Stalactite, Zhong Ru Shi 钟乳石
Zhong Ru Shi (TCM)Dkar po sbal rgyab དཀར་པོ་སྦལ་རྒྱབ་, Ba nu བ་ནུ་ (Tibet)
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Aldrovandi, Musaeum Metallicum, 1648 |
British Mineralogy, Sowerby, 1804 |
Mineralogical Name:
Stalactitum
Parts used:
Tubular tips
Temperature & Taste:
Warm, dry. Sweet, pungent
Classification:
N. Yang Tonic
Uses:
1. Strengthens the Kidneys, Benefits Yang:
-Impotence, Spermatorrhea
-Diarrhea with watery stool from Yang deficiency
-Coldness and weakness of the lower abdomen, lower back and knees
2. Warms the Lungs, Stops Wheezing:
-Wheezing, shortness of Breath
-Consumption of the Lungs, Hemoptysis
-used for these problems from Cold-Phlegm or Yang deficiency
3. Promotes Lactation:
-promotes Breast Milk when insufficient
Dose:
Decoction: 3–9 grams, boiled for 30–45 minutes before adding herbs.
Prepared Powder: 500mg–3 grams (best taken with Honey or in pills)
Comment:
Its heavy, warm nature and downward pointing formation was taken as a sign that it fortifies Yang and returns Yang Qi to its source in the lower abdomen.
Preparation:
Calcined Stalactite
Prepared by heating until red hot, then cooling and powdering. This enhances its warming effect on the Yang, and is better for Cold Phlegm blocking the lungs. It also facilitates pulverisation.
Substitute:
1. Coral of the Balanophylla species, known as ‘Coral Goose Neck Stone’ (Shan Hu E Guan Shi) share similar functions. (Bensky)
Main Combinations:
1. Impotence:
i. Stalactite, Red Ginseng, Epimedium Yin Yang Huo
ii. and weakness of the Lower back and legs, with Cistanches Rou Cong Rong and Psoralea Bu Gu Zhi
2. Male Infertility, Stalactite, Cuscuta Tu Si Zi, Plantain seed (Che Qian Zi), Schisandra Wu Wei Zi, Cistanche Rou Cong Rong, Velvet Deer Horn (Lu Rong)
3. Cough and Wheezing from Yang deficiency:
i. Stalactite, Walnut, Almond (Xing Ren)
ii. Stalactite, Walnut, Schisandra Wu Wei Zi
iii. Stalactite, Ephedra Ma Huang, Almond (Xing Ren)
iv. Stalactite, Amomum Sha Ren
v. Cough from Consumption, Stalactite, Dioscorea Shan Yao, Coix Yi Yi Ren
vi. Cough from Consumption, Stalactite, Asparagus Tian Men Dong
4. Breathing Difficulty, Stalactite powder is made into pills with Beeswax
5. Diarrhea, Stalactite, Nutmeg, Red Date (Da Zao) (Ben Cao Gang Mu)
6. To promote Lactation:
i. Stalactite and Fennel seed
ii. Stalactite with Tetrapanax Tong Cao for insufficient lactation from Stomach weakness
iii. associated with deficiency of Qi and Blood or Essence and Blood, Stalactite with Astragalus and Dang Gui
Major Formulas:
Cautions:
1. Avoid prolonged use which may damage the Stomach and Qi.
2. Overuse was said to lead to sexual excess
3. Not used in Cough and Wheezing with Blood from Heat.