Actinolite, Amianthus, Yang Qi Shi 阳起石
Amianthus, a type of Actinolite (traditionally Alumen plumbosum)Yang Qi Shi (TCM)
Rdo chu, Rdo rul, Rdo skyur (Tibet)
Amianthus and Asbestos treated together inMuseum Museorum, Valentini, 1704
AmianthusA History of Fossils, Hill, 1751
Actinolite (Heath Canyon, California, USA)Photo by Rob Lavinsky, iRocks.com
Mineralogical name:
Green mineral of the amphibole group containing calcium, magnesium and iron
Actinolite and Tremolite have been found to be traditional sources of Yang Qi Shi.
Parts used:
Finely powdered mineral
Temperature & Taste:
Warm, dry. Salty
Classification:
N. Tonic
Uses:
1. Warms and Strengthens the Kidneys:
-Impotence, Spermatorrhea, Premature Ejaculation, Nocturnal Emission
-pain and weakness of the Lower Back and Knees
-used for conditions with Yang deficiency.
-Amianthus stone was used for leg weakness (West)
2. Warms and Strengthens the Womb:
-Infertility
-Uterine Bleeding from Coldness of the Womb (TCM)
-Endometritis (TCM)
-Amianthus was likewise used for Leukorrhea and Uterine Bleeding (West)
3. Externally:
-Amianthus was primarily used externally in the West (principally, in Citron Ointment)
-Scabs and Scald Heads (Amianthus)
-Erysipelas (mixed with water, applied as a paste) (Ben Cao Gang Mu)
Dose:
Levigated Powder: 500mg–2 grams
Comment:
1. The Stone Amianthus is believed to have been a variety of Actinolite, although was classically classed as a variety of Alum (Alumen Plumosum)
2. Fibrous Actinolite is one of the 6 varieties of Asbestos. Therefore, fibrous forms must be handled very carefully.
Preparation:
It is levigated finely by grinding in a mortar with water
Main Combinations:
1. Impotence, Premature Ejaculation, Lower Back pain and weakness from Cold and Weak Kidneys (Yang deficiency):
i. Take powdered Actinolite Yang Qi Shi with Wine. (Ben Cao Gang Mu)
ii. Actinolite Yang Qi Shi with Velvet Deer Horn (Lu Rong), Cinnamon
iii. Actinolite Yang Qi Shi with Psoralea Bu Gu Zhi, Dodder seed (Tu Si Zi), Velvet Deer Horn (Lu Rong)
2. Nocturnal Emission, Actinolite Yang Qi Shi with Stalactite and Aconitum Fu Zi (Ben Cao Gang Mu)
3. Coldness of the Womb, Infertility:
i. Actinolite Yang Qi Shi with Velvet Deer Horn (Lu Rong)
ii. Actinolite Yang Qi Shi with Flourite, Dang Gui
Cautions:
1. Not used in Yin deficiency with Heat
2. It must be powdered extremely finely to prevent irritation from fibers. Fibrous Actinolite is a type of Asbestos, and while not toxic itself, the fine fibers inhaled cause irritation and can potentially result in asbestosis and even Lung cancer.