（《纲目》）
【集解】时珍曰∶蜜栗子生川、广、江、浙金坑中，状如蛇黄而有刺，上有金线缠之，
色紫褐，亦无名异之类也。丹炉家采作五金匮药，制三黄。
【主治】金疮折伤，有效（时珍）。
（《本经》上品）
【释名】公乳（《别录》）、虚中（《吴普》）、芦石《别录》）、鹅管石（《纲目》）、夏
石（《别录》）、黄石砂（《药性》）。
时珍曰∶石之津气，钟聚成乳，滴溜成石，故名石钟乳。芦与鹅管，象其空中之状也。
【集解】《别录》曰∶石钟乳生少室山谷及泰山，采无时。
普曰∶生泰山山谷阴处岸下，溜汁所成，如乳汁，黄白色，空中相通。二月、三月采，
阴干。
弘景曰∶第一出始兴，而江陵及东境名山石洞亦皆有。惟通中轻薄如鹅翎管，碎之如爪
甲，中无雁齿，光明者为善。长挺乃有一、二尺者，色黄，以苦酒洗刷则白。《仙经》少用，
而俗方所重。
恭曰∶第一始兴，其次广、连、澧、朗、郴等州者，虽浓而光润，可受，饵之并佳。今
峡州、青溪、房州三洞出者，亚于始兴。自余非其土地，不可轻服。多发淋渴。止可捣筛，
白练裹之，合诸药草浸酒服之。陶云有一、二尺者，谬说也。
思邈曰∶乳石必须土地清白光润，罗纹、鸟翮、蝉翼一切皆成，白者可用。其非土地者，
慎勿服之，杀人甚于鸩毒。
志曰∶别本注云∶凡乳生于深洞幽穴，皆龙蛇潜伏，或龙蛇毒瓦斯，或洞口阴阳不均，或
通风气，雁齿涩，或黄或赤，乳无润泽，或煎炼火色不调，一煎以后不易水，则生火毒，服
即令人发淋。又乳有三种∶石乳者，其山洞纯石，以石津相滋，阴阳交备，蝉翼纹成，其性
温；竹乳者，其山洞遍生小竹，以竹津相滋，乳如竹状，其性平；茅山之乳者，其山有土石
相杂，遍生茅草，以茅津相滋为乳，乳色稍黑而滑润，其性微寒。一种之中，有上、中、下
色，皆以光泽为好。余处亦有，不可轻信。
炳曰∶如蝉翅者上，爪甲者次，鹅管者下。明白而薄者，可服。
颂曰∶今道州江华县及连、英、韶、阶、峡州山中皆有之。生岩穴阴处，溜山液而成，
空中相通，长者六、七寸，如鹅翎管状，色白微红。唐李补阙炼乳法云∶取韶州钟乳，无问
浓薄，但令颜色明净光泽者，即堪入炼，惟黄、赤二色不任用。柳宗元书亦云∶取其色之美
而已，不必惟土之信。是此药所重，惟在明白者，不必如上所说数种也。今医家但以鹅管中
空者为最。又《本经》中品载殷 云∶钟乳根也。孔公 ，殷 根也。石花、石床并与殷
同。又有石脑，亦钟乳之类。凡此五种，医家亦复稀用，但用钟乳尔。
时珍曰∶按∶范成大《桂海志》所说甚详明。云桂林接宜、融山洞穴中，钟乳甚多。仰
视石脉涌起处，即有乳床，白如玉雪，石液融结成者。乳床下垂，如倒数峰小山，峰端渐锐，
且长如冰柱，柱端轻薄中空如鹅翎。乳水滴沥不已，且滴且凝，此乳之最精者，以竹管仰承
取之。炼治家又以鹅管之端，尤轻明如云母爪甲者为胜。
【修治】 曰∶凡使勿用头粗浓并尾大者，为孔公石，不用。色黑及经大火惊过，并久
在地上收者，曾经药物制者，并不得用。须要鲜明、薄而有光润者，似鹅翎筒子为上，有长
五、六寸者。凡修事法∶钟乳八两，用沉香、零陵香、藿香、甘松、白茅各一两，水煮过，
再煮汁，方用煮乳，一伏时漉出。以甘草、紫背天葵各二两同煮，漉出拭干，缓火焙之，入
臼杵粉，筛过入钵中。令有力少壮者二、三人不住研，三日三夜勿歇。然后以水飞澄，过绢
笼，于日中晒干，入钵再研二万遍，乃以瓷盒收之。
慎微曰∶《太清经》炼钟乳法∶取好细末置金银器中，瓦一片密盖，勿令泄气，蒸之，
自然化作水也。
李补阙炼乳法见后。
【气味】甘，温，无毒。普曰∶神农∶辛；桐君、黄帝、医和∶甘；扁鹊∶甘，无毒。
权曰∶有大毒。
之才曰∶蛇床为之使。恶牡丹、玄石、牡蒙。畏紫石英、 草。忌羊血。
时珍曰∶《相感志》云∶服乳石，忌参、术，犯者多死。
土宿真君曰∶钟乳产于阳洞之内，阳气所结，伏之可柔五金。麦门冬、独蒜、韭实、胡
葱、胡荽、猫儿眼草，皆可伏之。
【主治】咳逆上气，明目益精，安五脏，通百节，利九窍，下乳汁（《本经》）。益气，
补虚损，疗脚弱疼冷，下焦伤竭，强阴。久服延年益寿，好颜色，不老，令人有子。不炼服
之，令人淋（《别录》）。主泄精寒嗽，壮元气，益阳事，通声（甄权）。补五劳七伤（大明）。
补髓，治消渴引饮（青霞子）。
【发明】慎微曰∶柳宗元《与崔连州书》云∶草木之生也依于土，有居山之阴阳，或近
木，或附石，其性移焉。况石钟乳直产于石，石之精粗疏密，寻尺特异，而穴之上下，土之
