G. Sedate the Heart, Mind and Spirit
Sedatives
This group is one of the most elusive and defining of Traditional Medicine. Most of these medicines have little or no research to back their traditional uses, other than the dietary calcium that many of them contain. Of course, many trace minerals are also present, particularly in the medicines derived from the sea, including the shells, pearls and coral. They define Traditional Medicine in as much as they are used for disorders of the ‘Spirit’, which roughly equates to the conscious mental functions.
Energetically, many of these medicine are cold and heavy, therefore clearing heat which typically annoys the Spirit, while the heaviness ‘weighs down’ the Qi to stop it rising to affect the head and brain. Further, many of them have an affinity for the Heart, and therefore help guide the Spirit to its residence. These are analogous to Cardiacs and Cordials of the Western Tradition.
Because they are Cold, heavy and mineral, they are hard and heavy to digest and therefore should not be used in those with very weak Stomachs. They should be taken with medicines that support the Stomach such as Licorice, Mastic or in Honey preparations.
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Cinnabar Zhu Sha Amber Hu Po Dragon bone Long Gu Oyster shell Mu Li |
Magnetite Ci Shi Pearl Zhen Zhu Mother of Pearl Zhen Zhu Mu Flourite Zhi Shi Ying |
Red Coral
burnt Lapis Lazuli
Gold, Silver
Gem Stones:
Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire
Garnet, Cornelian, Zircon
Caution
These medicines must be adequately prepared, most of these medicines requiring special preparation. Soft stones like Amber, Coral, Pearl and the shells just require fine powdering. The precious stones require more detailed preparation due to their hardness. They were traditionally levigated (powdered) in a stone mortar with Rose water until impalpably fine–often taking 2 weeks to achieve. They may be heated until red and quenched in cold water to facilitate pulverisation, or else prepared with acids or made into Bhasma (ashes) according to Indian tradition.
Cinnabar is toxic and must be used cautiously. It should be well washed before use and is not taken for more than 2 weeks without a break. In most developed countries its use is forbidden although it is still used in Eastern systems. Gold and Silver are most commonly used in the form of their leaves and don’t require any further preparation, although numerous al-chemical medicines were prepared, especially of Gold.
These types of medicines should not be used for long periods due to their heavy nature and difficulty of digestion. In addition, some of them have antacid effects meaning they will deplete Stomach acid and further hinder digestion. Constant use weakens digestion and harms the Stomach.
They are best used in pills and powders, and are usually taken in combination with other medicines. They are often combined with medicines that clear heat and calm the spirit such as Borage, Rose and Violet; they were commonly used with cooling seeds in the West. Often a little warming medicine and medicines to support the Stomach and digestion such as Licorice, Mastic, or in Honey preparations was used to correct their coldness and hinder the negative effect on the stomach.
Chinese Classification