Elixir, Medicine, and Fertilizer: Stalactite (shizhong ru)'s Transformations in Premodern China

This study examines the historical transformations and multifaceted applications of stalactite (shizhong ru) in premodern China (3rd c. BCE-17th c. CE). Initially regarded as an elixir for consumption, stalactite gained popularity due to its perceived medicinal benefits, especially as a safer alternative to the toxic Five-Stone Powder. However, its usage declined due to increasing medical concerns, quality inconsistencies, and regional climatic factors, particularly in southern China. As doubts over safety intensified, stalactite was gradually relegated from "non-toxic" dietary use to cautious prescription and eventually became the subject of debates on its toxic potential. At the same time, its restorative logic extended beyond the human body to agriculture. Over time, its application re-emerged in both medical and agricultural contexts, where it was applied to enhance fertility and vitality. By tracing these shifts through historical and medical texts as well as environmental factors, this study highlights the dynamic relationship between natural resources, medicine, and societal needs, offering new insights into the evolution of mineral-based therapeutics for land as well as humans in premodern China.