浓薄，石之高下不可知；则其依而产者，固不一性。然由其精密而出者，则油然而清，炯然
而辉，其窍滑以夷，其肌廉以微，食之使人荣华温柔，其气宣流，生胃通肠，寿考康宁。其
粗疏而下者，则奔突结涩，乍大乍小，色如枯骨，或类死灰，奄悴不发，丛齿积 ，重浊顽
璞，食之使人偃蹇壅郁，泄火生风，戟喉痒肺，幽关不聪，心烦喜怒，肝举气刚，不能平和。
故君子慎取其色之美，而不必惟土之信，以求其至精，凡为此也。
震享曰∶石钟乳为剽悍之剂。《内经》云∶石药之气悍，仁哉言也。凡药气之偏者，可
用于暂而不可久，夫石药又偏之甚者也。自唐时太平日久，膏粱之家惑于方士服食致长生之
说，以石药体浓气浓，习以成俗，迨宋至今，犹未已也。斯民何辜，受此气悍之祸而莫之能
救，哀哉！本草赞其久服延年之功，柳子浓又从而述美之，予不得不深言也。
时珍曰∶石钟乳，乃阳明经气分药也，其气 疾，令阳气暴充，饮食倍进，而形体壮盛。
昧者得此自庆，益肆淫 ，精气暗损，石气独存，孤阳愈炽。久之营卫不从，发为淋渴，变
为痈疽，是果乳石之过耶？抑人之自取耶？凡人阳明气衰，用此合诸药以救其衰，疾平则止，
夫何不可？五谷五肉久嗜不已，犹有偏绝之弊，况石药乎？《种树书》云∶凡果树，作穴纳
钟
乳末少许固密，则子多而味美。纳少许于老树根皮间，则树复茂。信然，则钟乳益气、令人
有子之说，亦可类推。但恐嗜欲者未获其福，而先受其祸也。然有禀赋异常之人，又不可执
一而论。张杲《医说》载∶武帅雷世贤多侍外家，常饵砂、母、钟乳，日夜煎炼，以济其欲。
其外家父苦寒泄不嗜食，求丹十粒服之，即觉脐腹如火，少焉热狂，投井中，救出遍身发紫泡，
数日而死；而世贤服饵千计，了无病恼，异哉！沈括《笔谈》载∶夏英公性豪侈，而禀赋异
于人。才睡即身冷而僵如死者，常服仙茅、钟乳、硫黄，莫知纪极。每晨以钟乳粉入粥食之。
有小吏窃食，遂发疽死。此与终身服附子无恙者，同一例也。沈括又云∶医之为术，苟非得
之于心，未见能臻其妙也。如服钟乳，当终身忌术，术能动钟乳也。然有药势不能蒸，须要
其动而激发者。正如火少，必借风气鼓之而后发；火盛则鼓之反为害。此自然之理也。凡服
诸药，皆宜仿此。又《十便良方》云；凡服乳人，服乳三日，即三日补之；服乳十日，即十
日补之。欲饱食，以牛、羊、獐、鹿等骨煎汁，任意作羹食之。勿食仓米、臭肉，及犯房事。
一月后精气满盛，百脉流通，身体觉热，绕脐肉起，此为得力，可稍近房事，不可频数，令
药气顿竭，弥更害人，戒之慎之！名之为乳，以其状人之乳也。与神丹相配，与凡石迥殊，
故乳称石。语云∶上士服石服其精，下士服石服其滓。滓之与精，其力远也。此说虽明快，
然须真病命门火衰者宜之，否则当审。
【附方】新十一。李补阙服乳法∶主五劳七伤，咳逆上气，治寒嗽，通音声，明目益精，
安五脏，通百节，利九窍，下乳汁，益气补虚损，疗脚弱疼冷，下焦伤竭，强阴，久服延年
益寿不老，令人有子。取韶州钟乳，无问浓薄，但颜色明净光泽者，即堪入炼；惟黄、赤二
色，不任用。置于金、银器中，大铛着水，沉器煮之，令如鱼眼沸，水减即添。乳少，三日
三夜；乳多，七日七夜。候干，色变黄白即熟。如疑生，更煮满十日最佳。取出去水，更以
清水煮半日，其水色清不变即止，乳无毒矣。入瓷钵中，玉槌着水研之。觉干涩，即添水，
常令如稀米泔状。研至四、五日，揩之光腻，如书中白鱼，便以水洗之，不随水落者即熟，
落者更研，乃澄取曝干。每用一钱半，温酒空腹调下，兼和丸散用。其煮乳黄浊水，切勿服。
服之损人咽喉，伤肺，令人头痛，或下利不止。其有犯者，但食猪肉解之。（孙真人《千金
方》）
钟乳煎∶治风虚劳损，腰脚无力，补益强壮。用钟乳粉炼成者三两，以夹练袋盛之，牛
乳一大升，煎减三之一，去袋饮乳，分二服，日一作。不吐不利，虚冷人微溏无苦。一袋可
煮三十度，即力尽，别作袋。每煎讫，须濯净，令通气。其滓和面喂鸡，生子食之。此崔尚
书方也。（孙真人《千金翼》）
钟乳酒∶安五脏，通百节，利九窍，主风虚，补下焦，益精明目。钟乳炼成粉五两，以
夹练袋盛之，清酒六升，瓶封，汤内煮减三之二，取出添满，封七日，日饮三合。忌房事、
葱、豉、生食、硬食。（《外台秘要》）
钟乳丸∶治丈夫衰老，阳绝肢冷，少气减食，腰疼脚痹，下气消食，和中长肌。钟乳粉
二两，菟丝子（酒浸焙）、石斛各一两，吴茱萸（汤泡七次，炒）半两。为末，炼蜜和丸梧
