Gypsum, a traditional Chinese medicine, is also known as Hanshui Stone, Baihu, Bingshi, and Xilishi. It has the functions of clearing heat, relieving cough, and healing wounds. Let's take a look at its specific effects, uses, and contraindications together with the editor!
The Effects and Uses of Gypsum
1. Phlegm-clearing and Asthma-relieving
Gypsum can be used together with Schizonepeta and Trichosanthes root to relieve phlegm-heat induced asthma. Grind one or two liang of gypsum and one or two liang of Schizonepeta into powder, mix three qian of the powder with an appropriate amount of ginseng decoction, and take it after meals.
2. Cough Suppressing and Moisturizing
Gypsum can be used together with large Wu Mei to treat bone steaming, dry lips, and dry mouth. Boil two liang of gypsum and twenty large Wu Mei in two liters of water until one liter remains. Remove the residue and add an appropriate amount of honey for consumption.
3. Heat-clearing and Pain-relieving
Gypsum can be used to treat gastric fire-induced toothache. Grind one or two liang of gypsum into powder, then add five fen of Saposhnikoviae root, five fen of Asarum, five fen of Schizonepeta, and five fen of Angelica dahurica, grind again into powder, and use an appropriate amount to rub the teeth daily.
4. Heat-clearing and Detoxifying
Gypsum can be used to treat ulceration in the throat caused by pharyngeal wind. Boil one or two liang of gypsum, three qian of Anemarrhena rhizome, five qian of Astragalus root, one qian of Licorice, and three qian of Pollen Typhae together and take it orally.
Contraindications of Gypsum
1. It is not suitable for those with Spleen and Stomach deficiency-cold, blood deficiency, or Yin deficiency with fever.
2. "Compendium of Materia Medica Notes": "It is made with chicken eggs. Avoid using it with poisonous plants and iron."
3. "Theory of Medicinal Properties": "Avoid using it with Croton tiglium and fear of iron."
4. Excessive dosage may lead to symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, and poor appetite.
5. Gypsum is extremely cold and can damage Yang Qi and the Stomach. It should not be used by people with excessive heat in the abdomen.
6. Gypsum should not be used with the following Western medicines at the same time: tetracycline antibiotics, as gypsum can reduce their solubility and absorption; isoniazid, as it can reduce its efficacy; and dexamethasone, as it can reduce its bioavailability.
