What are the efficacy and effects of raw gypsum?
Oct 27, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhang Ziyi
Introduction
Raw gypsum (Sheng Shi Gao) generally has effects including clearing heat and purging fire, reducing inflammation, relieving restlessness and thirst, clearing heat to resolve rashes, and treating eczema. It is commonly used for summer-heat-induced fever with irritability and thirst, as well as headaches and swollen, painful gums caused by upward-flaming stomach fire. It is often combined with herbs such as Zhimu (Anemarrhena rhizome) and Niuxi (Achyranthes root). Raw gypsum effectively clears stomach heat and alleviates restlessness and thirst. As a herb that clears excess heat from the lung and stomach qi levels, it also has certain therapeutic effects on cough, asthma, shortness of breath, or lung qi stagnation.
Raw gypsum is a mineral-based medicinal substance derived from the sulfate mineral family, specifically the mineral gypsum, with its main component being hydrated calcium sulfate. It has a sweet and pungent taste and is considered highly cold in nature. It primarily affects the lung and stomach meridians and generally possesses effects including clearing heat and purging fire, reducing inflammation, relieving restlessness and thirst, clearing heat to resolve rashes, and treating eczema. Specific functions are analyzed as follows:
1. Clearing Heat and Purging Fire
Raw gypsum can typically clear excessive stomach heat and relieve restlessness and thirst. It is commonly used to treat actual heat in the lung and stomach qi systems. It also has certain therapeutic effects on cough, asthma, shortness of breath, or lung qi stagnation.
2. Anti-inflammatory Effects
Some components of raw gypsum can be converted into soluble calcium salts, which are absorbed through the intestines into the bloodstream, increasing serum calcium ion concentration. This action may inhibit the body's temperature-regulating center and reduce skeletal muscle excitability, thereby producing fever-reducing and anti-inflammatory effects.
3. Relieving Restlessness and Thirst
Raw gypsum can be used for symptoms such as irritability and thirst caused by summer heat or headaches and swollen gums due to excessive stomach fire. It is often combined with Zhimu (Anemarrhena rhizome), Zhuye (Bamboo leaf), Shengdi (Rehmannia root), or Niuxi (Achyranthes root).
4. Clearing Heat and Resolving Rashes
Raw gypsum helps clear internal heat and resolve skin rashes. It is suitable for conditions in warm-febrile diseases where excessive heat-toxin causes eruptive rashes. It is commonly used together with Xijiao (Rhinoceros horn—now substituted due to conservation concerns), Shengdihuang (fresh Rehmannia root), and Xuanshen (Scrophularia root).
5. Treating Eczema
Raw gypsum can generally be used to treat eczema, non-healing ulcers after sores have ruptured, and burns from fire or hot water. It is often combined with Huangbai (Phellodendron bark) and Qingdai (Indigo naturalis) for external application to clear heat, promote wound healing, and stimulate tissue regeneration.
Patients are advised to use this herb under the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider and should avoid self-medicating blindly to prevent potential harm to health.