子大。
每服七丸，空心温酒或米汤下，日二服。服讫行数百步，觉胸口热，稍定即食干饭豆酱。忌
食粗臭恶食，及闻尸秽等气。初服七日，勿为阳事，过七日乃可行，不宜伤多。服过半剂，
觉有功，乃续服。此曹公卓方也。（《和剂局方》）
元气虚寒∶方见阳起石下。
一切劳嗽，胸膈痞满∶焚香透膈散∶用鹅管石、雄黄、佛耳草、款冬花等分。为末。每
用一钱，安香炉上焚之，以筒吹烟入喉中，日二次。（《宣明》）
肺虚喘急，连绵不息∶生钟乳粉（光明者）五钱，蜡三两（化和）。饭甑内蒸熟，研丸
梧子大。每温水下一丸。（《圣济录》）
吐血损肺∶炼成钟乳粉，每服二钱，糯米汤下，立止。（《十便良方》）
大肠冷滑不止∶钟乳粉一两，肉豆寇（煨）半两。为末，煮枣肉丸梧子大。每服七十丸，
空心米饮下。（《济生方》）
乳汁不通∶气少血衰，脉涩不行，故乳少也。炼成钟乳粉二钱，浓煎漏芦汤调下。或与
通草等分为末，米饮服方寸匕，日三次。（《外台秘要》）
精滑不禁，大腑溏泄，手足厥冷。
方见阳起石下。
（《本草纲目》）
【集解】李时珍说：蜜栗子生长在四川、广东、江西、浙江的金矿中，形状像蛇黄但有刺，上面有金线缠绕，颜色紫褐色，也属于无名异一类的矿物。炼丹的人采集它作为炼制五金匮药的原料，用来制作三黄药。
【主治】治疗金创骨折损伤，有效。（李时珍）
（《神农本草经》列为上品）
【释名】公乳（出自《名医别录》）、虚中（出自《吴普本草》）、芦石（出自《名医别录》）、鹅管石（出自《本草纲目》）、夏石（出自《名医别录》）、黄石砂（出自《药性论》）。
李时珍说：石头的津液之气，聚集凝结成乳状，滴落凝固成为石头，所以名叫石钟乳。芦和鹅管，是形容它内部中空的状态。
【集解】《名医别录》说：石钟乳产于少室山谷以及泰山，采集没有固定时间。
吴普说：产于泰山山谷背阴处的岸下，由滴落的汁液形成，像乳汁一样，呈黄白色，内部中空相通。二月、三月采集，阴干。
陶弘景说：最好的产自始兴，而江陵及东部边境的名山石洞中也都有。只有中间通透、轻薄如鹅毛管，破碎后像指甲片，中间没有雁齿状纹理，光泽明亮的才是好品。长的有一二尺的，颜色黄，用醋清洗刷洗就会变白。道教经典中很少使用，而世俗医方很重视。
苏恭说：最好的产自始兴，其次广、连、澧、朗、郴等州的也不错，虽然浓重且光润，可以服用，服食效果都好。现在峡州、青溪、房州三个洞穴出产的，次于始兴产的。其余地方如果不是适宜的土地，不可轻易服用。容易引起淋证和口渴。只能捣碎筛粉，用白绢包裹，配合其他草药浸泡在酒中服用。陶弘景说有一二尺长的，是错误的说法。
孙思邈说：乳石必须产地土地清净、白光润，罗纹、鸟羽、蝉翼等各种形态都要具备，白色的可以使用。不是适宜产地的，千万不要服用，比鸩毒杀人还快。
寇宗奭说：别的版本注解说：凡是乳石生于深洞幽穴，都有龙蛇潜伏，或者有龙蛇毒气，或者洞口阴阳不均，或者有通风气，导致有雁齿涩滞，或者颜色黄或赤，乳石没有润泽，或者煎炼火候不调，一旦煎煮后不换水，就会产生火毒，服用就会让人发淋证。另外乳石有三种：石乳，其山洞纯石，以石津相互滋润，阴阳兼备，形成蝉翼纹，性质温；竹乳，其山洞遍生小竹，以竹津相互滋润，乳石像竹子形状，性质平；茅山之乳，其山土石混杂，遍生茅草，以茅津相互滋润形成乳石，乳色稍黑而滑润，性质微寒。一种之中，又有上、中、下三种色泽，都以光泽为好。其他地方也有，不可轻信。
唐慎微引王炳说：像蝉翅的是上等，像指甲片的是次等，像鹅管的是下等。明白而薄的，可以服用。
苏颂说：现在道州江华县以及连、英、韶、阶、峡州的山中都有。生在岩穴背阴处，由山间液体滴流而成，内部中空相通，长的六七寸，像鹅毛管形状，颜色白微红。唐代李补阙的炼乳法说：取韶州的钟乳，不论浓薄，只要颜色明净光泽的，就可以入炉炼制，只有黄、赤两种颜色的不能使用。柳宗元的信中也说：只取其颜色美好而已，不必只相信产地。这是此药所看重的，只在明白洁净者，不必像上面说的几种那样严格。现在的医生只以鹅管中空的为最好。另外《神农本草经》中品记载殷芸说：钟乳是根。孔公石是殷芸的根。石花、石床都与殷芸同类。又有石脑，也是钟乳之类。这五种，医生们也很少用，只用钟乳罢了。
