Chi Shi Zhi
English Name: red halloysite
Literal Translation: “crimson stone resin”
Pharmaceutical Name: Halloysitum Rubrum
Medica Category: Astringent Herbs
Properties: Chi Shi Zhi enters the Stomach and Large Intestine channels; it is astringent in nature and warm in temperature.
What is Chi Shi Zhi?:
The Chinese Herb Chi Shi Zhi is the mineral halloysite, which is a clayish mineral comprised mainly of silica and aluminum that is mined in the mountains of China. For use as medicine it is cleaned and then ground into powder.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Therapeutic Actions of Chi Shi Zhi:
Chi Shi Zhi binds the intestines and is used to stop chronic, unremitting diarrhea that is usually accompanied by other qi deficiency symptoms such as rectal prolapse, fatigue, dull abdominal pain, and a preference for pressure and warmth to bring comfort (this can include diarrhea due to ulcerative colitits, chronic enteritis, dysentery and related conditions).
Chi Shi Zhi stops uterine bleeding and leukorrhea due to Liver and Kidney deficiencies with an inability to nourish the ren (conception) and chong (thoroughfare) channels.
Chi Shi Zhi can be used topically as a powder to promote the healing of sores and ulcers on the skin.
–safety/clinical notes:
Contraindicated for persons with damp-heat and stagnation.
Contraindicated for hot diarrhea and for the early stages of dysentery.
Contraindicated for pregnancy.
Because of Chi Shi Zhi’s strong binding properties, ingestion of pharmaceutical drugs and Chi Shi Zhi should be separated by at least two hours so as not to interfere with the body’s ability to absorb the drugs being taken.