Ingredient Mineral (矿物 kuàng wù)

Chi Shi Zhi

Halloysite clay · 赤石脂

Halloysite (hydrated aluminum silicate mineral, Al₄(Si₄O₁₀)(OH)₈·4H₂O) · Halloysitum Rubrum

Also known as: Red Kaolin

Chi Shi Zhi (Halloysite clay) plant

Images shown are for educational purposes only

Red Halloysite is a natural mineral clay used in Chinese medicine primarily for chronic diarrhea and intestinal bleeding that have not responded to other treatments. It works by physically binding and protecting the intestinal lining, making it especially helpful when the digestive tract has become weakened from prolonged illness. It can also be applied externally to help heal stubborn wounds and skin ulcers.

Category Astringent / Stabilizing herbs (收涩药) Herbs that astringe the Lungs and bind the intestines (敛肺涩肠药)
Therapeutic focus Digestive Health Bleeding Disorders Skin and Wound Care Women's Health

TCM Properties

Temperature

Warm

Taste

Sweet (甘 gān), Sour (酸 suān), Astringent (涩 sè)

Channels entered

Large Intestine, Stomach

Parts used

Mineral (矿物 kuàng wù)

Available in our store
View in Store
From $24.00

Educational content • Consult qualified TCM practitioners for diagnosis and treatment

What This Ingredient Does

Every ingredient has a specific set of actions — here's what Chi Shi Zhi does in the body, explained in both everyday and TCM terms

Therapeutic focus

In practical terms, Chi Shi Zhi is primarily used to support these areas of health:

Digestive Health Bleeding Disorders Skin and Wound Care Women's Health

TCM Actions

In TCM terminology, these are the specific therapeutic actions that Chi Shi Zhi performs to restore balance in the body:

Astringes the Intestines and Stops Diarrhea Astringes and Stops Bleeding Promotes Tissue Regeneration and Heals Sores Astringes to Stop Vaginal Discharge

How these actions work

'Binds the intestines and stops diarrhea' (涩肠止泻) is the primary action of this mineral. Its heavy, astringent quality allows it to settle directly into the lower digestive tract. It physically coats and protects the intestinal lining, absorbing excess fluid and inflammatory secretions. This makes it a key remedy for chronic, long-standing diarrhea or dysentery that has become uncontrollable (called 'slippery desertion' in TCM), especially when the stool contains mucus or blood with a dull, dark colour. It is only appropriate when the acute phase has passed and the underlying cause is weakness rather than active infection or Damp-Heat.

'Astringes to stop bleeding' (收敛止血) refers to its ability to draw tissues together and halt bleeding. Because it is heavy and sinks downward, it is especially suited for bleeding in the lower body: blood in the stool from chronic conditions, uterine bleeding (heavy periods or spotting between periods), and hemorrhoidal bleeding. It works by its physical astringent action rather than by cooling the Blood.

'Generates flesh and heals sores' (生肌敛疮) is used when the herb is applied externally as a fine powder. It absorbs moisture from wound surfaces, protects raw tissue, and promotes the closure and healing of chronic ulcers, weeping eczema, and wounds that refuse to heal. It can be combined with other wound-healing powders like calcined Dragon Bone and Frankincense.

'Astringes leukorrhea' describes its use for chronic vaginal discharge that persists due to underlying deficiency. Its warm, binding nature helps consolidate the lower body and reduce thin, watery discharge, particularly when the root cause is Kidney deficiency or weakness of the Belt Channel (Dai Mai).

Patterns Addressed

In TCM, symptoms cluster into recognizable patterns of disharmony. Chi Shi Zhi is used to help correct these specific patterns.

Why Chi Shi Zhi addresses this pattern

When the Large Intestine becomes chronically cold and weak, it loses its ability to hold and transform stool, leading to persistent, uncontrollable diarrhea or dysentery. Chì Shí Zhī is warm in nature and astringent in taste, allowing it to warm the intestines while physically binding the bowel. Its heavy, mineral quality carries it directly to the lower digestive tract. The sweet taste gently tonifies, while the sour and astringent tastes provide the strong holding action needed to stop the 'slippery desertion' (滑脱) characteristic of this pattern.