李时珍说：按范成大《桂海虞衡志》所说非常详细明确。说桂林连接宜州、融州的山洞中，钟乳很多。仰视石脉涌起的地方，就有乳床，白如玉雪，是石液融化凝结而成的。乳床下垂，像倒挂的小山峰，峰端逐渐变尖，而且长如冰柱，柱端轻薄中空像鹅毛管。乳水滴落不停，边滴边凝结，这是最精华的乳，用竹管仰接收集。炼丹家又以鹅管顶端，特别轻明如云母指甲片的为胜品。
【修治】雷斅说：凡使用时，不要用头粗浓和尾大的，那是孔公石，不用。颜色黑的以及经过大火惊吓过的，并长期在地上收藏的，曾经被药物炮制过的，都不得使用。必须要鲜明、薄而有光润的，像鹅毛筒子为上等，有长五六寸的。凡是修治方法：钟乳八两，用沉香、零陵香、藿香、甘松、白茅各一两，水煮过，再煮汁，然后用这个汁煮乳石，一个时辰后捞出。再用甘草、紫背天葵各二两同煮，捞出擦干，用慢火焙干，放入臼中杵成粉，筛过后放入钵中。让有力气的年轻壮汉两三人不停地研磨，三天三夜不要停歇。然后用水飞法澄清，过绢筛，在阳光下晒干，放入钵中再研磨两万遍，然后用瓷盒收存。
沈括引慎微说：《太清经》炼钟乳法：取好的细末放在金银器中，盖一片瓦严密覆盖，不让漏气，蒸它，自然化作水。
李补阙炼乳法见后面。
【气味】甘，温，无毒。吴普说：神农认为辛；桐君、黄帝、医和认为甘；扁鹊认为甘，无毒。
李当之说：有大毒。
徐之才说：蛇床子做它的使药。厌恶牡丹、玄石、牡蒙。畏惧紫石英、葶苈。忌食羊血。
李时珍说：《相感志》说：服用乳石，忌用人参、白术，犯忌的多死亡。
土宿真君说：钟乳产于阳洞之内，是阳气凝结而成，伏藏它可以柔化五金。麦门冬、独蒜、韭实、胡葱、胡荽、猫儿眼草，都可以伏制它。
【主治】治疗咳逆上气，明目益精，安五脏，通百节，利九窍，下乳汁（《神农本草经》）。益气，补虚损，治疗脚弱疼冷，下焦伤竭，强阴。久服延年益寿，好颜色，不老，令人有子。不经过炼制服用，会让人得淋证（《名医别录》）。主治泄精寒嗽，壮元气，益阳事，通声（甄权）。补五劳七伤（孟诜）。补髓，治消渴引饮（青霞子）。
【发明】沈括引慎微说：柳宗元《与崔连州书》说：草木的生长依靠土壤，有的居在山之阴阳，有的靠近树木，有的依附石头，它们的性质就随之改变。何况石钟乳直接产于石头，石头的精粗疏密，寻尺之间各有特异，而洞穴上下，土的浓薄，石的高低不可知；那么依石而产的钟乳，性质自然不一。然而从精密处出来的，就油然而清，炯然而辉，其窍滑顺，其肌细腻，食用它能使人荣华温柔，其气宣流，生胃通肠，长寿康宁。从粗疏低处出来的，就奔突结涩，乍大乍小，色如枯骨，或类死灰，奄悴不发，丛齿积垢，重浊顽璞，食用它能使人偃蹇壅郁，泄火生风，戟喉痒肺，幽关不聪，心烦喜怒，肝举气刚，不能平和。所以君子慎重选取颜色美好的，而不必只相信产地，以求取最精品的，都是因为这个原因。
震享说：石钟乳是剽悍的药物。《内经》说：石药之气悍烈，真是仁厚的话啊。凡是药气偏颇的，可用于暂时而不可久用，石药又是偏颇得很厉害的。自从唐代太平日久，富贵之家受方士服食致长生之说迷惑，因为石药体浓气浓，习以为俗，到了宋代至今，还没有停止。百姓何辜，遭受这种气悍之祸而不能救，悲哀啊！本草称赞它久服延年的功效，柳宗元又加以描述赞美，我不得不深刻直言。
李时珍说：石钟乳，是阳明经气分的药，它的药气迅疾，令阳气暴充，饮食倍增，而形体壮盛。愚昧的人得到这个自我庆幸，更加放纵淫欲，精气暗中损耗，石气独存，孤阳愈炽。久而久之营卫不和，发为淋渴，变为痈疽，这究竟是乳石的过错呢？还是人自取的？凡人阳明气衰，用此配合诸药来救助其衰退，病好了就停止，有什么不可以？五谷五肉久嗜不已，还有偏绝的弊端，何况石药呢？《种树书》说：凡是果树，挖穴纳入少许钟乳末固密，则果实多而味美。纳少许于老树根皮间，则树复茂。确实如此，那么钟乳益气、令人有子的说法，也可以类推。但恐怕嗜好欲望的人未获其福，而先受其祸。然而有禀赋异常的人，又不可拘泥于一概而论。张杲《医说》记载：武帅雷世贤多侍奉外家，常服丹砂、母石、钟乳，日夜煎炼，以济其欲。他的外家父亲苦于寒泄不嗜食，求丹十粒服用，立刻觉得脐腹如火，不久热狂，跳入井中，救出后遍身发紫泡，数日而死；而雷世贤服饵千计，了无病恼，奇怪啊！沈括《笔谈》记载：夏英公性格豪侈，而禀赋异于人。才睡即身冷而僵如死者，常服仙茅、钟乳、硫黄，不知节制。每晨以钟乳粉入粥食之。有小吏偷吃，遂发疽死。这与终身服附子无恙的人，是同一类情况。沈括又说：医之为术，苟非得之于心，未见能臻其妙也。如服钟乳，当终身忌术，术能动钟乳也。然有药势不能蒸，须要其动而激发者。正如火少，必借风气鼓之而后发；火盛则鼓之反为害。这是自然之理。凡服诸药，皆宜仿此。又《十便良方》说：凡服乳人，服乳三日，即三日补之；服乳十日，即十日补之。欲饱食，以牛、羊、獐、鹿等骨煎汁，任意作羹食之。勿食仓米、臭肉，及犯房事。一月后精气满盛，百脉流通，身体觉热，绕脐肉起，此为得力，可稍近房事，不可频数，令药气顿竭，弥更害人，戒之慎之！名为乳，是因为形状像人的乳。与神丹相配，与凡石迥殊，故乳称石。俗语说：上士服石服其精，下士服石服其滓。滓之与精，其力远也。此说虽明快，然须真病命门火衰者宜之，否则当审。
