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Yu Quan (Jade Spring)

The flavor is sweet, the nature is neutral, and it is non-toxic. It primarily treats diseases of the five zang organs and hundred ailments; it softens tendons and strengthens bones, calms the hun and po spirits, promotes muscle growth, tonifies qi, benefits blood vessels, treats twelve types of leukorrhea in women, eliminates qi stagnation and strangury, and clarifies the ears and eyes.

Long-term consumption enables one to resist cold and heat, prevents hunger and thirst, makes one like an immortal who does not age, lightens the body, and prolongs life. If taken by a person on their deathbed (five jin), the corpse's color remains unchanged for three years after death. It is also known as Yu Zha (Jade Tally). It grows in the valleys of Lantian. It can be harvested at any time. (It is incompatible with Dong Hua Flower / Kuan Dong Hua.)

Tao Hongjing stated: Lantian is located southeast of Chang'an, where beautiful jade was traditionally produced. This substance should be the essence of jade. Those that are white have a clear and transparent texture and can be melted into water; therefore, people generally refer to them simply as jade. Zhang Hua further stated: To consume jade, one should use the white Jade Jiao (Jiao Jade) from Lantian; regular consumption of this substance leads to immortality. There is a record of someone taking five jin before death, and after three years post-mortem, their complexion remained unchanged. Since ancient times, when tombs were excavated and corpses found looking alive, their bodies, inside and out, invariably contained large amounts of gold and jade. In Han dynasty regulations, kings and dukes were buried in caskets made of pearls and jade, ensuring imperishability. The method of refining and consuming it should follow the "Immortal Classic" methods for consuming jade, grinding it into water-like particles for appropriate use. Although its nature is described as neutral, those who consume jade often experience fever, resembling symptoms after taking Hanshi San (Cold Food Powder). Gold and jade are precious treasures of heaven and earth, unlike other stones. If one has not deeply understood the proper dosage and precautions, do not use them lightly. Current analysis notes: Another version's annotation states: Yu Quan is the liquid essence of jade. The best quality comes from the Jade Pool in immortal chambers. In the current "Immortal Classic" thirty-six water methods, jade is transformed into jade paste, called Yu Quan. Consuming it prolongs life and prevents aging, although its efficacy is inferior to natural spring water. It is also known as Yu Ye (Jade Fluid) and Qiong Jiang (Nectar). Minister Yu Xi et al. respectfully note: Ri Huazi stated: Yu Quan treats blood masses.

Tu Jing Wen detailed this under the entry for Yu Xie (Jade Dust).

Bie Shuo stated: Respectfully consulting Tu Jing, Li Yu from Yizhou is actually bright yellow stone. Generally, what distinguishes jade from stone is its hardness and grain structure, resisting damage by fire or blades. The current yellow stone from Yizhou, though locally forced to be named Li Yu, is light and small, easily carved by knives, identical in nature to Bai Shi (White Stone) from Jiazhou but differing in color; thus, it is likely insufficient to be classified among various jades.

Yan Yi stated: Regarding Yu Quan, the Classics say it grows in Lantian valleys and can be harvested anytime. However, currently, there is no Yu Quan in Lantian valleys. Springs are never described as being "harvested" in ancient or modern texts. It also says "consume five jin," yet ancient and modern prescriptions measure water by volume, not weight (jin). It also says "also known as Yu Zha." Thus, it is unclear what specific substance this refers to. Various interpretations remain uncertain. Although Tao Hongjing said it could be melted into water, hence the name Yu Quan, if true, it should be called Yu Shui (Jade Water), not Yu Quan. The term "Quan" implies flowing and spreading; differentiated, it implies universal penetration. The I Ching also says: "Spring emerges from beneath the mountain, indicating Meng (Innocence)." Thus, it is indeed not stagnant water. This discrepancy may stem from textual corruption or omission over time. Collecting jade to make paste is undoubtedly correct. Moreover, many book chapters have been lost; considering the Ben Cao (Materia Medica) predates Emperor Yao, such errors are not surprising. Some versions mistakenly write "She Quan" instead of "Yu Quan." The Tang Ben Cao annotation notes: The character "Quan" (All/Complete) might be a typo for "He" (Combine); Tao saw the erroneous version and changed it to "Han" (Contain), showing uncertainty. Later, Tie Jiang (Iron Slurry) shares similar semantic issues. Additionally, Daoist Canon mentions "Golden Rice and Jade Nectar," and Li Shangyin of the Tang Dynasty wrote "Before drinking the nectar, it forms ice," confirming that jade can indeed be processed into paste. There is also a Yu Quan Temple in the jurisdiction of Jingmen Jun, containing a spring identical to ordinary springs, which cannot treat diseases, yet the temple uses this water daily. In Western Luoyang, there is Wan'an Mountain, with a temple named Yu Quan within its slopes. Having climbed this mountain twice to investigate the doubts regarding Yu Quan, the monks were ignorant and unable to answer. A stream in front of the temple supplies the temple. The spring source consists of bluestone, indistinguishable from well water. If following the alternative annotation that Yu Quan is the liquid essence of jade, with the best coming from immortal chambers, then no one in the world can obtain it, making the name arbitrary. Therefore, the alternative annotation is unacceptable. Furthermore, Yan Yu (Yan Jade) comes from north of Yan; its texture is soft and brittle, like oil mixed with pink powder, it is not used in medicine, but should be appended here.