味甘平。主身皮死肌,云母色白属金,故为肺经之药。又肺主皮毛,云母薄叠如皮,
亦与肺合也。中风寒热,如在车船上,肺气震荡,此能镇之。除邪气,安五脏,亦清镇之功
。益子精,肺为肾源。明目。目白属肺,此能益目中肺脏之精。久服轻身延年。肺旺则气旺
,故有此效。
云母虽有五色,而白其正色也。白属金,金生水,故云母之上常生气云。云者,地气上
升,
味甘温。主咳逆上气,钟乳石体属金,又其象下垂而中空,故能入肺降逆。明目,
能益目中肺脏之精。益精,能引肺气入肾。安五脏,通百节,利九窍,降气则脏安,中虚则
窍通。下乳汁。钟乳即石汁如乳者所溜而成,与乳为类,故能下乳汁也。
此以形为治。石为土中之精,钟乳石液所凝,乃金之液也,故其功专于补肺。以其下垂,
故
能下气。以其中空,故能通窍。又肺朝百脉,肺气利则无所不利矣。自唐以前,多以钟乳为
服食之药,以其能直达肾经,骤长阳气,合诸补肾之品,用以房中之术最妙。但此乃深岩幽
谷之中,水溜凝结而成,所谓金中之水,其体至阴,而石药多悍,性反属阳,故能补人身阴
中之火。阴火一发,莫可制伏,故久服毒发,至不可救。惟升炼得宜,因证施治,以交肺肾
子母之脏,实有殊能也。
Sweet in taste, neutral in nature. Primarily treats dry and dead skin of the body. Yunmu (Muscovite) is white in color and belongs to Metal in the Five Elements; therefore, it is a herb entering the Lung Meridian. Furthermore, the Lung governs the skin and hair; since Yunmu consists of thin, layered sheets resembling skin, it also corresponds to the Lung organ. For wind-stroke accompanied by alternating cold and fever, where one feels as if on a rocking boat or carriage—caused by turbulent Lung Qi—this herb can calm and stabilize such turbulence. It eliminates pathogenic factors and stabilizes the Five Zang Organs, which is also attributed to its clearing and descending properties. It benefits the "Zi Jing" (Offspring Essence, referring to Kidney Essence), because the Lung is the source of the Kidney (Metal generates Water). It brightens the eyes. The white part of the eye belongs to the Lung; this herb benefits the essence of the Lung within the eyes. Long-term use makes the body light and prolongs life. When Lung Qi is robust, general Qi becomes robust, thus yielding these effects.
Although Yunmu exists in five colors, white is its true color. White belongs to Metal, and Metal generates Water; therefore, living clouds often appear above Yunmu. "Clouds" refer to the rising of Earth Qi.
Sweet in taste, warm in nature. Primarily treats cough with rebellious upward rushing of Qi. Zhongru Shi (Stalactite) has a constitution belonging to Metal; moreover, its form hangs downward and is hollow inside, enabling it to enter the Lung and direct rebellious Qi downward. It brightens the eyes by benefiting the essence of the Lung within the eyes. It benefits essence by guiding Lung Qi into the Kidney. It stabilizes the Five Zang Organs, unblocks the hundred joints, and opens the nine orifices. When Qi descends, the Zang Organs are stabilized; when the Middle Jiao deficiency is filled, the orifices become patent. It promotes lactation. Zhongru Shi is formed from stone fluid that flows like milk; being similar to milk, it can promote the flow of breast milk.
This applies treatment based on morphology. Stone is the essence within Earth; Zhongru Shi is condensed from stone fluid, representing the liquid state of Metal; therefore, its efficacy specializes in tonifying the Lung. Because it hangs downward, it can descend Qi. Because it is hollow inside, it can open orifices. Additionally, the Lung directs all meridians; when Lung Qi is free and smooth, nothing remains obstructed. Prior to the Tang Dynasty, Zhongru Shi was frequently used as an elixir for longevity, as it can directly reach the Kidney Meridian and rapidly augment Yang Qi. Combined with various Kidney-tonifying herbs, it is considered excellent for sexual health practices. However, it forms in deep caves and secluded valleys through water condensation, described as "Water within Metal." Its substance is extremely Yin, yet mineral drugs are generally potent and their nature tends toward Yang; thus, they can tonify the Fire within Yin (Mingmen Fire) in the human body. Once this Yin-Fire ignites, it cannot be controlled; hence, long-term use leads to toxic reactions that may become incurable. Only when properly refined through sublimation and administered according to specific patterns, thereby facilitating the interaction between the Lung and Kidney (mother and child organs), does it truly possess exceptional capabilities.