Calcite (han shui shi)

Calcitum (calciumcarbonaat)

Traditionally attributed effects: cools heat in fever with thirst and summer heat; externally on hot small ulcers and burns.

Safety notes

Not with cold and deficiency of spleen and stomach. Always have a high fever assessed medically. Traditional use is no proof of effectiveness; if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication or have a medical condition, consult a doctor or pharmacist.

Preparation

Finely ground mineral. Usually as a decoction, together with other herbs.

Use in traditions

Described in the classical Chinese materia medica, in the group 'herbs that cool internal heat'. In Chinese medicine calcite (han shui shi, 'cold-water stone') cools high fever with thirst, similar to gypsum. It is powdered and boiled.

Applications

Use by tradition

How different herbal traditions describe this herb. Amounts are traditional guidelines checked for obvious errors; they are not medical advice. For poisonous plants no dosage is given on purpose.

Chinese materia medica

Nature and taste: pungent, salty, cold
Meridians: heart, stomach, kidney

Attributed effects

For fever with thirst and irritability, summer heat with high fever, a thick yellow tongue coating and a rapid pulse, externally for hot, inflamed small ulcers (especially in the mouth) and burns, and for oedema.

Preparation and amount

Traditional dosage: 9–30 g a day, usually in a decoction. Used almost the same way as gypsum, and often together with it.

Ways to prepare herbs: Decoction Powder and kitchen
Formulas: Zi xue dan

Sources

All herbs from Asia →