Properties: Sweet, bitter, neutral
Meridans Entered:
Primary: Spleen and Large Intestine
Traditional Actions/Indications:
- Strengthens the Spleen and astringes the Intestines to stop diarrhoea
Chronic diarrhoea with mucus and blood in the stool
- Stops bleeding and heals ulcers
Sores and boils, chronic non-healing ulcers
- 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 Spleen which is associated with yellow.
Suggested Daily Dosage: 10-20g in decoction.
Cautions: It is contraindicated in cases of Damp Heat diarrhoea or dysentery.
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.
Notable Constituents:
- Humic Acid
A naturally occurring, complex molecule found in soil, peat, and other decomposed organic matter. It has been found to have antioxidant properties and can support gut health by promoting beneficial bacteria. Kaolin can retain a large percentage of added humic acid, especially at low concentrations. Conversely, humic acids can also influence the behavior of kaolin, such as its adsorption capacity for certain elements.
- 10(Z)-Hexadecenoic-acid
Long chain fatty acid produced by Mycobaterium Vaccae that lives in soil and has been researched for the potential antidepressant activity of gardening. It has also been investigated for immune modulating effects with regards to allergic asthma, cancer, depression, leprosy, psoriasis, dermatitis, eczema and tuberculosis. In Zao Xin Tu the heat will kill off the bacteria but heat treated preparations have also been used in clinical trials for mood disorders to kill off the bacteria but leave its chemical productions intact. 10(Z)-Hexadecenoic-acid is one candidate for its therapeutic activity by inhibiting key pathways in activated immune cells (Smith et al, 2019), the other being M. vaccae lysate that prevents dermatitis when applied topically (Nesmiyanov et al, 2018).
Does not appear in any formulae listed on this site
Research Links & References: (click to display)
Research Links:
Reference Notes:
Individual herb information has sourced mainly from TCM Wiki and American Dragon for basic data and then updated manually with my own notes. Zhou, Xie and Yan (2011): Encyclopedia of Traditional Chinese Medicines, Vol. 5, and A+ Medical Encyclopaedia have been used for entries not available from those sources with additional material searched for and filled in where available. Western herbs not appearing in the Chinese literature have used Ross (2010): Combining Western Herbs and Chinese Medicine: A Clinical Materia Medica, White Rabbit Institute of Healing and therapeutika.ch. Choices of which source to use or combine have been my own.
These pages are intended to assist clinicians and are not intended for self-diagnosis or treatment for which a qualified professional should be consulted. Actions and indications are taken from traditional uses and do not necessarily reflect the evidence base which should be researched independently. Dosages are for guidance only and will vary dependening on the potency of the batch and the tolerance of the individual so should be evaluated by a professional based on individual needs.
