Gypsum, its chemical name is calcium sulfate dihydrate. Calcium sulfate is slightly soluble in water, but when ingested into the stomach, it is transformed into calcium chloride under the action of gastric acid, becoming soluble calcium salt. The medicinal uses of gypsum and precautions!
Four Medicinal Uses of Gypsum
1. Gypsum for treating phlegm heat and wheezing, with a surge of phlegm like a spring
The effect of gypsum in treating phlegm heat and wheezing can be achieved by grinding one or two pieces of gypsum with one or two pieces of cold water stone to a fine powder, and taking three qian (approx. 9 grams) of the powdered medicine mixed with ginseng decoction after meals.
2. Gypsum for treating intense thirst with dry lips and mouth
The effect of gypsum in treating intense thirst with dry lips and mouth can be achieved by boiling two liang (approx. 60 grams) of gypsum with twenty pieces of big black plum in two liters of water until it reduces to one liter, removing the residue and adding an appropriate amount of honey for consumption.
3. Gypsum for treating toothache caused by stomach fire
The effect of gypsum in treating toothache caused by stomach fire can be achieved by grinding one or two pieces of gypsum that have been softened by fire to a powder, adding five fen (approx. 1.6 grams) of saposhnikoviae root, five fen of asarum herb, five fen of schizonepeta herb, and five fen of dahurian angelica root to the powder, and using an appropriate amount daily to rub the teeth.
4. Gypsum for treating erosion in the throat in cases of wind-heat
The effect of gypsum in treating erosion in the throat in cases of wind-heat can be achieved by boiling one or two pieces of gypsum, three qian of anemarrhena rhizome, five qian of radix astragali, one qian of licorice, and three qian of pollen typhae together in water and taking it as a decoction.
Recipe for Gypsum and Rice Congee
60 grams of gypsum, 60 grams of rice.
Preparation:
Crush the gypsum and put it in a clay pot, add water and simmer for 15 minutes, filter out the residue.
Wash the rice clean, put it in the clay pot with the gypsum juice, and cook until done.
Efficacy: Clear heat and quench thirst.
Precautions for using Gypsum
(1) Gypsum should be avoided in individuals with weak spleen and stomach or blood deficiency.
(2) Gypsum should be avoided in individuals with Yin deficiency and fever.
(3) Gypsum is extremely cold and can damage Yang qi and cause stomach coldness. It should not be used in individuals without extreme heat in their abdomen.
