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Shizhongru (Stalactite / Calcitum)

Taste: Sweet. Nature: Warm. Toxicity: Non-toxic. Indications: Mainly treats ke ni shang qi (cough with rebellious Qi and asthma), brightens the eyes, benefits Jing (Essence), calms the Zang organs (internal organs), unblocks Bai jie (all joints), facilitates Jiu qiao (the nine orifices of the head and body), promotes lactation, tonifies Qi, supplements deficiency and damage, treats jiao ruo teng leng (weakness, pain, and cold in the lower limbs), Xia jiao shang jie (exhaustion of the Lower Jiao), and strengthens Yin. Long-term use extends life and longevity, improves complexion, prevents aging, and enhances fertility. If taken without processing (pao zhi), it causes Lin syndrome (dysuria). Alternative names: Gong ru, Lu shi, Xia shi. Habitat: Grows in the valleys of Mount Shishi and Mount Tai. Harvesting time: No fixed season. (Interactions: Shechuangzi (Cnidii Fructus) acts as an assistant; contraindicated with Mudan (Moutan Cortex), Xuan shi (Lapis Haematites), Mumeng (Puerariae Radix); opposed to Zhi shiying (Fluoritum) and [missing herb name].)

Tao Hongjing stated: The best quality comes from Shixing, but it is also found in stone caves of famous mountains in Jiangling and the eastern regions. Only those that are hollow, thin and light like goose feather quills, break into pieces resembling fingernails, lack "goose tooth" textures inside, and possess a luminous appearance are considered superior. Some long specimens reach one or two chi. They are yellow in color and turn white when washed with vinegar (Ku jiu). It is rarely used in Daoist alchemical texts (Xian jing) but is highly valued in folk prescriptions and commands a high price.

The Tang Bencao annotation notes: Shizhongru from Shixing is first grade; those from Guang, Lian, Li, Lang, and Chen prefectures are second grade. Although dense and lustrous, they are also good for consumption. Those from caves in Xiazhou, Qingxi, and Fangzhou are inferior to Shixing ones. Specimens from other non-native regions should not be taken lightly, as they may easily induce Lin syndrome and thirst. They can only be ground into powder, wrapped in white silk, and soaked in wine with other herbs for consumption. Tao Hongjing’s claim that stalactites grow to one or two chi is erroneous.

According to another annotation: Stalactites form in deep, dark caves where dragons and snakes may lurk, or where toxic vapors exist, or where Yin and Yang energies are uneven, or where ventilation is good. If the stalactite has rough "goose tooth" textures, or is yellow/red, lacks moisture/luster, or if the calcination process involves improper fire control and不换 water after one boiling, "fire toxicity" is generated, causing Lin syndrome in the consumer. There are three types of stalactite: Shi ru (Stone Milk), Zhu ru (Bamboo Milk), and Maoshan zhi ru (Maoshan Milk).
1. Shi ru: Forms in pure stone caves, nourished by stone fluids, with balanced Yin and Yang, forming cicada-wing patterns.
2. Zhu ru: Forms in caves abundant with small bamboo, nourished by bamboo fluids, resembling bamboo stalks.
3. Maoshan zhi ru: Forms in mixed soil-stone mountains covered with cogon grass, nourished by grass fluids; slightly black and smooth.
Properties: Shi ru is warm; Zhu ru is neutral; Maoshan zhi ru is slightly cold. Each type has upper, middle, and lower grades based on color. Generally, luster indicates quality.

Minister Yuxi and others, following Wu Shi: Shizhongru, also known as Xu zhong. Shen Nong described its taste as Pungent (Xin). Tong Jun, Huang Di, and Yi He described it as Sweet (Gan). Bian Que described it as Sweet and non-toxic. It grows in shady banks of valleys. It forms from dripping juices, appearing milky, yellowish-white, hollow and connected internally. Harvested in Feb-Mar, dried in shade.
Yao Xing Lun states: Also called Huang shi sha, it has Great Toxicity. Treats seminal emission, cold cough, strengthens Yuan Qi, boosts Yang function, and opens voice. Contraindicated with sheep blood.
Xiao Bing stated: Cicada-wing texture is best; fingernail-like is secondary; goose-quill-like is inferior. Transparent and thin specimens are suitable for use.
Ri Hua Zi stated: Tonifies Five Exhaustions and Seven Injuries; transparent and bright specimens are superior. "Cicada-wing milk" has similar efficacy. When preparing to combine with sedative/mineral drugs, it must be ground continuously for seven hours until fine powder penetrates the skin upon application. To ensure continuous grinding, a bell may be tied to the pestle handle.

