Chlorite Schist, Meng Shi 礞石

Qing Meng Shi (Chlorite Schist)
Jin Meng Shi  (Vermiculite Schist)
Gser bye (Vermiculite) (Tibetan)
 Picture
Picture Chlorite Schist
Photo by Ser Amantio di Nicolao (Wikimedia)

Minerological name:


Several Minerals fall within the classification of Meng Shi:
  1. Chlorite–Qing Meng Shi (Biotite 90–95%, Quartz 2–4%, Andesinum or Epidotum 1–2%), regarded as best
  2. Chlorite–Fang Jie Shi (Calcite and Dolomite 40–65%, Phlogopitum 25_35%, or Sericitum 8–20%)
  3. Mica–Jin Meng Shi (Vermiculite 95%, Hydrobiotitum, Hornblend, Quartz 1–3% each), regarded as inferior

Parts used:


Prepared Mineral
The best quality is Blue-Green and sparkling.

Temperature & Taste:


Neutral. Sweet; Vermiculite is Neutral, Sweet and Salty.

Classification:


P. Clears Hot Phlegm

Uses:


1. Clears Phlegm-Heat, Directs Qi Downward:
-Cough, Wheezing and Asthma with stubborn sticky yellow Phlegm
-also for Phlegm-Heat Food Stagnation with thick yellow tongue coat
-regarded as clearing deep-seated, stubborn Phlegm

2. Calms Liver, Settles Wind, Clears Phlegm:
-Wind-Phlegm Convulsions and Epilepsy
-Palpitations with restlessness or anxiety from Phlegm obstructing the chest
-Phlegm obstructing the Orifices of the Mind: Mania or Withdrawal

3. Clears Heat, Stops Bleeding:
-Menorrhagia, excess Menstrual bleeding


Dose:


When decocted, the broken mineral is wrapped in cheesecloth. Dose: 9–15 grams
In Powder: 500mg–3 grams

Substitute:


Hematite may be substituted for Convulsions, to guide Qi downwards, and clear Phlegm.

Comment:


1. This medicine is closely related to Mica (Abrahk), both being forms of Biotite Mica. Both are primarily used for Phlegm obstructing the Chest, and also to settle Internal Wind. However, we have separated them as in Ayurveda it is only used in Bhasma form, whereas in TCM its processing is simpler while nonetheless usually also involving burning. Mica Bhasma is regarded as a great tonic in Ayurveda. This could be due to superior preparation methods which reduce particle size and enhance bioavailability.
2. Chlorite (Qing Meng Shi) is generally regarded as superior. However, some practitioners believe Chlorite Qing Meng Shi is better for Heat-Phlegm while Vermiculite (Jin Meng Shi) is superior for Convulsions. This is not shared by all and most modern practitioners believe Chlorite (Qing Meng Shi) superior for all purposes for which Meng Shi is used.

Preparation:


1. Burned Chlorite:
  Heat the mineral until red-hot, and allow to cool. It will then be readily friable and has lost its glittery appearance.
2. Calcined Chlorite
  Powder, add an equal amount of Saltpeter, and calcine until the Saltpeter has burnt and the color is golden. Some recommend burning in a closed vessel. The triturate it well with water, and dry in the sun. Keep for use.
3. ‘Flying Chlorite’.
  The finely powdered mineral is stirred in water, and poured off after the heavier parts have settled. The sediment is levigated again and again added to water, stirred, and poured off. It should be repeated until as much finely powdered Chlorite has been collected. Then dry, powder, and keep for use.

Main Combinations:


1. Phlegm-Heat Cough and Wheezing:
i. Chlorite, Scutellaria Huang Qin, Rhubarb, Aloeswood; this is also used for Mania-Withdrawal and Palpitations with Anxiety.
ii. Chlorite, Tabasheer, Bitter Almond, Licorice
iii. Chlorite, Gypsum Shi Gao, Tabasheer
iv. Chlorite, Saltpeter, Rhubarb (wine-steamed), Scutellaria (wine-steamed) (Ben Cao Gang Mu),
2. Phlegm-Heat Food Stagnation:
i. Chlorite with Immature Orange (Zhi Shi)
ii. Chlorite with Hawthorn fruit, Scutellaria Huang Qin, Rhubarb
3. Night-crying and Restlessness in Infants, Childhood Convulsions, Chlorite, Tabasheer, Cicada Slough Chan Tui, Fritillaria Chuan Bei Mu, Peppermint, Borneo Camphor, Pearl, Gastrodia Tian Ma, Amber, Bezoar Niu Huang (as in Bo Ying Compound)
4. Childhood Convulsions:
i. Chlorite, Peppermint juice, Honey (Ben Cao Gang Mu),
ii. Chlorite, Tabasheer, Amber
iii. from excess Heat, Chlorite, Tabasheer, Pearl, Coptis Huang Lian, Rhubarb
5. Chronic Seizures, Chlorite with decoction of Costus (Ben Cao Gang Mu),

Major Formulas:


Bo Ying Compound
Shi Xiang Fan Sheng Wan
Gun Tan Wan

Cautions:


Note that due to its heavy, mineral nature, it is hard of digestion.
1. Avoid in Pregnancy
2. Not used in marked deficiency (Spleen Qi or Blood deficiency)

Main Preparations used:


Calcined Mineral