【附方】新十一首。李补阙服乳法：主治五劳七伤，咳逆上气，治寒嗽，通音声，明目益精，安五脏，通百节，利九窍，下乳汁，益气补虚损，疗脚弱疼冷，下焦伤竭，强阴，久服延年益寿不老，令人有子。取韶州钟乳，不论浓薄，只要颜色明净光泽的，就可以入炼；只有黄、赤两种颜色，不使用。置于金、银器中，大铛着水，沉器煮之，令如鱼眼沸，水减即添。乳少，煮三日三夜；乳多，煮七日七夜。候干，色变黄白即熟。如果怀疑没熟，再煮满十日最佳。取出沥去水，再以清水煮半日，其水色清不变即止，乳无毒矣。入瓷钵中，玉槌着水研之。觉干涩，即添水，常令如稀米泔状。研至四、五日，揩之光腻，如书中白鱼，便以水洗之，不随水落者即熟，落者更研，乃澄取曝干。每用一钱半，温酒空腹调下，兼和丸散用。其煮乳黄浊水，切勿服。服之损人咽喉，伤肺，令人头痛，或下利不止。其有犯者，但食猪肉解之。（孙真人《千金方》）
钟乳煎：治疗风虚劳损，腰脚无力，补益强壮。用钟乳粉炼成者三两，以夹练袋盛之，牛乳一大升，煎减三分之一，去袋饮乳，分二服，一日一次。不吐不利，虚冷人微溏无苦。一袋可煮三十度，即力尽，另作袋。每煎讫，须濯净，令通气。其滓和面喂鸡，生子食之。此崔尚书方也。（孙真人《千金翼方》）
钟乳酒：安五脏，通百节，利九窍，主风虚，补下焦，益精明目。钟乳炼成粉五两，以夹练袋盛之，清酒六升，瓶封，汤内煮减三分之二，取出添满，封七日，日饮三合。忌房事、葱、豉、生食、硬食。（《外台秘要》）
钟乳丸：治疗丈夫衰老，阳绝肢冷，少气减食，腰疼脚痹，下气消食，和中长肌。钟乳粉二两，菟丝子（酒浸焙）、石斛各一两，吴茱萸（汤泡七次，炒）半两。为末，炼蜜和丸梧子大。每服七丸，空心温酒或米汤下，日二服。服讫行数百步，觉胸口热，稍定即食干饭豆酱。忌食粗臭恶食，及闻尸秽等气。初服七日，勿为阳事，过七日乃可行，不宜伤多。服过半剂，觉有功，乃续服。此曹公卓方也。（《和剂局方》）
元气虚寒：方见阳起石下。
一切劳嗽，胸膈痞满：焚香透膈散：用鹅管石、雄黄、佛耳草、款冬花等分。为末。每用一钱，安香炉上焚之，以筒吹烟入喉中，日二次。（《宣明论方》）
肺虚喘急，连绵不息：生钟乳粉（光明者）五钱，蜡三两（化和）。饭甑内蒸熟，研丸梧子大。每温水下一丸。（《圣济总录》）
吐血损肺：炼成钟乳粉，每服二钱，糯米汤下，立止。（《十便良方》）
大肠冷滑不止：钟乳粉一两，肉豆蔻（煨）半两。为末，煮枣肉丸梧子大。每服七十丸，空心米饮下。（《济生方》）
乳汁不通：气少血衰，脉涩不行，故乳少也。炼成钟乳粉二钱，浓煎漏芦汤调下。或与通草等分为末，米饮服方寸匕，日三次。（《外台秘要》）
(From "Bencao Gangmu")
[Collected Explanations] Li Shizhen said: Milizi (a mineral resembling snake gall) grows in gold mines in Sichuan, Guangdong, Jiangxi, and Zhejiang. It resembles Shehuang (Ore of Antimony) but has thorns, with golden threads winding around it. Its color is purple-brown, and it belongs to the same category as Wumingyi (Pyrolusite). Alchemists collect it as a raw material for refining metals and making Sanhuang (Three Yellows) medicines.