A practitioner would look for one or more of these signs

Chronic Diarrhea

Chronic, watery diarrhea that will not stop despite treatment

Rectal Prolapse

Rectal prolapse from prolonged diarrhea

Mucus in Stool

Stool containing mucus or dark blood

Abdominal Pain

Dull abdominal pain relieved by warmth and pressure

Commonly Used For

These are conditions where Chi Shi Zhi is frequently used — but only when they arise from the specific patterns it addresses, not in all cases

Arises from: Small Intestine Deficient and Cold

TCM Interpretation

TCM views chronic diarrhea as a failure of the Spleen and Large Intestine to transform and transport food and fluids properly. When this persists over weeks or months, the problem shifts from an active pathogenic invasion (like Damp-Heat) to a state of pure weakness. The intestines lose their ability to 'hold' the stool, a condition described as 'slippery desertion' (滑脱). The Spleen Yang and Kidney Yang, which normally warm and support the digestive organs, become depleted. The stool becomes watery, often mixed with undigested food, and may contain mucus or dark-coloured blood.

Why Chi Shi Zhi Helps

Chì Shí Zhī is one of TCM's strongest intestine-binding substances. Its warm nature directly counteracts the cold that has settled in the lower digestive tract, while its intensely astringent quality physically coats and tightens the intestinal lining. As a mineral, it is heavy and sinks directly to the lower body where the problem lies. Modern research has confirmed that it can absorb toxins and inflammatory secretions in the gut, and it provides a protective coating over inflamed intestinal mucosa. It is typically paired with Yǔ Yú Liáng (Limonitum) for maximum binding effect, or with Gān Jiāng (dried ginger) to add more warming power when cold is severe.

Also commonly used for

Ulcerative Colitis

Chronic ulcerative colitis with mucus and blood in stool

Dysentery

Chronic dysentery from deficiency-cold, not acute Damp-Heat type

Rectal Prolapse

Rectal prolapse due to prolonged diarrhea or Qi sinking

Dark Blood In Stool

Chronic rectal bleeding or hemorrhoidal bleeding

Thin Vaginal Discharge

Chronic leukorrhea from Kidney deficiency

Ulcer

Chronic non-healing skin ulcers (external application)

Eczema

Weeping eczema (external application)

Ingredient Properties

Every ingredient has an inherent temperature, taste, and affinity for specific channels — these properties determine how it interacts with the body

Temperature

Warm

Taste

Sweet (甘 gān), Sour (酸 suān), Astringent (涩 sè)

Channels Entered

Large Intestine Stomach

Parts Used

Mineral (矿物 kuàng wù)

Dosage & Preparation

These are general dosage guidelines for Chi Shi Zhi — always follow your practitioner's recommendation, as dosages vary based on the formula and your individual condition

Standard dosage

9-15g (some sources extend to 20g)

Maximum dosage

Up to 20g in decoction for severe chronic diarrhea, under practitioner supervision. External use: appropriate amount as needed.

Dosage notes

For chronic diarrhea and dysentery: 9-15g in decoction, crushed and decocted first (先煎). For hemostasis (bleeding from the intestines or uterus): 10-15g, often used in its calcined form (煅赤石脂) to enhance astringency. For external use on non-healing ulcers, wounds, or eczema: grind into fine powder and apply directly to the affected area, or mix with other powdered herbs. The calcined form (processed with vinegar and then calcined until red) is preferred for internal use as it has enhanced astringent properties. Lower doses (9-12g) are typical for mild cases; higher doses (15-20g) for more severe chronic conditions.

Preparation

Should be crushed (打碎) and decocted first (先煎) for 15-20 minutes before adding other herbs, as it is a heavy mineral that requires longer decoction time to release its active components. Alternatively, it may be ground into fine powder using water-flying technique (水飞) for both internal powder preparations and external application. For the calcined form (煅赤石脂), the powder is mixed with vinegar, formed into sticks, dried, then calcined until red-hot. The calcined form has enhanced astringent properties and is generally preferred for internal use.

Processing Methods

In TCM, the same ingredient can be prepared in different ways to change its effects — here's how processing alters what Chi Shi Zhi does

Processing method

The raw mineral is ground into fine powder, mixed with vinegar to form a paste, shaped into strips, cut into segments, dried, and then calcined (煅) in a kiln or crucible at high heat until glowing red throughout. After cooling it is crushed for use.

How it changes properties

Calcination significantly enhances the astringent properties. The thermal nature remains warm. The processed form has stronger intestine-binding, bleeding-stopping, and wound-healing actions. The vinegar processing may also help direct the herb's action and increase its ability to absorb fluids.

When to use this form

Preferred for internal use when strong astringent action is needed, such as severe chronic diarrhea with slippery desertion, heavy uterine bleeding, or chronic blood in the stool. Also the preferred form for external application on chronic wounds and ulcers.

