Properties: Sweet, astringent, neutral
Meridans Entered:
Primary: Stomach
Traditional Actions/Indications:
- 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
- Restrains leakage of Body Fluids and inhibits and stops bleeding
Incessant vaginal discharge
Unrelenting uterine bleeding
- 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.
Suggested Daily 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.
Appears in 3 formulae listed on this site: (click to display)
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.
