Library

Bai Shiyin (White Quartz)

Flavor: Sweet, Pungent. Nature: Slightly Warm. Toxicity: Non-toxic. Indications: Xiao Ke (Wasting-thirst syndrome), Yin Wei Bu Zu (Insufficiency of impotence), Ke Ni (Cough and rebellious Qi), Xiong Ge Jian Jiu Han (Long-standing cold in the chest and diaphragm). Actions: Yi Qi (Boosts Qi), Chu Feng Shi Bi (Expels Wind-Dampness and unblocks Bi syndrome), Liao Fei Fei (Treats Lung萎/Fei-Wei), Xia Qi (Descends Qi), Li Xiao Bian (Promotes urination), Bu Wu Zang (Tonifies the Five Zang organs), Tong Ri Yue Guang (Clarifies vision/luminosity). Long-term use leads to Qing Shen Chang Nian (Light body and longevity), Nai Han Re (Endures cold and heat). Habitat: Huayin valleys and Mount Tai.

Da Duan Ming Qing (Large end named Green - *Note: Textual ambiguity, likely referring to classification*). Tao Hongjing states: Current physicians mostly use those from Xin'an, preferring those that are extremely slender, pure white, and transparent; those from Bagong Mountain in Shouyang are mostly large and not suitable for use. The "Immortal Classics" use both large and small, but only those that are pure white without flaws or impurities should be selected. According to this description, the large ones are superior. The four colored stones are no longer used. Tang Ben Zhu notes: Bai Shiyin is found everywhere; currently produced in Zezhou, Guozhou, and Luozhou mountains. Those from Guozhou are larger, with a diameter of 3-4 cun and length of 5-6 cun. Currently, those from Zezhou are considered superior. Ministers Yuxi et al. cite Wu's commentary: Bai Shiyin, Shen Nong says it is Sweet; Qibo, Huangdi, Leigong, Bian Que say it is Tasteless; produced at Mount Tai, shaped like Zi Shiyin (Purple Quartz). Bai Ze, long ones are 2-3 cun. Harvesting time is unrestricted. Also states: Qing Shiyin (Green Quartz) resembles Bai Shiyin; those with green ends and red backs are Chi Shiyin (Red Quartz); those with red ends and white backs are Chi Ze You Guang (Red luster), bitter in flavor, tonifies Heart Qi. Huang Shiyin (Yellow Quartz): those with yellow ends resembling gold are Hei Shiyin (Black Quartz), black luster with shine. Yao Xing Lun states: Bai Shiyin is the Sovereign herb. It treats Fei Yong (Lung abscess), tu nong (expectoration of pus), su ni shang qi (cough with rebellious Qi), dan huang (jaundice). Ri Hua Zi states: Wu Se Shiyin (Five-colored Quartz) is Neutral. Treats heart and abdominal pathogenic factors, women's heart and abdominal pain, calms the Heart, treats Stomach Cold Qi, benefits hair, enhances complexion, treats Jing Ji (palpitations/fright), calms the Soul and stabilizes the Spirit, strengthens Yang Dao, promotes lactation. Transparent and bright ones are superior. Its tonifying effects treat organs according to color: Green treats Liver, Red treats Heart, Yellow treats Skin, White treats Lung, Black treats Kidney.

Tu Jing states: Bai Shiyin is produced in Huayin valleys and Mount Tai. Tao Hongjing considers Xin'an origin superior. Su Gong considers Zezhou origin superior. Currently, it is also produced in Zezhou. Generally, those that are long, white and lustrous, clear and shining, with six faces cut smooth are usable. Those 5-6 cun long are better. Those with yellow ends resembling gold are named Huang Shiyin. Those with red ends and white backs are named Chi Shiyin. Those with green ends and red backs are named Qing Shiyin. Those with black luster and shine are named Hei Shiyin. Harvested in February, or said to have no fixed time. Ancients valued Bai Shiyin most for ingestion; Zi Shiyin was only used in Wu Shi San (Five Mineral Powder). Although the four colors (Yellow, Red, Green, Black) are named in the Ben Jing, practitioners do not use them. Thus, Ru Shi Lun refers to Zhong Ru as "Ru" (Milk) and Bai Shiyin as "Shi" (Stone). Among the six types of Ying stones, only White Stone is precious. It further states: Ru is Yin within Yang; Shi is Yang within Yin. Therefore, after the Jia-Zi day following the birth of Yang in November, one takes Ru; after the Jia-Zi day following the birth of Yin in May, one takes Shi. However, they are contrary and antagonistic; if activated, they cause significant harm. Thus, when Ru Shi attacks occur, although there are many treatments, few succeed. Indeed, one must not take them lightly.

Sheng Hui Fang: Formula for treating Abdominal hardness and fullness known as Shi Shui (Stone Water): Use Bai Shiyin 10 liang, crushed to the size of soybeans, placed in a porcelain bottle, soaked in 2 dou of good wine. Seal the bottle mouth heavily with mud. Burn horse manure and bran to heat it, keeping the wine simmering gently from Mao hour to Wu hour, then stop fire. Wait until the next day, warm one zhong cup and drink. Can be taken three times daily. If alcohol intake is low, drink according to tolerance. The Bai Shiyin can be roasted again. Jian Yao Ji Zhong Fang: For treating Heart unrest, palpitations, forgetfulness, upper diaphragm Wind-Heat transforming phlegm. Bai Shiyin 1 liang, Zhu Sha (Cinnabar) 1 liang, ground together into powder. Take half qian per dose, after meals and before sleep, mixed with Yin Jin Tang (Silver and Gold decoction).

Yan Yi states: Bai Shiyin resembles Zi Shiyin in shape, but is slightly larger and hexagonal, white like rock crystal. Zi and Bai Shiyin, when attacking diseases, can be temporarily boiled for juice use; long-term benefits are unheard of. Zhang Zhongjing's intent was only to chew them, not grind them into fine powder; does this not imply a deeper meaning? Regarding long-term use, one must be more detailed and cautious.