabar benefits the Heart's Essence within the eyes.
Eliminates spirits, demons, evil ghosts, and malevolent influences. Bright red is the color of pure Yang in Heaven and Earth, thus it is sufficient to repel Yin pathogens.
Long-term consumption facilitates communication with the Divine (Shen Ming) and prevents aging. It can be transformed into Mercury. Minerals belong to Metal, and Mercury is also the essence of Metal. All First-Class (Superior) medicines acquire the Essence of Heaven, Earth, and the Five Elements to form their substance. The human body is not outside Yin-Yang and the Five Elements; collecting their Essence and Qi to supplement the True Yuan (Original Qi) allows the Divine Spirit to be clear and the physical form to be solid. However, the nature of all substances is biased; excess or deficiency can lead to harm. Unless one understands the subtleties of Creation, those who experiment with these drugs will invariably perish.
This section explains the efficacy based on color and texture. Cinnabar is bright red, which is the color of pure Yang. The Heart belongs to Fire and has a red color, so it can enter the Heart channel and comprehensively treat syndromes of the Heart channel. Its heavy texture gives it the ability to anchor and descend Qi and Blood.
In general, the use of medicines may derive from their aroma, taste, color, shape, texture, nature/character, time of growth, or place of formation. Each utilizes its predominant bias to assist in treating illness, thereby correcting deficiencies and saving from deviations, harmonizing the Zang and Fu organs. By deeply seeking the underlying principles, one can naturally comprehend them.