Pinyin: Zheshi
Aliases
Daizheshi, Tiezhu, Dingtouzheshi, Chizheshi
Source
Oxide class mineral corundum group hematite Haematite.
Distribution
Mainly produced in Hebei and Shanxi. Also produced in Shandong, Henan, Hunan, Guangdong, Sichuan, and other regions.
Harvesting and Processing
After harvesting, remove any miscellaneous stones.
Medicinal Properties
This product consists of bean-shaped or kidney-shaped aggregates, mostly forming irregular flat masses. Dark brownish-red or grayish-black in color, with a cherry-red or reddish-brown streak, some exhibiting a metallic luster. One side often has round protrusions, commonly known as "nail heads"; the opposite side has corresponding depressions of the same size. Heavy in weight, hard in texture, with a layered cross-section when broken. Odor: faint; Taste: bland.
Chemical Constituents
The main ingredient is ferric oxide.
Pharmacology
May increase white blood cell count, has damaging effects on the lungs and liver. May cause increased mitochondrial protein content and cytochrome C oxidase activity in the lungs, with mitochondria appearing swollen.
Properties and Channel Entry
Bitter, cold. Enters the Liver, Heart, Lung, and Stomach channels.
Functions and Indications
Calms the Liver and subdues Yang, heavily settles and descends rebellious Qi, cools Blood and stops bleeding. Used for vertigo and tinnitus, vomiting, belching, hiccups, wheezing, hematemesis, epistaxis, and uterine bleeding.
Dosage and Administration
Oral: decoct 15-30 g, crush, decoct first; grind into powder, 3 g per dose; or prepared into pills or powders. External: apply appropriate amount, grind into powder and sprinkle, or mix for topical application. Generally used raw; for hemostasis, calcined.
Precautions and Contraindications
Use with caution in Deficiency-Cold patterns and during pregnancy. Toxic, should not be taken for extended periods.
Prescriptions
1. For five types of epilepsy: Daizheshi 30 g, Mingfan 60 g. Grind into powder, form into pills the size of Wutong seeds. Take 30 pills with water. (from Gujin Yitong) 2. For red and swollen eyes with difficulty opening: Daizheshi 0.6 g, Shigao 0.3 g. Grind into powder, mix with freshly drawn water, apply to the corners of the eyes and the Taiyang point. (from Zhizhi Fang) 3. For throat obstruction and swelling pain: Boil Daizheshi in water and drink the decoction. (from Puji Fang) 4. For bleeding gums: Daizheshi and Jingjie. Grind both into fine powder, rub onto the teeth, then rinse the mouth with Jingjie decoction. (from Baiyi Xuanfang) 5. For tooth pain due to stomach fire: raw Daizheshi 30 g (crushed), Huainiuxi 30 g, Huashi 18 g, Gancao 3 g. Decoct in water and take. (from Zhongcan Xilu) 6. For liver depression with frequent anger and stomach depression with rebellious Qi, leading to hematemesis, epistaxis, or both conditions unresponsive to other medications: Chuan Dahuang fine powder 3 g, You Rougui fine powder 3 g, raw Daizheshi fine powder 18 g. Combine the Dahuang and Rougui powders, then take them with a decoction of Daizheshi powder. (from Zhongcan Xilu, secret red pill formula)
