《神仙服食靈草菖蒲丸方傳》

This scripture primarily describes the preparation methods and efficacy of the immortal-grade Acorus Calamus (Changpu) Pill, revered by celestial beings.

Acorus Calamus is honored as the "essence of water and divine herb of immortals," a treasured substance commonly used by ancient Daoist practitioners seeking transcendence. During Emperor Wu of Liang's reign, a minister named Lü Louyun presented this formula to the court, mentioning how the Han dynasty immortal Dongfang Shuo regularly consumed calamus. After Emperor Wu took the remedy, all his ailments vanished, leaving him spiritually refreshed and mentally clear.

The herb's name carries profound symbolism: "Chang" signifies flourishing vitality, "Pu" denotes universal efficacy, while its essential nature represents spiritual potency. It can cure various illnesses, prolong life, maintain youthful appearance, and truly serves as an exceptional elixir for transcendence seekers. The scripture records two preparation methods:

First Method:

Gather calamus on the 9th day of the 9th lunar month. After sun-drying, pound it into powder and blend with glutinous rice paste to form pills. Should bodily heat arise after consumption, decoct one liang of Qinjiao (a cooling herb) in water to alleviate symptoms.

Second Method:

Collect on auspicious dates like the 3rd day of the 3rd month or 4th day of the 4th month, specifically selecting calamus growing on pristine rocks within south-flowing streams (north-flowing water specimens are unsuitable). On gathering day, remove root hairs, wash thoroughly, slice, sun-dry, then pulverize and sift. For the rice paste, use aged glutinous rice soaked overnight and meticulously rinsed.

The text emphasizes universal benefits regardless of gender or age, with consumers receiving protection from spirits. Preparation requires careful selection of auspicious timing and premium ingredients to ensure full medicinal potency.

This scripture records the method and efficacy of preparing an elixir using calamus. The preparation method involves grinding calamus into fine powder, mixing it with glutinous rice paste, kneading it into pellets the size of Chinese parasol tree seeds, and then drying them in the sun for storage.

The method of consumption is as follows:

• Begin by taking 10 pellets daily with meals, preferably accompanied by wine and light snacks
• Persistent consumption yields progressive effects:

After ten months: improved digestion

After two months: expulsion of cold ailments

After three months: elimination of various illnesses

After four years: abundant vital energy (Qi)

After five years: replenished marrow

After six years: radiant complexion like a child's

After seven years: white hair turning black

After eight years: regrowth of lost teeth

After nine years: refined skin texture

After ten years: rosy cheeks like peach blossoms

After eleven years: body light as a swallow

After twelve years: attainment of Zhenren (the highest state of Daoist cultivation) and immortality

The text particularly emphasizes:

1. Herb gathering must occur on the fifth day of the fifth month (the important Daoist Duanwu Festival), scraping off coarse bark and sun-drying the sliced rhizomes

2. Preparation requires three thousand pestle strikes during grinding

3. Recommended dosage: 25 pellets at dawn, 25 at noon, and 30 at dusk

Evaluations from renowned masters:

• Liu Gen stated: "This medicine enables one to study extensively without fatigue"
• Bian Que noted: "Calamus cures chronic wind disorders, suitable for both men and women"
• Tao Qian (Tao Yuanming) achieved excellent results using honey-prepared pellets

The text concludes with a case study: Ye Jingyuan, a Daoist from Henei County, restored his 35-year-old mother's health from stroke-induced paralysis through this prescription. The scripture emphasizes this formula originates from the Shangqing (Highest Clarity) tradition and should not be casually transmitted to ordinary people—practitioners must maintain sincere devotion and perseverance.

This scripture describes the miraculous effects of a medicinal pill made from calamus. The main contents are as follows:

This calamus pill can cure various intractable diseases. After taking it for one year, all ailments are eliminated—the body becomes strong, the complexion rosy, steps light, hearing sharp, and vision clear. After five years, it can even reverse aging. It shows particularly remarkable efficacy against wind-stroke, hemiplegia, numbness in limbs, paralysis, partial paralysis, the five strains and seven injuries, hemorrhoids, and other stubborn illnesses.

The pill also treats febrile diseases, epidemics, and other contagious conditions. For women, it provides immediate relief for postpartum dizziness and leukorrhea (red and white vaginal discharge). Men suffering from heavy legs, headaches, or general weakness in the limbs also experience rapid recovery. In essence, it addresses all manner of illnesses in both genders.

The calamus pill contains the Qi of the Five Phases (Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, Water): its green hue corresponds to the East, white to the West, red to the South, yellow to the Center, and black to the North. It strengthens bones and marrow, replenishes blood, nourishes the brain, moistens the five viscera and six bowels, improves appetite, alleviates dry skin, fortifies teeth, calms the spirit (Shen), dispels chills and fevers, and ensures smooth circulation of Qi and blood throughout the body.

The scripture also records a list of perfected beings (Zhenren) who attained immortality through long-term use of the calamus pill. These include Celestial Master (Tianshi) Kou, Zheng Yu, Gai Chuo, Gong He, Zhou Lu, Zihong Yuan and his mother, Wang Liang, and the Shaoshan immortal Lu Yuan. Through sustained consumption of the pill, they ultimately achieved the Dao and ascended as immortals.

This scripture records documented cases of perfected beings who attained immortality through ingesting calamus pills. The text enumerates multiple practitioners who achieved Dao-realization using this method: Xiao Guang cultivated for ten years before attaining immortality on Mount Shaoshi; Yan Cunzhen and her son, Wang Xing from Henei, and Zhang Shiheng from Heyang all attained the Dao after a decade of practice. County magistrate Zhou Zhongdao of Wangwu, commoner Rong Hong, Li Liang from Haiyi, and Wang Pei from Chuzhou all ascended to immortality through this medicine—with Wang Pei notably living to eighty years old before achieving daytime ascension.

The scripture explains that the Divine Immortals' Scripture on Consuming the Numinous Herb Calamus Pills originally comprised twelve volumes, secretly preserved in the Shangqing Palace (a key Daoist temple complex). This present text merely extracts essential points for practitioners' reference. It particularly emphasizes the absolute authenticity of this method: by wholeheartedly gathering the medicinal ingredients and ingesting them according to the prescribed method, one will undoubtedly attain longevity. However, it simultaneously warns that those without genuine devotion to the Dao who rashly slander the technique will instead invite shortened lifespans. Though this immortal formula is precious enough to be transmitted to sincere gentlemen devoted to the Dao, it absolutely must not be carelessly disclosed—its secrecy must be strictly maintained.

(Note: In Daoist cultivation, calamus [changpu] is often regarded as a herb with numinous properties. The ingestion method [fushi fa] constitutes an important Daoist practice for achieving longevity through consuming specific medicinal substances alongside cultivation. The Shangqing scriptures form the core canon of the Shangqing [Highest Clarity] tradition, with Shangqing Palace serving as the repository for essential Daoist texts.)