Pinyin: Luganshi
Aliases
Fushui Ganshi, Luyanshi, Ganshi.
Source
Carbonate mineral from the calcite group, smithsonite.
Distribution
Produced in Hunan, Guangxi, Sichuan, Yunnan, and other regions.
Chemical Constituents
1. For pneumonia: Renshen 6 g, decoct in water and take orally. 2. Internal use: decoct 3-10 g.3), zinc oxide (ZnO).
Pharmacology
It is a naturally occurring zinc carbonate that is insoluble in water. It can partially absorb wound secretions and has moderate antiseptic, astringent, and protective effects. It also inhibits the growth of local Staphylococcus aureus. It is commonly used for skin inflammation or superficial wounds.
Harvesting and Processing
After harvesting, wash clean, sun-dry, and remove miscellaneous stones.
Medicinal Properties
This product is a massive aggregate, appearing as irregular lumps. It is grayish-white or pale red in color, with a powdery surface, no luster, uneven texture, porous, resembling a honeycomb. Light in weight. Fragile. Odor: faint; Taste: slightly astringent.
Properties and Channel Entry
Sweet, neutral. Enters the Liver and Spleen channels.
Functions and Indications
Decoct in water to clear toxicity, brighten the eyes, and remove corneal opacity; dry dampness, relieve itching, and close sores. Used for red, swollen, and painful eyes, red and ulcerated eyelid margins, corneal opacity obstructing vision, pterygium overgrowing the cornea, non-healing ulcers with persistent pus discharge, and itchy damp sores.
Dosage and Administration
External use: appropriate amount, levigate with water for eye drops, or grind into powder and sprinkle for topical application.
Prescriptions
1. For sudden redness and swelling of the eyes: Calamina (calcined with fire) and weathered mirabilite, equal parts. Grind into powder. Dissolve a grain-sized amount in fresh water and apply to the eyes. (From *Compendium of Materia Medica*, citing *Imperial Pharmacy Formulary*). 2. For various types of corneal opacities: Calamina, green alum, and crude mirabilite, equal parts. Grind into powder. Dissolve in boiling water, warm, and wash the eyes. Use three times daily. (From *Compendium of Materia Medica*, citing *Yiming Lun Fang*). 3. For wind-type eye inflammation with tearing and ulcerated eyelid margins: Calamina 60 g, boil with Coptidis Rhizoma 30 g in water, add half a cup of boy's urine, and boil again. Then add crude mirabilite 30 g and continue boiling. Calcine the Calamina with fire, quench it seven times, wash clean, and grind into powder. Mix with litharge powder 30 g, grind thoroughly, and apply to the eyes. (From *Compendium of Materia Medica*, citing *Weisheng Yijian Fang*). 4. For incessant tearing due to wind: Calamina (calcined and ground to fine powder) 3 g, cuttlebone 1.5 g, and a small amount of Borneolum. Grind together into an extremely fine powder. Apply to the lacrimal punctum. (From *Shenshi Yaohan*, Shoulei San). 5. For chancre and genital sores: Calamina (calcined with fire and quenched in vinegar five times) 30 g, and catechu 9 g. Grind into powder, mix with sesame oil, and apply topically. (From *Compendium of Materia Medica*, citing *Tongmiao Zhenren Fang*). 6. For scrotal sweating and dampness with itching: Green Calamina 0.3 g, true clam shell powder, Coptidis Rhizoma, and Chinese gall, each 0.15 g. Grind into fine powder and apply externally. First, wash the area with a warm decoction of wasp nest and areca husk. (From *Renzhai Zhizhi Fanglun*, Yinhan Shiyang Fang). 7. For various chronic sores that do not heal: Calamina (burned) 45 g, and fossilized bone 15 g. Grind into fine powder. Apply dry powder directly to the affected area, then cover with a plaster. (From *Imperial Pharmacy Formulary*, Pingji San). 8. For dry, cracked, and ulcerated lips: Calamina 6 g (calcined with fire), Chinese gall 30 g, Phellodendri Chinensis Cortex 30 g, and Atractylodis Rhizoma 15 g. Except for the Calamina, stir-fry the other three ingredients until red. Grind all into fine powder, add Borneolum 0.9 g and grind again. Mix with wax oil and apply to the lips. (From *Gujin Yijian*).
