Use of Zi Shi Ying (fluorite) in TCM
Please note that you should never self-prescribe TCM ingredients. A TCM ingredient is almost never eaten on its own but as part of a formula containing several ingredients that act together. Please consult a professional TCM practitioner, they will be best able to guide you.
Preparation: Collects the purple color mineral and remove imperatives.
Dosage: 9-16g
Main actions according to TCM*: Calms the Mind. Warms the Lungs. Warms the Uterus.
Primary conditions or symptoms for which Zi Shi Ying may be prescribed by TCM doctors*: Palpitations Infertility in female Anxiety Cough Insomnia Convulsions Disorientation Wheezing Copious sputum Excessive menstrual discharge Abnormal uterine bleeding
Contraindications*: Contraindicated for these patients with Empty Heat due to Yin Deficiency.
Common TCM formulas in which Zi Shi Ying is used*
Zhen Ling Dan
Source date: 1107 AD
Number of ingredients: 8 herbs
Formula key actions: Stabilizes uterine bleeding . Clears Blood Stagnation .
Conditions targeted*: Dysfunctional uterine bleedingPelvic inflammatory disease and others
Zi Shi Ying is a deputy ingredient in Zhen Ling Dan. This means it helps the king ingredient(s) treat the main pattern or it serves to treat a coexisting pattern.
In Zhen Ling Dan, Zi Shi Ying warms the Uterus, settles the Heart, and calms the
Mind.
It also support the key ingredients by warming the Uterus and stabilizing the Lower Burner.
Feng Yin Tang
Source date: 220 AD
Number of ingredients: 12 herbs
Formula key actions: Extinguishes and pacifies Wind with heavy medicinals. Calms the Mind. Clears Heat.
Conditions targeted*: EpilepsyStroke and others
Zi Shi Ying is an assistant ingredient in Feng Yin Tang. This means that it either serves to reinforces the effect of other ingredients or it moderates their toxicity.
In Feng Yin Tang, Zi Shi Ying is heavy in nature and is used to pacify the Wind. It also calm the Mind.
Key TCM concepts behind Zi Shi Ying's properties
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Zi Shi Ying belongs to the 'Herbs that anchor and calm the Spirit' category. These herbs are substances that tranquilize the Mind and treat symptoms such as restlessness, palpitations, anxiety or insomnia. They tend to have sedative properties by weighing the Qi downwards and should generally be used for a limited time only.
Furthermore Zi Shi Ying is Warm in nature. This means that Zi Shi Ying tends to help people who have too much 'Cold' in their body, although with less effect than a plant that would be Hot in nature. Balance between Yin and Yang is a key health concept in TCM. Those who have too much Cold in their body are said to either have a Yin Excess (because Yin is Cold in nature) or a Yang Deficiency (Yang is Hot in Nature). Depending on your condition Zi Shi Ying can help restore a harmonious balance between Yin and Yang.
Zi Shi Ying also tastes Sweet. The so-called 'Five Phases' theory in Chinese Medicine states that the taste of TCM ingredients is a key determinant of their action in the body. Sweet ingredients like Zi Shi Ying tends to slow down acute reactions and detoxify the body. They also have a tonic effect because they replenish Qi and Blood.
The tastes of ingredients in TCM also determine what Organs and Meridians they target. As such Zi Shi Ying is thought to target the Heart, the Kidney and the Lung. In addition to regulating Blood flow, in TCM the Heart is believed to be the store of the 'Mind' which basically refers to someone's vitality. The Kidneys do not only regulate the urinary system but also play a key role in the reproductive system and the growth and aging process of the body. In addition to performing respiration, the Lungs are thought in TCM to be a key part of the production chain for Qi and the Body Fluids that nourish the body.