"The Heart controls Sweating"

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Herb Documents

Properties & Channels

Drug Interactions

Incompatible Herbs

Toxic or Endangered

Latin Name Notes

Shi Gao (Gypsum)

Herb 9 of 14 in Herbs that Drain Fire

Channels:
LU, ST

Properties:
Sweet, Spicy, Very Cold

Latin Name:
Gypsum Fibrosum

Shi Gao means "Stone Paste"

Actions

Clears Heat in the Qi level
For very high fever, intense thirst, profuse sweating, big and flooding pulse, and a red tongue with a yellow coating.
Clears Heat in the Lungs
For cough and wheezing with thick yellow sputum.
Clears Stomach Fire
For inflamed and painful gums, toothache, and thirst.
For Burns, Abscesses, and Eczema
Can be taken internally or applied topically for these symptoms.

Contraindications and Cautions

Caution in patients with weak stomachs, weak pulse, Yang Deficiency, or Yin Deficiency Heat.

Herb-Drug Interactions

May interfere with Anti-Diabetic drugs.

Toxicity and Overdose

None Noted.

Dosage

9-30 grams, up to 90 grams for very high fever. Cook 20-30 minutes before adding other herbs.

Notes

Calcined form is best for external use.

This Herb Appears in the Following Formulas:

Bai Hu Tang (White Tiger Decoction)
Formulas that Clear Heat from the Qi Level
Chai Ge Jie Ji Tang (Bupleurum and Kudzu Decoction to Release the Muscle Layer)
Formulas that Release Exterior Wind-Heat
Fang Feng Tong Sheng San (Ledebouriella Powder that Sagely Unblocks)
Formulas that Release Exterior-Interior Excess
Gui Ling Gan Lu Yin (Cinnamon and Poria Sweet Dew Decoction)
Formulas that Relieve Summerheat
Ma Xing Shi Gan Tang (Ephedra, Apricot Kernel, Gypsum, and Licorice Decoction)
Formulas that Clear Heat from the Organs
Qing Wen Bai Du Yin (Clear Epidemics and Overcome Toxins Decoction)
Formulas that Clear Heat and Relieve Toxicity
Qing Zao Jiu Fei Tang (Eliminate Dryness and Rescue the Lungs Decoction)
Formulas that Gently Disperse and Moisten Dryness
Shi Gao Tang (Gypsum Decoction)
Formulas that Release Exterior-Interior Excess
Xiao Feng San (Eliminate Wind Powder from True Lineage)
Formulas that Release Wind from the Skin and Channels
Xie Huang San (Drain the Yellow Powder)
Formulas that Clear Heat from the Organs
Yu Nu Jian (Jade Woman Decoction)
Formulas that Clear Heat from the Organs
Zhu Ye Shi Gao Tang (Lophatherus and Gypsum Decoction)
Formulas that Clear Heat from the Qi Level
Zi Xue Dan (Purple Snow Special Pill)
Formulas that Clear Heat and Open the Orifices

References

Herbs

13. Chinese Herbal Medicine: Materia Medica (Revised Edition)
- Dan Bensky

25. Lancet 2000 January 8;355(9198):134-138 (Article)
- Fugh-Berman A.

17. Handbook of Chinese Herbs (Second Edition)
- Him Che. Yeung

12. Chinese Medical Herbology and Pharmacology (First Edition)
- John K. Chen, Tina T. Chen

26. Herbal Drugs and Phytopharmaceuticals (Third Edition)
- Max Wichtl

Formulas

15. Chinese Herbal Medicine: Formulas and Strategies (First Edition)
- Dan Bensky

18. Handbook of Chinese Herbal Formulas (First Edition)
- Him Che. Yeung

16. The Traditional Chinese Medicine Formula Study Guide (First Edition)
- Qiao Yi

Only use Chinese herbs or formulas under the direct care and supervision of a licensed Acupuncturist/Herbalist.
Some of the substances included on this website are no longer used, and are included for historical reference only.