Crystals Currently Used In Herbal Formulas

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Good Morning!

 

Crystals Currently Used In Herbal Formulas

 

I have had the priviledge of using crystals not only as a healing medium in my

practice, but as an acupuncturist and herbalist, I have been grateful to be able

to use crystals in herbal formulas as well! This list refers to the gems and

mineral used in the Chinese Materia Medica. These " herbs " have been used for

centuries, internally, in some of the most popular and affective herbal

combinations. I have listed these " herbs " under the categories for which they

treat. I have also listed the properties of the crystals, channels they work on

and their clinical functions. It is recommended that if you wish to use crystals

in this way, that you visit a qualified herbal practitioner.

 

 

Settles Down Liver Yang

 

Abalone (Shi Jue Ming)

" Absolute brightness stone " , Concha Haoliotidis, Abalone shell

Properties: salty cold

Channels: Liver Kidney

Functions and Clinical Use: Used in combination with other herbs to descend

Liver Yang and lower blood pressure for dizziness and headache. Clear Liver fire

and brighten eyes for eye infection, Glaucoma, blurred vision, and cataract.

Dosage in decoction: 15-30 g cooked 1.5 hrs

 

 

Pearl (Zhen Zhu)

Zhen Zhu, " Treasure pearl " , Margarita, Pearl

Properties: Sweet, Salty, Cold

Channels: Heart Liver

Functions: Sedates Heart and stops tremors/ palpitations. One can wear pearls to

reduce tiredness and irritability during the day. Clears Liver heat and dispels

nodules; for superficial disorders of the eyes. pterygium, glaucoma, cataract.

Promotes healing when used topically Ground into a fine powder, this rich

calcium is an amazing skin treatment and moisturizer.

Dosage: 0.3-1g in pill or powder

 

 

Hematite (Dai Zhe Shi)

Dai Zhe Shi, " Red Stone from Dai Country " , Hematite

Properties: bitter cold

Channels: Liver, Heart, Pericardium, San Jiao

Functions and Indications: strongly descends Stomach Qi for belching, vomiting,

hiccup, asthma

Calms the Liver and descends Liver Yang from rising; headache, tinnitus,

vertigo, dizziness, lowers blood pressure, especially for these symptoms

together with feeling of upward surges of hot energy and anger. Cools blood and

stops bleeding for vomiting blood, nosebleed, and chronic uterine bleeding due

to heat.

Dosage in decoction: 10-30g cook stone 30 minutes before adding other herbs (1.5

hr total)

Contraindications: pregnancy and ADHD

 

 

 

Calm the Spirit

 

Amber (Hu Po)

Hu Po, " Tiger Spirit " , Amber, Succinum

Properties: sweet neutral

Channels: Heart Liver Urinary Bladder

Functions and Indications: Calms the spirit. Moves blood stagnation. Crushed

amber is used in baby or toddlers bottles for crying at night. Treats insomnia,

palpitation, and excessive dreaming in adults. Used with other herbs to treat

PMS, coronary heart disease. Used singly for hematoma

(Adult) Dosage: 1.5-3 g in powder, not in decoction up to 6g/day

 

 

Fluorite (Zhi Shi Ying)

Zi Shi Ying, " Purple stone radiance " , Fluoritum, Fluorite

Properties: sweet warm

Channels: Heart Liver Kidney

Functions: Fluorite is used in mainly for it's unique ability

to " warm the womb. " Therefore women who can't get pregnant due to deficiency and

cold take it. Signs and symptoms of this type of infertility include: inability

to get pregnant, subjective feelings of cold especially during one's period and

in the pelvic region, and blood clots during menstruation. A history of uterine

bleeding or excessive menstruation is possible. This mineral is also used for

certain insomnia due to blood deficiency. Fluorite's ability to warm the Lung

and descend Lung Qi leads it's use for cough or wheezing in late stages of

esophageal cancer.

Dosage in decoction: 6-15g. cooked a total of approximately 1.5 hrs.

Caution: temporary use only; long term use disrupts digestive system

 

 

 

Dry Dampness, Promotes Urination

 

Talcum (Hua Shi)

Hua Shi, " Slippery Stone " , Talcum

Properties: sweet bland cold

Channels: Stomach Urinary Bladder

Functions and Indications: Smoothes the flow of urine. Promotes urination for

Heat Lin syndromes. Eliminates damp and summer heat causing leading to

agitation, thirst, full feeling in the chest, and diarrhea. Use externally to

clear heat and damp leading to heat rash and eczema.

 

Formula: Liu Yi San " 6:1 formula " Hua Shi 6g: GanCao (Licorice) 1g This is a

children's formula, but can also be used for adults. It is indicated for summer

heat with insomnia, irritability.

Dosage in decoction: 10-15 g, wrapped in cheese cloth or filter. Cook prior to

cooking other herbs.

 

Caution and contraindication: Spleen and Kidney Qi deficiency with

spermatorrhea. Fluid deficiency due to fever. Excessive urination. Not for use

during pregnancy.

 

 

 

Clear Heat Drain Fire

 

Gypsum (Shi Gao)

Calcium Sulfate

Functions and Indications: Gypsum is used for excess heat in the lungs or

stomach manifesting as toothache, acute mouth sores, painful and bleeding gums,

inflammation, or very high fever without chills. For inflammation, it can be

used either externally or internally. It is used externally for wounds or burns.

Dosage: 10-50 grams

Caution and contraindications: those with a weak stomach or without true heat

should not use this substance.

 

 

 

Downward Draining Herbs (Laxatives and Purgatives)

 

Mirabilitum (Mang Xiao)

(Na2SO4) sodium sulfate with minor amounts of calcium sulfate and magnesium

sulfate.

 

Functions and Indications: To reduce heat and remove stagnation. Softening dried

feces to induce defecation To treat constipation due to dried feces caused by

accumulation of intense heat in the stomach and intestine, it is often used with

Radix et Rhizoma Rhei and Radix Glycyrrhizae. Clearing away intense heat and

Purging fire Treats the swelling and sores of the throat. It can be used with

Borneolum Syntheticum, Borax; to treat mastitis it can be used as a local

medicine, it has the effect on dispersing mass; it can be used to stop milk

secretion by local application. More over, 30 g of the drug and 30 g of Alumen

can be used to treat eczema and urticaria by dissolving in hot water as a wash.

 

Dosage: 6-12 g are used to be added in other decoctions; a proper amount may be

used for local application.

 

 

 

Andrew Pacholyk, MS, L.Ac

http://www.peacefulmind.com/proacumed.htm

Therapies for healing

mind, body, spirit