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Kongqing (Azurite with hollow cavity)

The flavor is sweet and sour, the nature is cold to great cold, and it is non-toxic. It primarily treats Qingmang (blindness due to optic nerve atrophy or similar conditions), deafness, brightens the eyes, benefits the nine orifices, unblocks the blood vessels, nourishes the spirit, supplements Liver Qi, treats redness and pain in the eyes, removes corneal opacities (Yi) and stops tearing, promotes urination, induces lactation, unblocks the joints, and breaks down firm accumulations. Long-term use lightens the body, prolongs life, enhances memory, elevates aspirations, and is even said to enable one to become an immortal. It can transform copper, iron, lead, and tin into gold. It grows in the valleys of Yizhou and in Yueji where copper deposits exist. Kongqing is generated by the fumes of copper essence; its interior is hollow. It is harvested in mid-March, but can be collected at any time.

Tao Hongjing stated: "Yueji belongs to Yizhou. The Kongqing currently produced in Tongguan has the most vibrant and deep color; that from Shixing is inferior. The various commanderies of Yizhou no longer produce it, likely due to long periods without mining. There are also many sources in Kongqing Mountain, Xiping Commandery, Liangzhou. Current Kongqing is mostly solid and round like an iron bead, lacking a hollow cavity, and is chiseled out from earth and stone. When used to compound elixirs, it can transform lead into gold. Among all mineral drugs, this is the most expensive. Medical prescriptions rarely use it, instead employing it mostly as a painting pigment, which is a pity." The Tang Ben Zhu noted: "This substance is found where copper exists, encompassing various green minerals, but Kongqing is the hardest to obtain. Currently, it is produced in Weizhou, Lanzhou, Xuanzhou, and Zizhou. The Xuanzhou variety is best, with small pieces, sometimes hollow inside. The Weizhou and Lanzhou varieties have larger flakes, very deep color, and are not hollow." The current annotation adds: "Those produced in Raozhou and Xinzhou are also good." Ministers Yu Xi et al. respectfully cited Fan Zi Ji Ran: "Kongqing comes from Bashu. Baiqing (White Azurite) and Zengqing (Chrysocolla) come from Xingan. Those with bright green color are superior." The Yao Xing Lun stated: "Kongqing is a Sovereign drug, incompatible with Cuscutae Semen (Tusizi). It can treat Head Wind, calm the Liver, and restore vision for those with ruptured pupils." Xiao Bing said: "Those hollow inside and shaped like a bayberry are superior." Ri Huazi said: "Large Kongqing is egg-sized, small ones are mung bean-sized. The green is dense like lychee skin, containing sweet and sour juice inside. It can treat chronic Qingmang, internal cataracts, and corneal opacities, nourishing Jing and Qi. Its shell can also be rubbed on the eye to remove opacities."

Tu Jing stated: "Kongqing grows in the valleys of Yizhou and in Yueji where copper exists, generated by copper essence fumes. It is occasionally found in Xinzhou today. Its shape resembles a bayberry, hence the alias Yangmei Qing. Those with a hollow interior and juice when broken are extremely rare. Some are egg-sized, others bean-sized. Harvested in mid-March, but available anytime. Although rarely used in ancient formulas, it is now the most crucial herb for treating corneal opacities and visual obstructions. Zengqing grows on the same mountains, has similar therapeutic properties, and identical color and texture, but forms clusters like linked beads, making it extremely rare today. There is also Baiqing (White Azurite), growing in the valleys of Yuzhang. It resembles Kongqing, round like an iron bead, white in color, and not hollow. It is also called Biqing because it turns green when ground, and Yum Qing (Fish Eye Green) because its shape resembles fish eyes. It can be used when Kongqing is unavailable, but is no longer seen."

Qianjin Fang: For unclear vision. Soak a small amount of Kongqing in dew overnight, then use the water to drop into the eyes. Another formula for facial paralysis (mouth deviation). Take a dose of Kongqing about the size of a bean, hold it in the mouth for immediate effect. Zhou Hou Fang: For sudden wind-stroke, numbness of arms and hands, and facial paralysis. Take a dose of powdered Kongqing about the size of a bean, place in the mouth, and swallow gradually for recovery.

Yan Yi stated: "Kongqing's efficacy excels in treating eye diseases. During the reign of Emperor Renzong, the Imperial Medicine Bureau was ordered to find specimens that were hollow and contained water to bestow upon close relatives. It took a long time to obtain them. The Yangmei Qing is extremely effective for treating opacities. Occasionally, these also contain water, and their usage is the same as Kongqing, differing only in degree of quality. Currently, they are mined from caves in Xinzhou and are known as Yangmei Qing, being extremely rare."