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Shi Zhong Huang Zi (Stone Yellow Child)

Taste: Sweet. Nature: Neutral. Toxicity: Non-toxic. Long-term consumption can lighten the body, prolong life, and prevent aging. This is the yellow turbid liquid found inside the shell of Yuyuliang (Haematitum), which has not yet solidified into Yuyuliang. It is found in areas where Yuyuliang is produced. Tao Hongjing stated that Shi Zhong Huang Zi exists among the varieties of Zhi (Lingzhi/Ganoderma), but this is incorrect. (Previously attached in Xinxiu Bencao.)

Minister Yuxi et al. respectfully note: Riben Huazi (Ribenzi Herbal Materia Medica) states that its efficacy is the same as above. One should remove the shell and grind it for use; this refers to the part inside the shell that has not yet completely dried and solidified.

Tu Jing Ben Cao (Illustrated Classic of Materia Medica) states regarding Shi Zhong Huang Zi: The Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing does not record the specific provinces or regions where it grows, only mentioning that it is found where Yuyuliang is produced. Currently, it is only produced in the Zhongtiao Valley of Hezhong Prefecture.

The color is yellow. There are slight differences between the two explanations. Respectfully consulting Ge Hong's Baopuzi: Shi Zhong Huang Zi is available everywhere, especially abundant on mountains near water sources, residing within large stones. These stones are often moist and not dry. When striking the stone, which may have dozens of layers, one sees a reddish-yellow substance, flowing like an egg yolk inside its shell. Upon obtaining it, one should drink it immediately; otherwise, it will harden and solidify into stone, becoming unfit for consumption. Breaking open one stone yields more than one sheng or less than several he. The method dictates drinking it when it is not yet fully hardened. If it has already solidified, it can also be ground into powder and taken. If so, the old description refers to the material taken immediately upon breaking the stone. What is currently used is the material that has been left for a long time until it hardens. Collection has no fixed season.

Yanyi (Explanation of Meanings) states that "Shi Zhong Huang Zi" contains a character error. "Zi" (Child) should be "Shui" (Water). Moreover, the text itself describes it as "yellow turbid water not yet formed into Yuyuliang," how could it be named "Zi"? Even if referring to the un-dried part, it cannot be called "Zi." The character "Zi" is undoubtedly a miswriting of "Shui." It further states: Taiyi Yuliang refers to the stone itself.

Current physicians use Shi Zhong Huang by taking only the dry parts inside the stone and grinding them into fine powder, which is correct. If using Yuyuliang stone, one uses its shell. Therefore, this entry mentions another name "Shi Nao" (Stone Brain), which must be calcined by fire and quenched with vinegar. Thus, Shi Zhong Huang Shui (Liquid) is one grade, Shi Zhong Huang (Solid) is another grade, and Taiyi Yuliang is a third grade, without doubt.

Wu Ming Yi (Nameless Heterogeneity)

Taste: Sweet. Nature: Neutral. Indications: Mainly treats metallic wounds, fractures, internal injuries, relieves pain, and promotes flesh regeneration. Originates from Dashi Country (Arabia/Persia region). Grows on rocks. Its appearance resembles black charcoal. Barbarians refine it with oil to resemble stone; chewing it feels like maltose. (Currently appended.)

Minister Yuxi et al. respectfully note: Riben Huazi states that Wu Ming Yi is non-toxic.

Tu Jing Ben Cao states: Wu Ming Yi originates from Dashi Country and grows on rocks. Currently, it is also found in the rocky mountains of Guangzhou and in the Longji Mountain, eight li south of Yizhou. It is dark brown/black. Large pieces are like marbles, small ones like inkstone pebbles. Collection has no fixed season. The Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing states: Taste sweet, nature neutral. Treats metallic wounds, fractures, internal injuries, and promotes flesh regeneration. Now it is said to taste salty and be cold in nature. It reduces swelling and detoxifies carbuncles and warts, differing from the Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing, leading to suspicion that it might be a different species. Additionally, people in Lingnan say there is a stone called Wu Ming Yi, which is extremely rare. There is also a herb called Wu Ming Yi, which locals do not value highly. Could the Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing refer to the stone, while what exists now is the herb? For use, grind it with vinegar and apply to the affected area. There is also Posuo Shi (Posuo Stone), produced in the South Sea, which resolves all toxins. This stone is green, spotless, with golden specks; the kind that grinds into a milky liquid is superior. Hu people treasure it greatly, decorating it with gold to wear as finger rings. Before eating and after finishing meals, they hold it in their mouth and suck on it several times to prevent poisoning. Nowadays, someone possessing a piece the size of a fingernail commands a price of a hundred taels of gold. People cannot distinguish authenticity; only when ground with water into drops and applied to fresh blood from a rooster's comb, turning it into liquid, is it genuine. Commonly known as Moshuo Shi.

Yanyi states: Wu Ming Yi. The current Tu Jing says: The Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing states taste sweet, nature neutral. Treats metallic wounds, fractures, and promotes flesh regeneration. Now it is said to taste salty and be cold. Reduces swelling and detoxifies carbuncles, differing from the Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing, raising suspicion of a different species. Examining the preceding thirty-six characters, it is unclear under the phrase "now it is said" where this information originates.