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Pungent in flavor, warm in nature, non-toxic. Primarily treats food stagnation and indigestion, qi stagnation and malignant diseases caused by evil pathogen accumulation, sores, carbuncles, hemorrhoids, unblocks the nine orifices, promotes lactation, treats male genital ulcers, female vaginal erosion, and somnolence caused by food stagnation. Also known as Tongshi (Unblocked Stone), it is the root of Yennie (Yin Nie). The color is greenish-yellow. Grows in the valleys of Liangshan. (Mu Lan [Magnoliae Officinalis Cortex] serves as a guiding herb; adverse reaction with Xixin [Asari Radix et Rhizoma].)

Tao Hongjing stated: Liangshan belongs to Fengyi Commandery. This is what is now called Zhongru Chuang (Stalactite Bed), also produced in Shixing, all used after being broken into large pieces. Generally, for herbs like Zhongru (Stalactite), the three types share the same origin. Those that drip from the top of stone caves, accumulate over a long time, and form knots are called Zhongru Chuang, which is this Konggongnie (Kong Gong Nie). The smaller ones are called Yinnie, currently referred to by people as Konggongnie. Among Yinnie, those that have undergone further dripping/refining and possess a light, fine quality are called Zhongru. Although belonging to the same category, their therapeutic properties differ significantly, with vast disparities in price. These two types of Nie are unsuitable for pills and powders; people generally crush them into powder, soak them in wine, and drink the infusion, which is very effective for treating Jiaoruo (weakness of the legs). For the aforementioned indications, it is likely more appropriate to decoct them in water as a soup. According to current understanding, these three herbs share the same root but grow in different places, suggesting that their efficacy may vary according to the local soil conditions. The annotation in Tang Bencao states: This Nie ranks below Zhongru, resembling cattle or sheep horns, with open channels inside, hence the name Tongshi. The Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing erroneously considered it the root of Yinnie. Tao Hongjing, relying on the Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing, believed this was a modern error, which is actually correct. Ministers Yuxi et al. carefully noted according to the Shu edition: There are five types of herbs related to Zhongru: 1. Zhongru, 2. Yinnie, 3. Konggongnie, 4. Shichuang (Stone Bed), 5. Shihua (Stone Flower). Although they share the same origin, their main therapeutic effects differ. These two types of Nie can only be soaked in wine and are unsuitable for inclusion in pills and powders, yet they are highly effective for treating Jiaoruo (leg weakness) and Gangjiao (Hong Kong foot/tinea pedis or lower limb edema pain). Shihua and Shichuang are explicitly detailed in subsequent entries. Wu Shi stated: For Konggongnie, Shen Nong considered it pungent; Qibo considered it salty; Bian Que considered it sour and non-toxic. The color is greenish-yellow. Yao Xing Lun states: Konggongnie should avoid sheep blood; its flavor is sweet, and it has slight toxicity. It primarily treats cold waist, knee bi syndrome, toxic wind, and genital erosions in both men and women. It treats excessive sleepiness and can make the voice clear and resonant. Ri Huazi stated: Konggongnie, flavor sweet, nature warm. Treats Zhengjie (accumulated masses/knots). This is the Yinnie Chuang. Tu Jing Ben Cao provides detailed illustrations under the entry for Shi Zhongru.

Qingxiazi stated: Nie can lighten the body and fill the muscles.