[Indications] Effective for treating metal wounds and fractures. (Li Shizhen)
(Recorded as a Superior Grade herb in "Shennong Bencao Jing")
[Names] Gongru (Public Milk, from "Mingyi Bielu"), Xuzhong (Empty Middle, from "Wu Pu Bencao"), Lushi (Reed Stone, from "Mingyi Bielu"), Eguan Shi (Goose Tube Stone, from "Bencao Gangmu"), Xiashi (Summer Stone, from "Mingyi Bielu"), Huangshisha (Yellow Stone Sand, from "Yaoxing Lun").
Li Shizhen said: The essence and qi of stones gather to form milk-like structures, which drip and solidify into stones; hence the name Shizhongru (Stone Bell Milk). "Lu" (reed) and "eguan" (goose tube) describe its hollow internal structure.
[Collected Explanations] "Mingyi Bielu" states: Shizhongru grows in the valleys of Mount Shaoshi and Mount Tai, and can be collected at any time.
Wu Pu said: It grows in shady banks in the valleys of Mount Tai, formed by dripping juices. It resembles milk, is yellowish-white, and has a hollow interior. It is collected in the second and third lunar months and dried in the shade.
Tao Hongjing said: The best quality comes from Shixing, but it is also found in stone caves of famous mountains in Jiangling and the eastern borders. Only those that are transparent through the center, thin and light like goose feather quills, breakable like fingernails, without "goose tooth" textures inside, and bright and lustrous are considered good. Some long ones measure one or two chi, are yellow in color, and turn white when washed with vinegar. Daoist classics rarely use it, whereas secular medical formulas value it highly.
Su Gong said: The best comes from Shixing, followed by those from Guang, Lian, Li, Lang, and Chen prefectures. Although dense and lustrous, they are acceptable and effective for consumption. Those from caves in Xiazhou, Qingxi, and Fangzhou are inferior to Shixing's. Those from unsuitable lands should not be taken lightly, as they may cause Lin syndrome (dysuria) and thirst. They should only be ground into powder, wrapped in white silk, soaked in wine with other herbs, and consumed. Tao Hongjing's claim of one-to-two-chi lengths is erroneous.
Sun Simiao said: Ru Shi (Milk Stones) must come from clean, bright, and lustrous lands. Varieties with patterns resembling bird feathers or cicada wings, especially white ones, are usable. Do not consume those from unsuitable lands; they kill faster than poison.
Kou Zongshi noted: Annotations state that Ru Shi growing in deep, dark caves often harbors dragons or snakes, or contains toxic vapors. Uneven yin-yang at cave entrances or ventilation can cause "goose tooth" textures. Yellow or red colors lacking moisture, or improper firing resulting in fire toxicity if water isn't changed, can cause Lin syndrome upon ingestion. There are three types: Shiru (Stone Milk) from pure stone caves, nourished by stone essence, possessing yin-yang balance and cicada-wing patterns, with a warm nature; Zhuru (Bamboo Milk) from caves full of small bamboo, nourished by bamboo essence, resembling bamboo in shape, with a neutral nature; and Rushi from Maoshan, where earth and stone mix with grass, nourished by grass essence, slightly black and slippery, with a slightly cold nature. Within each type, upper, middle, and lower grades exist, all valued for luster. Others exist but should not be trusted blindly.
Wang Bing stated: Cicada-wing texture is superior, fingernail texture is secondary, and goose-tube texture is inferior. Clear and thin varieties are suitable for use.
Su Song said: It is now found in Jianghua County of Daozhou, and mountains of Lian, Ying, Shao, Jie, and Xiazhou. It grows in shady rock caves, formed by dripping mountain fluids, with a hollow interior. Long ones are six or seven cun, resembling goose quills, white with a slight red tint. Li Buchuo's method for refining milk states: Take Shaozhou Zhongru, regardless of density, provided the color is clear and lustrous; yellow and red colors are unusable. Liu Zongyuan's letter also states: Only the beauty of color matters, not necessarily the trustworthiness of the land. Thus, the key is clarity, not strict adherence to specific origins. Current physicians consider only the hollow goose-tube variety as best. Additionally, Yin Yu recorded in "Shennong Bencao Jing" (Middle Grade): Zhongru is the root; Konggongshi is the root of Yin Yu; Shihua (Stone Flower), Shichuang (Stone Bed) are similar to Yin Yu. Shinao (Stone Brain) is also a type of Zhongru. Physicians rarely use these five types, preferring Zhongru alone.
Li Shizhen said: Fan Chengda's "Guanghai Zhi" describes this in detail. In caves connecting Guilin, Yizhou, and Rongzhou, Zhongru is abundant. Looking up at rising stone veins, one finds "milk beds," white as jade snow, formed by melting stone fluid. These hang down like inverted peaks, sharpening at the tips, long like icicles, with thin, hollow ends like goose quills. Milk drips continuously, condensing as it falls; this is the finest quality, collected using bamboo tubes held upwards. Refiners prefer the lightest, clearest ends resembling mica fingernails.
