Pumice (fu hai shi)

Pumex

Traditionally attributed effects: cools hot phlegm in the lungs, softens lumps and promotes urination.

Safety notes

Not with cough with cold and weakness. 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

Ground stone. Usually as a decoction, together with other herbs.

Use in traditions

Described in the classical Chinese materia medica, in the group 'herbs that transform phlegm and stop cough'. Pumice (fu hai shi, 'floating sea stone') is powdered for thick phlegm and swollen glands. The volcanic rock floats on water.

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, cold
Meridians: lung

Attributed effects

For lung heat with yellow or bloody phlegm that is hard to cough up, lumps from phlegm fire such as swollen glands and goitre, and hot, painful urination.

Preparation and amount

Traditional dosage: 6–15 g a day, usually in a decoction.

Combinations

With gua lou seed, huang qin and honeysuckle for thick yellow phlegm
With xuan shen for swollen glands

Ways to prepare herbs: Decoction Powder and kitchen

Sources

All herbs from Asia →