Actinolite (yang qi shi)

Actinolitum

Traditionally attributed effects: was used to strengthen kidney yang; actinolite is a form of asbestos.

Safety notes

Toxic or risky: only under expert supervision. Deliberately no dosage is given here. Actinolite is one of the asbestos minerals: its dust causes lung cancer, mesothelioma and asbestosis. The use of asbestos is banned in the EU. Do not use, not even ground or heated. Traditional use is no proof of effectiveness; if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication or have a medical condition, consult a doctor or pharmacist.

Cautions by tradition (1)

Chinese materia medica: Asbestos: do not use.

Preparation

Ground mineral. Deliberately no dosage is given here.

Use in traditions

Described in the classical Chinese materia medica, in the group 'tonics for kidney yang'. The mineral (yang qi shi) was calcined and powdered in small amounts as a remedy for kidney yang. Actinolite is a form of asbestos; ingesting fibres can cause lung disease and cancer, so it is advised against.

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: salty, slightly warm
Meridians: kidney

Attributed effects

The book describes use for impotence, cold and absent menstruation, and to warm the uterus, raise female libido and fertility and stop bleeding from a cold uterus.

Preparation and amount

Deliberately no dosage is given here: only under the supervision of a qualified therapist.

Caution: Asbestos: do not use.

Ways to prepare herbs: Powder and kitchen

Sources

All herbs from Asia →