Tu Jing states: Shizhongru grows in Shishi Valley and Mount Tai, and currently in Jianghua County (Daozhou) and mountains of Lian, Ying, Shao, Jie, and Xiazhou. It forms from mountain liquids dripping in shady rock caves, hollow inside, up to 6-7 chi long, shaped like goose quills, breaking like fingernails, lacking goose-tooth textures, luminous, white with slight red tint. Harvesting has no fixed time. Old texts mention three types:
1. Shi Zhongru: Pure stone mountain, nourished by stone fluids, shape like bamboo.
2. Zhu Ru: Bamboo-nourished, flat nature.
3. Maoshan Zhi Ru: Mixed soil-stone, grass-nourished, slightly black/smooth, slightly cold nature.
These three are hard to distinguish. Li Buchuo’s refining method says: Take Shaozhou stalactite, regardless of thickness, provided it is clear and lustrous. Yellow and red colors are rejected. Liu Zongyuan wrote to Cui Lizhou: Value beauty of color over origin trust. Physicians now prioritize hollow "goose-quill" types.
Ben Jing mentions Yin Nie (stalactite root) from Zhao valley, Liangshan, and Nanhai. Konggong Nie is the root of Yin Nie. Shihua and Shichuang are similar. Tao Hongjing said these three share one body: accumulated drippings form Zhongru Chuang (Bed), which is Konggong Nie; smaller ones are Yin Nie (now called Konggong Nie); further refined drops become Zhongru. Though same source, therapeutic properties differ. Su Gong argued Nie is above, Bed/Flower below, contradicting Tao. Shinao is also related. These five are rarely used now; only Zhongru is common. Differences in origin suggest local superiority. If Nie and Ru share roots, Ru should exist where Nie is found, but this is unheard of. Perhaps low usage leads to rare harvesting, or people don't know Ru exists within Nie.
Xi Pin mentions Tu Yin Nie from Weizhou, growing in flat land caves. Locals say it acts like Zhongru without causing heat. It is earth's lipid, resembling Yin Nie. Now unused.

Lei Gong stated: Do not use thick heads or large tails (Konggong Shi). Reject black, fire-damaged, long-stored, or pre-treated specimens. Use only bright, thin, lustrous, goose-quill-like specimens, 5-6 chi long.

Processing method: Boil in five-perfume water for one Fu period (approx. 2 hours), drain. Soak in Gancao (Licorice) and Zi Bei Tiankui juice, boil again for one Fu period. For 8 liang of Zhongru, use Chenxiang, Lingling, Huoxiang, Gansong, and Baimao (each 1 liang). Boil once with water, then add Gancao etc. (2 liang each) and boil again. Drain, dry, slow-roast, grind to powder, sieve, place in mortar. Have strong young men grind continuously for 3 days/nights. Water-classify (float/sink purification), filter through silk, sun-dry, grind 20,000 times, store in porcelain.

Shanghan Leiyao: Treats She dan (tongue inflammation/thirst) with frequent drinking, using Zhongru Shi as chief herb.
Liu Zongyuan’s letter: Stalactite quality depends on the host rock's density. Fine rocks yield clear, luminous, smooth, fine-textured stalactite that promotes vitality, harmonizes Qi, benefits stomach/intestines, and ensures longevity. Coarse rocks yield rough, irregular, bone-like or ash-colored, heavy, dull stalactite that causes stagnation, generates wind/fire, irritates throat/lungs, causes irritability, and disrupts liver Qi harmony. Thus, select by color/beauty, not just origin.
Taiqing Shibiji / Taiqing Jing: Refining method - Take fine powder, place in gold/silver bowl, cover tightly with tile, steam until it naturally turns to liquid.
Danfang Jingyuan: Rushi can be used externally.
Qingxiazi: Tonifies Marrow and adds Essence.

Yanyi states: Xiao Bing said cicada-wing/fingernail is best, goose-quill is inferior. Why reject "milk" if the drug is named milk? This implies rejecting the "goose-tooth" texture, similar to avoiding tips of Wutou/Fuzi. Choose transparent, lustrous, light specimens resembling refined saltpeter. Processing methods vary.