典藏书目

Bai Guo (Ginkgo Nut, *Ginkgo biloba* seed)
(Also known as Yin Xing, commonly called Ya Jiao.) Produced everywhere, the tree is large and tall. Flowers bloom at the second watch, fruits set at the third watch. Harvested by beating them down in autumn; the shell is white, the flesh green. Raw consumption irritates the throat; roasted consumption tastes sweet and bitter. A small amount can accompany tea or wine; excessive consumption induces wind and generates phlegm. Consuming up to one thousand pieces causes premature death. This is a yin-toxic fruit, prevention is necessary. Ancient formulas utilized its properties, achieving efficacy only in treating Bai Zhuo (white turbidity). Children should not eat it, as it easily triggers Jing Feng (pediatric convulsions).

Hu Tao Rou (Walnut Kernel)
Taste: Sweet. Nature: Warm. Non-toxic. Grows in various soils, particularly abundant in Shaanxi and Luoyang. The plant is large with dense leaves; fruits have chambers. Harvested near winter; shells are broken to extract the kernel. Frequent consumption strengthens the body and promotes hair growth, while also tonifying the Lower Yuan (lower primal qi); however, excessive consumption induces wind, generates phlegm, and aids Kidney Fire. Burned into fine powder and mixed with Pine Resin (*Song Zhi*) for external application, scrofula heals easily. To remove white hairs, mix with Hu Fen (lead carbonate) and insert into hair follicles to turn black. For traumatic injuries, take hot with pure wine; for Shi Lin (lithuria), boil with crushed rice and taste. It can unblock meridians and moisten blood vessels. For teeth sensitive to sourness, chew finely to relieve immediately. Wrapped in green skin and pressed for oil, it dyes eyebrows and hair black like lacquer. Bark also stops dysentery and can dye brown, which is quite unique.

Yu Xie (Jade Dust)
Taste: Sweet. Nature: Neutral. One theory says: Taste: Salty, Nature: Cold. Non-toxic. Regarded as a worldly treasure, mostly produced in Lantian. (Located southeast of Chang'an.) Colors come in five varieties, detailed in ancient texts. Black resembles pure lacquer; red resembles a rooster's comb. White resembles cut fat; yellow resembles steamed chestnuts. (Only blue-green jade has no description.) Its texture is warm, moist, and lustrous; its sound is clear and long when struck. It rings upon tapping, distinct from other stones. When carved by jade workers, dust falls like hemp. For medicinal use, color must be pure white. (Other colors are not used.) Grind extremely fine to avoid causing Lin syndrome obstruction. (Another view: Taking jade should ideally be dissolved into water; grinding into powder ultimately causes Lin syndrome obstruction.) Avoid mixing with Deer Antler (*Lu Jiao*). Relieves thirst, moistens the throat, clears heat from the epigastrium. Moistens the Heart Spirit, brightens the eyes, nourishes hair, eliminates scars. Assists voice, calms panting. Long-term continuous服用 (consumption) delays aging and lightens the body. There is also "Yu Quan" (Jade Spring), which is the liquid essence of jade. That from immortal pools is superior (this is hardest to obtain); that dissolved by method is also good. (Jade can be dissolved into water using black rice wine, vinegar, or *Di Yu* wine. Or dissolved into paste using onion juice. One method: Take one sheng of Jade Dust, one sheng of *Di Yu* herb, one sheng of rice, two sheng of White Dew, place together in a copper vessel, boil until rice is cooked, the jade dust turns to water, squeeze out the juice, named Yu Ye.) This is the essence of jade, very clear in color. Extraordinarily effective for treating hundred diseases; avoid mixing with *Kuan Dong Hua*. Strengthens bones, softens sinews, calms soul and spirit. Promotes muscle growth, benefits qi, withstands cold and heat, prolongs life. If five jin are灌下 (poured down) when a person is dying, the corpse will not rot for three years. Well water from places where jade emerges, if taken regularly, also grants longevity. (Chen Jiamo) Commentary: Ancients said: The reason jade differs from common stones is that it is hard yet has grain, and cannot be damaged by fire or blades, which is the distinction, not just because it is moist and sounds clear. If one does not know carefully, there are many look-alikes. For example, Yan Shi (Yan stone) can also be mixed in. The *Book of Documents* says: Yan stone put in a box, Bian He wept bitterly, this is likely the case. Also said: Generally, stones containing jade, if viewed against a lamp at night, and red light like the rising sun is seen inside, then one knows there is jade. Bian He had his feet cut off because he was not appreciated. Its colors are five kinds: Now only blue-green and white are common, black appears occasionally, yellow and red are absolutely rare. Even the six ritual vessels cannot get true jade, let alone others! Those who consume jade must live secluded in mountains and forests. Abandon desires and lusts to gain efficacy. If alcohol and sex are not abstained from, it will instead cause fever, leading oneself to death. Because jade possesses pure yang essence, while alcohol and sex aid fire very quickly. Using fire to assist fire, how could it not be so? Therefore, the commentary on the *Ben Jing* says: If the measure is not deeply understood, do not lightly take it.