Pinyin: Cishi
Aliases
Xizhenshi, Lingcishi, Sheshi, Xitieshi
Source
Oxide class mineral spinel group magnetite Magnetite.
Distribution
Mainly produced in Liaoning, Hebei, Shandong, Jiangsu, Anhui, Fujian, Henan, Hubei, Guangdong, Guangxi, Sichuan, Yunnan, and other regions.
Harvesting and Processing
After harvesting, remove any miscellaneous stones.
Medicinal Properties
This product is a massive aggregate, appearing as irregular lumps or slightly square pieces, mostly with edges and corners. It is gray-black or brownish-black, with a black streak and a metallic luster. It is heavy, hard in texture, with an uneven fracture surface. It has magnetic properties. It has an earthy odor and a bland taste.
Chemical Constituents
The main component is ferric oxide (Fe₃O₄).
Pharmacology
Can increase hemoglobin levels, red blood cell count, and white blood cell count in animal blood, prolong blood clotting time, and increase plasma fibrinolytic activity, while also enhancing neutrophil phagocytic response, thus exerting certain effects on the blood system; additionally, it has sedative and anticonvulsant effects.
Properties and Channel Entry
Salty, cold. Enters the Liver, Heart, and Kidney channels.
Functions and Indications
Calms fright and settles the Spirit, pacifies the Liver and subdues Yang, sharpens the ears and brightens the eyes, absorbs Qi to relieve wheezing. Used for palpitations and insomnia, dizziness and vertigo, blurred vision, tinnitus and hearing loss, and wheezing due to Kidney deficiency.
Dosage and Administration
Oral administration: decoct 10-30 g, crushed and decocted first; or prepared as pills. External use: appropriate amount, ground into powder for topical application.
Precautions and Contraindications
For patients with Spleen and Stomach deficiency, it is not advisable to take large doses or use for prolonged periods.
Prescriptions
1. For furuncle swelling: Cishi (Magnetitum) ground into powder, mixed with alkaline water and vinegar, applied externally to draw out the root. (From *Gujin Luyan Fang*) 2. For various types of swelling and toxicity: Cishi 9 g, Jinyinhua (Lonicera japonica) 120 g, Huangdan (Minium) 240 g, sesame oil 1 jin. Prepared as a plaster in the usual manner and applied topically. (From *Qiankun Biyun*) 3. For incised wounds, to stop pain and bleeding: Cishi powder applied topically. (From *Qianjin Yaofang*) 4. For impotence and erectile dysfunction: Cishi 5 jin (ground). Macerate in 3 dou of clear wine for 14 days. Take 3 ge per dose, once daily, day and night. (From *Qianjin Yaofang*) 5. To brighten the eyes and improve vision: Shenqu (Medicated Leaven) 120 g, Cishi 60 g, Guangming Sha (Cinnabar) 30 g. The three ingredients are ground into powder, mixed with refined honey to form pills the size of *wutong* seeds. Take 30 pills with a drink. Three times daily, without restriction. (From *Qianjin Yaofang*, Shenqu Wan) 6. For deafness and tinnitus, often with sounds like wind or water: Cishi (crushed, wrapped in cotton) 15 g, Mutong (Akebia stem) and Changpu (Acorus calamus, soaked in rice-washing water for 1-2 days, sliced, and dried) each 0.5 jin. Place in a silk bag and steep in 1 dou of wine. For seven days in cold weather, three days in warm weather. Drink 3 ge per dose, twice daily. (From *Shengji Zonglu*, Cishi Jiu)
