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Coral
Sweet, level in nature, non-toxic. Primarily treats retained blood (stasis), removes nebulae (opacities) from the eyes, and stops epistaxis (nosebleed). Powdered and insufflated into the nose. Grows in the South Sea.
The *Tang Bencao* commentary states: It resembles jade, is reddish and lustrous, with many holes in the middle, though some have no holes. It also comes from Persia and Simsim (Lion Country). (Originally attached to the *Tang Bencao*).
Minister Yuxi et al. respectfully note: According to *Rihuazi*, it calms the heart and stops fright, brightens the eyes.
The *Tujing* states: Coral grows in the South Sea; the commentary adds that it also comes from Persia and Simsim. Currently, there is also coral in Guangzhou, said to grow on the sea bottom, resembling branches, bright and lustrous like red jade, with many holes in the middle, though some are holeless. Those with more branches are even harder to obtain. There is no fixed time for harvesting. Respectfully according to the *Haizhong Jing*: To harvest coral, an iron net is first made and sunk to the bottom. Coral grows through the mesh of the net, growing three or two chi tall each year. It has branches but no leaves. Therefore, when the net is hauled out, they are all broken within the net, making intact specimens rare. It is unknown if current harvesting methods are indeed like this. In the Jicui Pool in Chang'an during the Han Dynasty, there was coral, one zhang two chi high, with one root and three main branches, bearing four hundred sixty-three upper branches, said to be presented by Zhao Tuo, King of Nanyue, emitting light at night. In the Jin Dynasty, Shi Chong's home had coral six or seven chi high; now it is not heard that such tall specimens exist.
Chen Cangqi says: Coral grows under rock cliffs; when pierced or carved, its juice flows like blood. Throwing gold into it to make pills is named "Gold Paste" (Jinjiang); throwing jade into it makes "Jade Marrow" (Yusui). Long-term use promotes longevity. The *Haiyao* commentary cites the *Jin Shu Biographies*: In Shi Chong's Jingu Garden, the coral tree's flower buds resemble peanut flowers. Sweet, level in nature, non-toxic. Primarily treats retained blood, wind epilepsy, etc. Note: Its therapeutic indications are similar to those of gold. A prescription from Chancellor Qian's chest: Treats children aged seven or eight with ocular membranes (nebulae) that are not yet hard. Do not apply medicine recklessly. It is suitable to instill Sanhu San (Coral Powder), finely ground like powder, instilling a small amount daily; recovery occurs immediately after three days. The *Yiwuzhi* states: It originates from Persia and is the most precious treasure in the human world.
The *Yanyi* states: Coral treats ocular nebulae; nowadays people use it as eye-dropping tools. One type is red-oil colored with fine longitudinal striations, which is lovely; another type is lead-red colored without longitudinal striations, considered inferior. For medicinal use, the red-oil colored type is used. I once saw a specimen about one chi high, with two branches growing straight up, dividing into over ten secondary branches. Near the top, they intersect and intertwine, remaining reddish-lustrous with longitudinal striations, which is also a peculiarity. In the seas of Persia, there is a Coral Reef. Seafarers take large ships, drop iron nets to the water bottom. When coral first grows, it clings to rocks, white as mushrooms. After one year it turns yellow, after three years red. Branches and trunks interlace, growing three or four chi high. Iron hooks dig up their roots, tie them to the ship, and haul them out. If not harvested in time, they rot.