Pinyin: Chi Shi Zhi  Chinese: 赤石脂
Pharmaceutical: Halloysitum Rubrum
English: Red Kaolin / Red Halloysite

Tastes: Sweet, astringent, warm
Meridians Entered: Large Intestine and Stomach

Actions & Indications:

1. Astringes the Intestines and stops diarrhoea
   Chronic diarrhoea, often accompanied by undigested food, due to Deficiency Cold
   Chronic dysenteric disorders with mucus and Blood in the stool
   Prolapsed rectum
2. Contains the Blood and stops bleeding
   Bleeding from Deficiency Cold in the Lower Jiao with uterine bleeding, excessive menstruation, hemafecia and bleeding prolapsed rectum
   Bleeding due to trauma (topical)
3. Promotes healing of wounds topically (generates flesh)
   Wounds
   Chronic non-healing ulcers, weeping sores
4. Aids fasting
   Mentioned in the Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing as part of the superior class of minerals which can, with protracted taking, replenish the marrow, boost the qi, and make one fat and strong, free from hunger, and the body light while prolonging life. This may suggest it was part of supplementing the diet when engaging in an "avoiding grain" (Bigu 辟穀) fasting regime to cultivate life (Yangsheng 養生). It is also said to nourish the five Zang, especially the Heart which is associated with red.

Standard Dosage: 10-20g in decoction.
Cautions: It is contraindicated in cases of diarrhea or dysentery of damp-heat type. Use with caution for pregnant women. It is incompatible to Guan Gui (Rou Gui).

Eating clay long-term can cause low levels of potassium and iron, intestinal blockage, poisoning from trace heavy metals, muscle weakness, skin sores and difficulty breathing.

Mineral products are prohibited from use in the UK under the Medicines Act 1968 ch. 67 which restricts herbalists to the use of plant products only. It is generally substituted with He Zi and Jin Guan Hua. It may still be used topically.

Pinyin: Yu Yu Liang  Chinese: 禹余粮
Pharmaceutical: Limonitum
Taxonomy: FeO(OH)⋅nH₂O
English: Limonite / Hydrated Ferric Oxide

Tastes: Sweet, astringent, neutral
Meridians Entered: Stomach

Actions & Indications:

1. Astringes the Intestines and stops diarrhoea
   Chronic diarrhoea or dysentery disorders
   Instability of the Lower Jiao with diarrhoea to the point of incontinence
   Spleen and Kidney Yang Deficiencies diarrhoea especially in the elderly
2. Restrains leakage of Body Fluids and inhibits and stops bleeding
   Incessant vaginal discharge
   Unrelenting uterine bleeding
3. Aids fasting
   Mentioned in the Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing as part of the superior class of minerals which can, after sublimation, make one free from hunger, make the body light and prolong life. This may suggest it was part of supplementing the diet when engaging in an "avoiding grain" (Bigu 辟穀) fasting regime to cultivate life (Yangsheng 養生). Unusually, a second entry for Tai Yi Yu Yu Liang (太一禹馀粮, "Supreme Unity of Yu's Surplus Provisions"), possibly the sublimated version, is given, whose effects with prolonged taking are to resist cold and summerheat, prevent hunger and make one an immortal with a body so light it is able to fly a thousand li.

Standard Dosage: 10-20g in decoction.
Cautions: Use with caution for pregnant women.

Mineral products are prohibited from use in the UK under the Medicines Act 1968 ch. 67 which restricts herbalists to the use of plant products only.