[Processing] Lei Xiao said: Do not use thick heads or large tails, which are Konggongshi. Do not use black ones, those exposed to intense fire, stored on the ground for long periods, or previously processed with drugs. Use only bright, thin, lustrous ones resembling goose quills, preferably 5-6 cun long. Processing method: Take 8 liang of Zhongru, boil with 1 liang each of Chenxiang (Agarwood), Linglingxiang (Lingnan Sweet Flag Rhizome), Huoxiang (Patchouli), Gansong (Sweet Spring Onion Bulb), and Baimao (Imperata Rhizome). Boil again to extract juice, then use this juice to boil the Zhongru for one shichen (2 hours). Remove, then boil with 2 liang each of Gancao (Licorice Root) and Zi Bei Tiankui (Omphalodes Verticillata). Remove, dry, and slowly roast. Pound into powder in a mortar, sieve, and place in a bowl. Have strong young men grind continuously for three days and nights without rest. Then clarify with water flying method, sieve through silk, sun-dry, and grind another 20,000 times. Store in porcelain boxes.
Shen Kuo cited Shen Wei: "Taiqing Jing" refining method: Place fine powder in gold or silver vessels, cover tightly with a tile to prevent gas escape, and steam until it naturally turns into liquid.
Li Buchuo's refining method is listed later.
[Properties and Flavor] Sweet, warm, non-toxic. Wu Pu recorded: Shenneng said pungent; Tongjun, Huangdi, Yi He said sweet; Bian Que said sweet, non-toxic.
Li Dangzhi said: Highly toxic.
Xu Zhicai said: Shechuangzi (Cnidium Fruit) acts as an assistant. Dislikes Mudan (Tree Peony Root Bark), Xuanshi (Magnetite), Mumeng (Astragalus). Feels threatened by Zhiyanshi (Fluorite) and Tingli (Descurainia Seed). Avoids sheep blood.
Li Shizhen said: "Xianggan Zhi" states: When taking Ru Shi, avoid Renshen (Ginseng) and Baizhu (Atractylodes Macrocephala); violation often leads to death.
Tusu Zhenjun said: Zhongru originates in yang caves, condensed from yang qi, capable of softening metals. Maimendong (Ophiopogon Tuber), Dusan (Single Clove Garlic), Jiushi (Garlic Chive Seed), Hucong (Welsh Onion), Huyi (Coriander), and Mao'er Yan Cao (Euphorbia humifusa) can all counteract its effects.
[Indications] Treats cough with reverse flow of qi, brightens eyes, benefits essence, calms the five zang organs, unblocks joints, opens orifices, promotes lactation ("Shennong Bencao Jing"). Benefits qi, tonifies deficiency, treats weak/cold painful legs, exhaustion of the lower jiao, strengthens yin. Long-term use extends life, improves complexion, prevents aging, and aids fertility. Unrefined use causes Lin syndrome ("Mingyi Bielu"). Treats seminal emission with cold cough, strengthens yuan qi, enhances sexual function, clears voice (Zhen Quan). Tonifies five labors and seven injuries (Meng Shen). Supplements marrow, treats diabetes with excessive thirst (Qingxiazi).
[Elucidation] Shen Wei cited Liu Zongyuan's "Letter to Cui Lianzhou": Plants rely on soil; their nature changes based on location (mountain yin/yang, near trees or rocks). Zhongru grows directly from stone; the stone's quality varies greatly, and soil depth/stone height in caves are unknown. Thus, its nature varies. Those from dense, refined parts are clear, bright, smooth, and delicate; consuming them brings gentleness, promotes qi flow, generates stomach/intestine health, and ensures longevity. Those from coarse, low parts are turbulent, rough, varying in size, bone-dry or ash-colored, dull, and heavy; consuming them causes stagnation, generates wind/fire, irritates throat/lungs, clouds senses, causes irritability, rigid liver qi, and imbalance. Therefore, gentlemen select beautiful specimens rather than relying solely on origin, seeking the finest quality.
Zhen Xiang said: Shizhongru is a fierce medicine. "Neijing" states: Stone medicines have fierce qi. This is wise. Medicines with biased properties are for temporary use, not long-term. Stone medicines are extremely biased. Since the Tang dynasty, peace led wealthy families to believe alchemists' claims of immortality via stone medicines due to their dense nature. This custom persisted into Song and today. People suffer this fierce qi harm helplessly. While Bencao praises long-term benefits, and Liu Zongyuan praised it, I must speak out deeply.
Li Shizhen said: Shizhongru is a qi-level medicine for the Yangming channel. Its action is rapid, causing sudden surge of yang qi, increased appetite, and robust physique. Ignorant people rejoice, indulging in lust, secretly depleting essence while stone qi remains, intensifying solitary yang. Over time, ying and wei disharmony leads to Lin/thirst, abscesses. Is this the fault of Ru Shi or human error? For those with declining Yangming qi, using it with other herbs to restore decline, stopping when cured, is acceptable. Even grains/meats have biases if overused, let alone stone medicines. "Zhongshu Shu" notes: Adding small amounts of Zhongru powder to tree holes increases fruit yield/quality; adding to old roots revitalizes trees. Thus, claims of benefiting qi/fertility are plausible. However, lustful individuals may suffer before benefiting. Exceptionally constituted individuals cannot be judged uniformly. Zhang Gao's "Yi Shuo" records: General Lei Shixian took Cinnabar, Mother Stone, and Zhongru daily to satisfy desires. His father-in-law, suffering cold diarrhea, took ten pills, felt burning abdomen, went mad, jumped in a well, died with purple blisters. Yet Lei suffered no illness despite massive doses—strange! Shen Kuo's "Bitan" records: Duke Xia Ying was extravagant and constitutionally unique. He slept cold and stiff, taking Curculigo, Zhongru, and Sulfur endlessly, mixing Zhongru powder into morning porridge. A clerk stole some and died of carbuncle. Similar to those surviving lifelong Aconite use. Shen Kuo adds: Medicine requires mental insight. When taking Zhongru, avoid Arisaema (Shu), as it activates Zhongru. Like needing wind to start a small fire, but wind harms a large fire. This natural logic applies to all medicines. "Shibian Liangfang" states: For every day of Ru Shi intake, supplement for that many days. Eat bone broths (cow, sheep, muntjac, deer). Avoid grain rice, spoiled meat, and sex. After one month, essence fills, meridians flow, body feels hot, flesh rises around navel—this indicates efficacy. Sexual activity may resume moderately, not frequently, to avoid exhausting medicinal qi. Named "Ru" (Milk) because it resembles human milk. Paired with divine elixirs, distinct from common stones, thus called "Stone Milk." Proverb: Masters take the essence, fools take the dregs. Essence and dregs differ vastly in power. This view is clear, but suits only those with true Mingmen Fire Deficiency. Otherwise, careful assessment is needed.
