Single Herb Glossary
Hua Shi 滑石
| Pharmaceutical name | Talcum |
| Category | Drain Damp |
| Key Properties | Cool summerheat, clears hot painful dribbling urination, applied topically for damp-heat rashes and sores |
| Properties | Sweet Bland Cold |
| Tropism | ST, UB |
| Actions & Indications | 1) Clears Heat and Faciliates Resolution of Dampness (Damp Heat Lin, diarrhea) 2) Clears Summerheat & Faciliates Resolution of Dampness 3) Absorbs dampness: Applied Topically for Damp skin lesions |
| Dosages | 9-15 g, separate cloth bag |
| Contraindications (TCM) | CI: weak Sp Qi, spermatorrhea, polyuria, or injury to the fluids from febrile disorders; caution during pregnancy |
| Contraindications (Western) | |
| Chemical Composition | Mg3(Si4O10)(OH)2 |
| Pharmacological Effects | • Effects on skin and mucous membranes: Hua Shi has small particles and large surface area; applied externally, absorbs large amounts of chemicals and toxins to protect skin from irritation; taken internally, protects stomach lining from gastritis, suppresses nausea and vomiting, and reduces absorption of toxins through the intestinal tract |
| Herb-Drug Interactions | |
| Classical Formula(s) |
Gan Lu Xiao Du Dan (Sweet Dew Special Pill to Eliminate Toxin) 甘露消毒丹 San Ren Tang (Three Nut Decoction) 三仁湯 Zhu Ling Tang (Polyporus Decoction) 豬苓湯 (猪苓汤) Ba Zheng San (Eight Herb Powder for Rectification) 八正散 Fang Feng Tong Sheng San (Saposhnikovia powder that sagely unblocks) 防風通聖散 Feng Yin Tang (Wind-Drawing Decoction) (deleted bai shi zhi) 風引湯 （減白石脂） Gui Ling Gan Lu Yin (Cinnamon and Poria Sweet Dew Drink) 桂苓甘露飲 Hao Qin Qing Dan Tang Sweet Wormwood and Scutellaria Decoction to Clear Gallbladder) 蒿芩清膽湯 Liu Yi San (Six-to-One Powder) 六一散 Xiao Ji Yin Zi (Small Thistle Drink) 小蓟飲子 |
This information is a reference tool for Chinese herbal studies. It is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Please consult a primary health professional if you require health advisory.