Gypsum, as we all know, is a common industrial material. It is a mineral containing hydrated calcium sulfate. In addition to its industrial uses, gypsum is also a traditional Chinese medicine with strong medicinal value. Now let's learn more about gypsum!
【Main Components】
The main component of gypsum is hydrated calcium sulfate. The composition is as follows: CaO accounts for 32.5%, SO2 accounts for 46.6%, and H2O accounts for 20.9%. In addition, there are often impurities such as clay, sand, organic matter, and sulfides mixed in.
According to the analysis by Beijing Medical College, there are also traces of Fe++ and Mg++ in addition to calcium sulfate. When gypsum is calcined, it becomes anhydrous calcium sulfate (CaSO4).
【Processing and Collection】
Gypsum is generally mined in winter. After mining, it is cleaned of soil and impurities.
【Identification of Medicinal Material】
Gypsum is a crystalline aggregate in the form of long blocks or irregular fibers, with varying sizes. It is white to grayish-white in color. Large blocks have flat surfaces on the top and bottom, without luster or texture.
It is lightweight and can be easily broken into small pieces. The cross section has a fibrous texture and a silky luster. It has no odor and a mild taste. The best quality gypsum is large, white in color, lightweight, and has a fibrous texture without impurities.
When burned, it produces a pale reddish-yellow flame and can melt into white ceramic-like alkaline balls. When heated to 120°C, it loses some of its crystalline water and becomes a white powdery or block-like calcined gypsum.
【Medicinal Effects】
1. Fever-reducing: Animal experiments have shown that gypsum has antipyretic effects. It may work by inhibiting the heat-producing center. It also has a prolonged antipyretic effect without causing sweating, making it especially suitable for high fever.
2. Sedative: The calcium in gypsum has an inhibitory effect on the nervous system and muscles, making it suitable for treating restlessness. As an adjuvant therapy, it also has a certain anticonvulsant effect for seizures caused by high fever.
3. Anti-inflammatory: Calcium can reduce vascular permeability, so gypsum has anti-inflammatory effects.
