Source Calcitum is a natural mineral crystal of sulfate of plaster sulfate group.
Producing Areas Liaoning, Inner Mongolia, Hebei, Shanxi, Henan, Anhui and Guangdong, etc.
Properties Spicy, Salty, Cold
Channels Heart, Stomach, Kidney
Action
- Drains heat and fireFor febrile diseases with thirst, fever, and a yellow tongue coating. Also for summer heat with the above symptoms.
- Relieves burns and soresFor ulcers in the mouth, to relieve sore throat or swollen tonsils, and used topically for burns and scalds.
Usage and Dosage
10 – 15g is decocted for oral use. Suitable amount is used externally.
Notes Contraindicated for patients with asthenic cold of the spleen and stomach.
Description of Quality Herb
The good Fangjieshi is white in colour and transparent with gloss like chilly water, cleaved into square bodies with ridges after breaking.
It assumes irregular flat blocks, varied in size. The surface is pink, uneven and translucent, usually with grey mud sticking on. The mass is heavy and crisp, can be engraved by nails. It can be longitudinally broken by rapping. The broken surface shows fibrous texture with gloss like silk. It is bland in flavour but slightly salty, and slightly mealy while chewing, with a weak soil smell.
Storage
Keep in a cool, dry place. Protect from dust.
Description of Quality Herb
The good Hongshigao is meat red in colour, with pure thin slice shape or filament shape and gloss.