Single Herb Glossary
Shí Gāo 石膏
| Pharmaceutical name | Gypsum fibrosum |
| Category | Clear Heat, Drain Fire |
| Key Properties | Very cold Excels at cooling LU & ST fire, while also Dispersing to vent to Exterior & release the muscle layer |
| Properties | Sweet Acrid Very Cold |
| Tropism | LU, ST |
| Actions & Indications | 1) Clear Heat & Drain Fire (high fever, irritability, intense thirst/sweat) 2) Clears Heat from Excess from the Lungs (cough/wheezing) 3) Clears Blazing Stomach Fire (headache, toothache, swollen gum) 4) For Eczema, Burns and Ulcerated Sores (topical) |
| Dosages | 15-60g |
| Contraindications (TCM) | CI: Cold from SP & ST Def, or Yin Def fever |
| Contraindications (Western) | |
| Chemical Composition | (CaSO4+2 H20), CaO, SO3, AI, Mg, Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu |
| Pharmacological Effects | • Antipyretic: antipyretic action but no diaphoretic effect; antipyretic function has rapid onset, but only short duration of action; Zhi Mu (Radix Anemarrhenae), in comparison, has slower onset of action but much longer duration, thus these two herbs are synergistic in action and often combined • Immunostimulant: stimulates immune system and increases phagocytic activity of macrophages; however, no direct inhibitory effects on viruses or bacteria • Effect on healing: topical application shortens recovery time for rabbits with broken bones • Others: shown to facilitate passage of bile, shorten coagulation time, promote diuresis, and reduce spontaneous intake of water (thirst) in laboratory mice |
| Herb-Drug Interactions | |
| Classical Formula(s) |
Xin Yi Qing Fei Yin (Magnolia Flower Drink to Clear the Lungs) 辛夷清肺飲 Da Qin Jiao Tang (Major Large Gentian Decoction) 大秦艽湯 Ma Xing Shi Gan tang (Ephedra, Apricot Kernel and Lucorice Decoction) 麻杏石甘湯 Qing Zao Jiu Fei Tang (Eliminate Dryness and Rescue the Lungs Decoctions) 清燥救肺湯 Shi Gao Tang (Gypsum Decoction) 石膏湯 Zhu Ye Shi Gao Tang (Lophatherum and Gypsum Decoction) 竹葉石膏湯 Bai Hu Tang (White Tiger decoction) 白虎湯 Chai Ge Jie Ji Tang (Buplerum and Kudzu Decoction to Release the Muscle Layer) 柴葛解肌汤 Da Qing Long Tang (Major Bluegreen Dragon Decoction) 大青龍湯 Fang Feng Tong Sheng San (Saposhnikovia powder that sagely unblocks) 防風通聖散 Feng Yin Tang (Wind-Drawing Decoction) (deleted bai shi zhi) 風引湯 （減白石脂） Gui Ling Gan Lu Yin (Cinnamon and Poria Sweet Dew Drink) 桂苓甘露飲 Xie Huang San (Drain the Yellow Powder) 瀉黃散 |
This information is a reference tool for Chinese herbal studies. It is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Please consult a primary health professional if you require health advisory.