[Attached Formulas] New eleven.
Li Buchuo's Method: Treats five labors/seven injuries, cough/reverse qi, cold cough, voice issues, eye brightness, essence benefit, zang calmness, joint unblocking, orifice opening, lactation, qi benefit, deficiency tonification, leg weakness/cold, lower jiao exhaustion, yin strengthening, longevity, fertility. Take Shaozhou Zhongru, clear/lustrous regardless of density; reject yellow/red. Place in gold/silver vessel, submerge in large pot of water. Boil until bubbling like fish eyes, replenishing water as needed. Small amount: 3 days/nights; large amount: 7 days/nights. Dry, turning yellow-white indicates completion. If unsure, boil 10 more days. Drain, rinse with clear water for half a day until water stays clear (non-toxic). Grind in porcelain bowl with jade pestle and water to consistency of thin rice wash. Grind 4-5 days until smooth as white fish in books. Wash; particles not falling off are ripe. Clarify and sun-dry. Take 1.5 qian with warm wine on empty stomach, or mix with pills/powders. Discard yellow/turbid boiling water; it damages throat/lungs, causes headache/diarrhea. Pork resolves toxicity. (Sun Simiao, "Qianjin Fang")
Zhongru Decoction: Treats wind-deficiency labor damage, weak legs/back, tonifies strength. Use 3 liang refined Zhongru powder in linen bag. Boil in 1 sheng cow's milk until reduced by one-third. Drink milk, divided into two doses, once daily. No vomiting/diarrhea; mild loose stool in cold-deficient patients is harmless. One bag boils 30 times until ineffective. Clean bag between uses. Residue mixed with flour feeds chickens; eating eggs is beneficial. (Cui Shangshu formula, Sun Simiao, "Qianjin Yifang")
Zhongru Wine: Calms zang, unblocks joints/orifices, treats wind-deficiency, tonifies lower jiao, benefits essence/eyes. 5 liang refined Zhongru powder in linen bag. Boil in 6 sheng clear wine in sealed bottle in hot water until reduced by two-thirds. Top up, seal 7 days. Drink 3 he daily. Avoid sex, scallions, fermented soybeans, raw/hard foods. ("Waitai Miyao")
Zhongru Pills: Treats male aging, impotence/cold limbs, shortness of breath/appetite loss, back pain/leg numbness, directs qi downward, aids digestion, harmonizes middle, builds muscle. 2 liang Zhongru powder, 1 liang Tusizi (soaked in wine, roasted), 1 liang Shihu, 0.5 liang Wuzhuyu (soaked in hot water 7 times, roasted). Powder, bind with refined honey into pill size of wutong seeds. Take 7 pills with warm wine or rice gruel on empty stomach, twice daily. Walk hundreds of steps after dosing; feel chest heat, then eat dry rice and bean paste. Avoid bad smells/smells of corpses. No sexual activity for first 7 days; thereafter moderate. Continue if effective. (Cao Gong Zhuo formula, "Heji Jufang")
Yuan Qi Deficiency Cold: See under Yangqishi.
All Labor Coughs, Chest/Diaphragm Fullness: Fenxiang Touge San: Equal parts Eguan Shi, Xionghuang, Foer Cao, Kuandonghua. Powder. Burn 1 qian in incense burner, blow smoke into throat via tube, twice daily. ("Xuanming Lun")
Lung Deficiency Wheezing, Continuous: Raw Zhongru powder (bright) 5 qian, Wax 3 liang (melted). Steam in rice steamer, grind into wutong seed-sized pills. Take one pill with warm water. ("Shengji Zonglu")
Hemoptysis Damaging Lung: Refined Zhongru powder 2 qian, taken with glutinous rice soup, stops immediately. ("Shibian Liangfang")
Large Intestine Cold Slippery Diarrhea: Zhongru powder 1 liang, Rou Doukou (roasted) 0.5 liang. Powder, bind with date paste into wutong seed-sized pills. Take 70 pills with rice drink on empty stomach. ("Jisheng Fang")
Blocked Lactation: Due to qi/blood deficiency and sluggish pulse. Refined Zhongru powder 2 qian, taken with concentrated Loulu decoction. Or equal parts Tongcao powder, taken with rice drink, 1 cun bi dose, three times daily. ("Waitai Miyao")
Involuntary Seminal Emission, Loose Stools, Cold Limbs.
See under Yangqishi.