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Pearl (Zhenzhu), Cold, non-toxic. It primarily treats inverted and thickened skin on the hands and feet (Shouzutan Pifu Nilu), calms the Heart spirit (Zhenxin). Wrapped in cotton and inserted into the ear, it treats deafness (Long). Applied to the face, it makes the complexion lustrous and beautiful. Pearl powder applied to the eyes treats corneal opacity or membrane obstruction (Fuyi Zhangmo) [Modern Addition].

Minister Yuxi et al., according to *Yaoxing Lun* (Treatise on the Nature of Medicinals): Pearl is a Sovereign drug (Jun). It treats white membranes and opacities in the eyes; in Qibao San (Seven-Treasure Powder), pearl is ground to remove opacities; it can also descend phlegm (Zhuitan). Ri Huazi states: Pearl seeds calm the mind, brighten the eyes, and preserve youthfulness (Zhu Yanse).

*Tujing* (Illustrated Classic) states: Pearl is not recorded in the *Benjing* (*Shennong Bencao Jing*) regarding its place of origin. Currently, it is produced in Lianzhou, and also in Beihai. Pearls are generated by Zhuomu (commonly known as Zhumu, the pearl oyster/mussel). Zhuomu belongs to the mussel family. According to *Lingbiao Luyi*: In Lianzhou, there are islands off the coast with large pools called Pearl Pools. Every year, the prefect personally supervises pearl collectors entering the pools to harvest old mussels, cutting them open to obtain pearls for tribute. Although the pool is by the sea, people suspect its bottom connects to the sea, yet the water is fresh, which is inexplicable. Locals collect small mussels, make them into dried meat jerky, and often find fine pearls like rice grains. Thus, it is known that the mussels in this pool produce pearls regardless of size. However, currently obtained Zhuomu is said to come from the seaside, not necessarily from the Pearl Pool. The pearl mussels of Beihai differ slightly in species. People take their meat, sometimes obtaining pearls, but rarely, and the pearls are not very lustrous, making them unsuitable for medicinal use. Furthermore, among mussels, there is a type resembling *Pinna* (Jiangyao) that has pearls in its belly, but none compare to those from the South Sea in rarity and quantity. For medicinal use, newly intact pearls that have not been drilled or strung are preferred.

*Haiyao Bencao* (Sea Medicinal Materia Medica) states: According to the *Zhengjing*, pearls are born in the South Sea, where Shijueming (Haliotidis Concha) is produced. They treat brightening the eyes, removing facial pigmentation (Mianhei), stopping diarrhea, and treating irritability, heat, and thirst (Xiaoke) when combined with Zhimu (Anemarrhenae Rhizoma). Used with Zuochangen (a herb name), it treats infant variola/eczema entering the eye. Nuwa in the Western Road of Shu also produces pearls from mussels/clams; they are bright and white, good quality, though not as colorful as imported ones. Drilling requires a diamond drill. As medicine, it must be ground finely into powder to be taken. If not ground finely, it damages the viscera. Lei Gong's processing method: Select an Ostrea shell weighing four or five jin, place it in a flat pan, stabilize it with objects around it, then place the pearl on top. Add three fine grinding tools, sieve repeatedly through silk gauze, then grind further until equivalent to two pills' worth. When using pearl, ensure it is not broken or drilled through. *Waitai Miyao* (Essential Prescriptions Worth a Thousand Gold for Emergencies): Treats retained placenta/fetus death in the womb. Pearl 2 liang, ground to powder, taken with wine in one dose, resulting in immediate expulsion. *Qianjin Fang* (Prescriptions Worth a Thousand Gold): Treats retained placenta in infants. Take pearl powder mixed with vinegar (Ku Jiu); or mix pearl powder with rooster comb blood to form pills the size of soybeans, insert 3-4 pills into the mouth. Another formula: Calms and stabilizes the soul (Zhen'an Hunpo). Pearl Honey Formula: Refine pearl to the size of a large soybean, mix with honey from one clam shell, take once per dose (about the size of a bean), three times daily. Very suitable for children. *Baopuzi*: Pearls over one cun in diameter can be taken; taking them promotes longevity. Soaking in whey and practicing grain avoidance leads to immortality.

*Yanyi* (Expanded Meaning) states: Pearl is frequently used in medicines for pediatric convulsive fever. In the marshes of Hebei, pearls up to one cun in circumference exist, mostly slightly red; their mother shells differ from those of Lianzhou. In clear, fast-flowing water, the color is bright white; in turbid or stagnant water, the color is dark. Other details remain as stated in the *Jing* (*Benjing*).