Common Ingredient Pairs

These ingredients are traditionally combined with Chi Shi Zhi for enhanced therapeutic effect

Yu Yu Liang
Yu Yu Liang 1:1 (equal parts, classically 1 jīn each in the Shang Han Lun formula)

The most classical pairing for this herb. Both are heavy minerals with strong astringent properties that bind the intestines and stop diarrhea. Together they are significantly more effective than either alone, creating a powerful 'sealing' action in the lower digestive tract. Yǔ Yú Liáng adds extra weight and settling power, while Chì Shí Zhī contributes warmth and an affinity for the Blood level.

When to use: Chronic diarrhea or dysentery that has become uncontrollable ('slippery desertion'), where the stool passes many times daily without the patient being able to hold it. Also useful for chronic rectal prolapse from prolonged diarrhea.

Gan Jiang
Gan Jiang Chì Shí Zhī 30g : Gān Jiāng 3-6g (in Táo Huā Tāng, the original ratio is approximately 16:1 by weight)

Chì Shí Zhī binds the intestines and stops bleeding through astringency, while Gān Jiāng (dried ginger) warms the interior and dispels cold. Together they address both the symptom (uncontrolled diarrhea with blood) and the root cause (cold in the Spleen and intestines). Gān Jiāng provides the warming and dispersing action that Chì Shí Zhī lacks.

When to use: Deficiency-cold dysentery with blood and mucus in the stool, abdominal pain relieved by warmth and pressure, pale tongue with white coating. This is the core pairing in the classical formula Táo Huā Tāng (Peach Blossom Decoction).

Hai Piao Shao
Hai Piao Shao 1:1 (equal parts, typically 10-15g each)

Both herbs are astringent and stop bleeding, but they work through complementary mechanisms. Hǎi Piāo Xiāo (Cuttlefish Bone) is slightly warm and specialises in restraining uterine bleeding and vaginal discharge, while Chì Shí Zhī adds its heavy, sinking action to reach the lower body and its Blood-level affinity. Together they provide a strong dual-action to stop gynaecological bleeding.

When to use: Chronic uterine bleeding (崩漏) or persistent leukorrhea due to deficiency, especially when combined with herbs like Cè Bǎi Yè (Biota Leaf) for a three-herb astringent combination.

Long Gu
Long Gu 1:1 (equal parts)

Lóng Gǔ (Dragon Bone) is heavy and astringent, calming the spirit and anchoring floating Yang. Combined with Chì Shí Zhī, the two heavy minerals create a powerful fixing and binding effect. Lóng Gǔ adds spirit-calming properties and extra fixation, while Chì Shí Zhī contributes warmth and specialised intestinal binding. Used externally together, they strongly promote wound healing.

When to use: Chronic non-healing wounds and ulcers (external application as combined powder). Internally, for chronic diarrhea with anxiety or restlessness, or for spermatorrhea and urinary incontinence from lower body weakness.

Key Formulas

These well-known formulas feature Chi Shi Zhi in a prominent role

Tao Hua Tang 桃花汤 King

The definitive formula showcasing Chì Shí Zhī's core action. Named 'Peach Blossom Decoction' after the pinkish-red colour Chì Shí Zhī gives the broth, this Shang Han Lun formula uses Chì Shí Zhī as King at a large dose alongside Gān Jiāng and Jīng Mǐ (rice). It treats Shaoyin disease with deficiency-cold diarrhea containing pus and blood. Half the Chì Shí Zhī is decocted and half taken as powder, demonstrating both its systemic warming-astringent action and its local intestinal coating effect.

Chi Shi Zhi Yu Yu Liang Tang 赤石脂禹余粮汤 King

Another Shang Han Lun formula, this simple two-herb prescription pairs Chì Shí Zhī with Yǔ Yú Liáng in equal doses. It treats diarrhea that has become 'slippery desertion' in the lower burner, unresponsive to other methods like warming the middle (Lǐ Zhōng Tāng) or draining the Heart (Xiè Xīn Tāng). This formula epitomises the principle that when the problem is pure lower-burner weakness, only heavy astringent minerals can seal it.

