Gypsum is a crystalline aggregate in long blocks or irregular fibrous shapes. It is white to grayish-white in color. Although it looks like a stone, it is actually a highly valuable traditional Chinese medicine. Let's take a closer look at the efficacy and effects of gypsum!
【Identification】
Gypsum is a monoclinic crystal system mineral containing hydrated calcium sulfate. Gypsum is often formed in sedimentary rocks formed in bays, salt lakes, and inland lakes, often coexisting with limestone, clay, and rock salt.
This product is mostly irregular in shape and size. It is a fibrous crystalline aggregate. It is white, grayish-white, or flesh-red in color.
Naturally, the surface is flat, without gloss and texture, and often attached with bluish-gray or grayish-yellow laminar thin mudstone layers.
The texture is slightly soft and fragile, and can be peeled off with fingernails. The longitudinal section has a fibrous texture and a silky luster.
Small fragments can be crushed into fine powder by hand. It has no odor and a mild taste. The best quality is large, white, and free of impurities.
【Medicinal Efficacy】
1. Antipyretic
Animal experiments have shown that it has antipyretic effects. It may work by inhibiting the heat production center. Furthermore, it may also inhibit the sweating center, so it has antipyretic effects without sweating, especially suitable for high fever. The antipyretic effect is long-lasting.
2. Sedative
The calcium content in gypsum has an inhibitory effect on nerves and muscles, so it is suitable for restlessness. As an adjuvant treatment, it also has a certain antispasmodic effect on convulsions caused by high fever.
3. Anti-inflammatory
Calcium can reduce vascular permeability, so it has anti-inflammatory effects.
【Contraindications】
1. Gypsum should not be taken by those with spleen and stomach deficiency-cold, blood deficiency, and yin deficiency with fever.
3. Gypsum is a very cold substance and can easily damage yang qi.
4. Gypsum is incompatible with croton and iron.
5. Excessive use of gypsum can cause tiredness, fatigue, lack of energy, and poor appetite.
6. Gypsum should not be used concurrently with the following Western medicines:
Tetracycline antibiotics - gypsum can decrease the solubility and absorption rate of these antibiotics; it should not be taken with isoniazid, as it can reduce its effectiveness; it should not be taken with dexamethasone, as it can reduce its bioavailability.
