Library

Shijueming (Haliotidis Concha)

Salty in flavor, neutral in nature, non-toxic. It primarily treats eye obstructions and pain caused by nebulae (opacities on the cornea or eyelids), and Qingmang (blindness or severe vision loss). Long-term consumption benefits essence (Jing) and lightens the body. It is produced in the South Sea.

Tao Hongjing stated: Folklore claims it is Zi Bei (Purple Shell), but there are slight differences, and it is also rare. It is also said to be the shell of the Bao Yu (Abalone/Fish), which grows attached to rocks. The large ones are as big as a hand, shining with five colors, and internally contain pearls. Nowadays, people soak Zi Bei in water and apply it to the eyes, which can somewhat improve vision. This substance was originally listed under the entry for Jueming (Cassiae Semen); since the shell belongs to a different category of organisms, it is now listed as a secondary item. The annotation in *Bencao Tujing* (Illustrated Materia Medica of the Tang Dynasty) states: This substance is the shell of the Bao Yu (Abalone/Fish), growing attached to rocks, resembling a clam, with only one piece without a pair; those with seven holes are considered superior. The Zi Bei currently used in practice is completely different and not of this type. Current annotations state: Shijueming is produced on the coast of Guangzhou. The shells are large like a hand when big, and small like three or two fingers when small. Its meat is eaten by southerners, and its shell is taken, soaked in water, and used to wash the eyes. Those with seven or nine holes are superior, while those with ten or more holes are not good. Identifying them as Zi Bei or Bao Yu shells is erroneous. Minister Yuxi et al. carefully noted according to *Shu Bencao*: Shijueming is cold in nature. Another annotation states: Bao Yu (Abalone/Fish) treats coughs, and consuming it brightens the eyes. Furthermore, *Tujing* states: It is currently produced in Nanhai within Jimo County, Laizhou. It is harvested in March and April. Rihua Zi stated: Shijueming is cool in nature and brightens the eyes. The shell, when ground, treats nebulae. It is also known as Jiukong Luo (Nine-Hole Snail).

*Tujing* states: Shijueming is produced in the South Sea, and is now found in various prefectures of Lingnan and Laizhou. Old theories suggested it might be Zi Bei or the shell of Bao Yu. Verification: Zi Bei is what people call Ya Luo (Polished Snail) today; it was used as currency by the ancients and is definitely not this type. Bao Yu, which Wang Mang ate, attaches to stones on one side, is bright and lovely, and is a distinct species, though similar to Jueming. The shell of Jueming is large like a hand, small like three or two fingers. Seafarers also eat its meat and take its shell, soaking it in water to wash the eyes. Those with seven or nine holes are superior, while those with ten holes are not. There is no fixed time for harvesting.

*Haiyao Bencao* states: It effectively treats Qingmang (blindness), Neizhang (internal cataracts), wind-heat of the Liver and Lung, and extreme bone-steaming consumptive fever. For use, first wrap the substance in flour and roast it thoroughly. Then grind away the outer black layer and coarse skin, pound it until soft, sieve it finely, and further grind it in a mortar until it becomes powder-like before it is ready for use. Leigong stated: When using it, ensure it is Zhenzhumu (Mother of Pearl). First remove the coarse outer skin. Boil it in a large porcelain vessel with salt and flowing water from the east for one shichen (two hours). Remove it, wipe it dry, pound it into powder, and grind it fine. Then place it back in a pot with Wuhua Pi (Bark of Five-Flower Tree), Diyu (Sanguisorbae Radix), and Ejiao (Donkey-hide Gelatin), adding flowing water from the east in a porcelain vessel. Wash it three times in this manner. Once dry, grind it ten thousand times before incorporating it into medicinal preparations. For processing five liang, use half a fen of salt. Take the portion boiled during the second stage, using ten liang each of Diyu, Wuhua Pi, and Ejiao. After consuming ten liang of this preparation, one must never eat Shan Tao (Mountain Peach), as it will cause blindness. Shengjin Fang: Treats Xiaochang Wulin (Five types of strangury originating from the Small Intestine). Remove the coarse shell of Shijueming, pound and grind it finely. For the aforementioned ingredients, if the strangury involves hard or soft obstructions, add fine powder of rotten wood, mix with warm water, and administer two qianbi (small scoops).

*Yanyi* states: Regarding Shijueming, the Classics state: "Salty in flavor," referring to its meat. People harvest the meat for culinary purposes and dry it for transport to the capital, where northerns regard it as a delicacy. Both the meat and the shell are usable; practitioners should exercise careful selection. However, both are used to treat eye conditions. The shell, when ground and levigated with water, is applied to rub external nebulae. It is abundant in Dengzhou and Laizhou.