Comparable Ingredients

These ingredients have overlapping uses — here's how to tell them apart

Yu Yu Liang
Chi Shi Zhi vs Yu Yu Liang

Both bind the intestines and stop diarrhea, and they are classically used together. The key difference: Chì Shí Zhī is sweet, sour, and warm, entering the Blood level (its red colour being associated with Blood). Yǔ Yú Liáng is traditionally described as sweet and neutral to cool, with even greater heaviness and settling power. Chì Shí Zhī is preferred when there is bleeding alongside diarrhea (Blood-level action), while Yǔ Yú Liáng is preferred for pure diarrhea without Blood involvement. In practice they are most often used together.

Rou Dou Kou
Chi Shi Zhi vs Rou Dou Kou

Both are warm and bind the intestines to stop diarrhea. Ròu Dòu Kòu (Nutmeg) is an aromatic seed that warms the Spleen and moves Qi while astringently holding the intestines. It is better suited when there is abdominal distension and poor appetite alongside the diarrhea. Chì Shí Zhī is a mineral with much stronger physical astringent power but no Qi-moving ability. Use Chì Shí Zhī for severe slippery desertion where the stool simply cannot be held; use Ròu Dòu Kòu for milder cases where the cold has also caused Qi stagnation and bloating.

Hu
Chi Shi Zhi vs Hua Rui Shi

Both are minerals with astringent, blood-stopping properties. Huā Ruǐ Shí (Ophicalcitum) specialises in stopping bleeding from the upper body (coughing blood, vomiting blood) and also has a mild Blood-invigorating action. Chì Shí Zhī specialises in stopping bleeding from the lower body (uterine bleeding, blood in the stool) and has no Blood-invigorating effect. Choose based on the location of bleeding.

Common Substitutes & Adulterants

Related species and common adulterations to be aware of when sourcing Chi Shi Zhi

Chi Shi Zhi can be confused with or adulterated by ordinary red clay or lower-grade kaolin minerals that lack the characteristic smooth, greasy texture and strong hygroscopic properties of genuine Halloysitum Rubrum. Authentic Chi Shi Zhi should feel like soft grease when rubbed between the fingers and should adhere firmly to the tongue when licked. Adulterants are typically coarser, less hygroscopic, may contain sand or grit, and lack the waxy lustre on cross-section. A modern quality test involves measuring moisture absorption rate (吸湿度), which is significantly higher in genuine Chi Shi Zhi compared to substitutes. It should also not be confused with Bai Shi Zhi (白石脂, White Halloysite), which is a related but distinct mineral with somewhat different clinical applications in classical literature.

Educational content — always consult a qualified healthcare provider or TCM practitioner before using any ingredient.

Toxicity Classification

Classical Chinese pharmacopoeia toxicity rating for Chi Shi Zhi

Non-toxic

Chi Shi Zhi is classified as non-toxic in both classical texts (the Bie Lu states 无毒, 'non-toxic') and the modern Chinese Pharmacopoeia. As a clay mineral (hydrated aluminum silicate), it is chemically inert and not systemically absorbed when taken orally at standard doses. However, excessive or prolonged use may theoretically contribute to aluminum accumulation. The main safety concern is not toxicity but rather its strong adsorptive properties: it can bind nutrients, enzymes, and co-administered medications in the gastrointestinal tract, potentially reducing their effectiveness. It may also cause constipation if overused.

Contraindications

Situations where Chi Shi Zhi should not be used or requires extra caution

Avoid

Diarrhea or dysentery caused by damp-heat accumulation (湿热积滞). Chi Shi Zhi is a strongly astringent substance that traps pathogens inside. It should only be used for chronic, deficiency-type diarrhea, never for acute diarrhea with active heat or dampness, where the pathogen must be expelled rather than contained.

Avoid

Early-stage dysentery or diarrhea where the pathogenic factor has not been cleared. Using astringent substances at this stage is described classically as 'closing the door on the thief' and can worsen the condition significantly.

Caution

Pregnancy. Chi Shi Zhi is classified as 'use with caution' (慎用) during pregnancy. Its heavy, descending, and astringent nature may affect the fetus.

Caution

Concurrent use with Rou Gui (Cinnamomum cassia bark / Cortex Cinnamomi). Chi Shi Zhi and Guan Gui (official cinnamon / Rou Gui) are listed as a pair in the classical Nineteen Mutual Fears (十九畏). Practitioners generally avoid combining them unless there is specific clinical justification.

Caution

Concurrent use with pharmaceutical medications taken orally. As a clay mineral with strong adsorptive properties, Chi Shi Zhi can bind to and reduce the absorption of other drugs. Administration should be separated by at least two hours.

Classical Incompatibilities

Traditional Chinese pharmacological incompatibilities — herbs or substances to avoid combining with Chi Shi Zhi

Guan Gui / Rou Gui (官桂/肉桂, Cinnamomum cassia bark) fears Chi Shi Zhi. This is one of the classical Nineteen Mutual Fears (十九畏) pairs: "官桂善能调冷气，若逢石脂便相欺" (Official cinnamon excels at regulating cold Qi, but when it meets Shi Zhi, it is undermined). In practice, some experienced physicians (notably Li Ke and others) have used this pair together in specific clinical situations for Cold-type diarrhea with good results, suggesting the incompatibility is relative rather than absolute. However, standard practice advises against combining them without specific clinical justification.

Special Populations

Important considerations for pregnancy, breastfeeding, and pediatric use

Pregnancy

Classified as 'use with caution' (慎用) during pregnancy in classical and modern Chinese Materia Medica sources. Chi Shi Zhi is a heavy, downward-directing mineral substance with strong astringent properties. While it is not a uterine stimulant or blood-moving herb, its heavy and descending nature could theoretically affect fetal positioning or uterine dynamics. Classical sources note it was traditionally used to aid delivery of a retained placenta (胞衣不出), suggesting it has some influence on uterine function. Pregnant women should avoid this herb unless specifically prescribed by a qualified practitioner.

Breastfeeding

No specific classical or modern contraindication during breastfeeding has been documented. As an inorganic mineral (hydrated aluminum silicate), Chi Shi Zhi is poorly absorbed systemically, which limits the potential for transfer through breast milk. However, the aluminum content of the mineral warrants general caution with prolonged or high-dose use during lactation. Use at standard doses for short courses is generally considered low-risk, but a qualified practitioner should supervise.

Children

Chi Shi Zhi has been used in pediatric formulas historically (e.g., Chi Shi Zhi San from Yan Shi Xiao Er Fang Lun for pediatric post-dysentery rectal prolapse). Dosage should be proportionally reduced according to the child's age and weight, typically one-third to one-half of the adult dose. As with adults, it should only be used for chronic deficiency-type diarrhea in children, never for acute infectious diarrhea. Modern pediatric guidelines suggest that kaolin-type adsorbents are not first-line treatments for childhood diarrhea and should not replace proper rehydration therapy.

Drug Interactions

If you are taking pharmaceutical medications, be aware of these potential interactions with Chi Shi Zhi

Chi Shi Zhi is a potent adsorbent mineral (similar to pharmaceutical kaolin). When taken orally, it can bind to co-administered medications in the gastrointestinal tract and significantly reduce their absorption. This interaction is pharmacologically well-established for kaolin-group minerals and applies broadly to most oral medications, including but not limited to:

  • Antibiotics: Kaolin minerals have been shown to reduce the bioavailability of co-trimoxazole and quinolone antibiotics.
  • Quinidine and cardiac medications: Studies have demonstrated decreased bioavailability of quinidine sulfate when co-administered with kaolin adsorbents.
  • Anticoagulants and other narrow therapeutic index drugs: Any drug where reduced absorption could be clinically significant.

To minimize this interaction, oral medications should be taken at least 2 hours before or after Chi Shi Zhi administration.

Dietary Advice

Foods and dietary considerations when taking Chi Shi Zhi

When taking Chi Shi Zhi for chronic diarrhea or dysentery, avoid cold, raw, greasy, and hard-to-digest foods, which can aggravate the underlying Spleen deficiency and counteract the herb's astringent effects. Warm, easily digestible foods such as congee (rice porridge), cooked vegetables, and mild soups are recommended. Spicy or stimulating foods should be eaten in moderation. Avoid excessive intake of dairy products if lactose intolerance is contributing to the diarrhea.

Botanical Description

Physical characteristics and morphology of the Chi Shi Zhi source mineral

Chi Shi Zhi (赤石脂, Halloysitum Rubrum) is not a plant but a naturally occurring clay mineral. It belongs to the halloysite group of the silicate mineral family (多水高岭石族), with the chemical formula Al4(Si4O10)(OH)8·4H2O (hydrated aluminum silicate). Its red coloration comes from a significant iron oxide content, alongside alumina and silica, plus trace elements including titanium, nickel, strontium, and barium.

In its natural state, Chi Shi Zhi occurs as irregular block-shaped masses within mountain rock formations. The surface color ranges from pinkish-red to deep purplish-red, sometimes showing red and white banding patterns. The texture is fine-grained, soft, and smooth, with a greasy, waxy lustre on broken surfaces. It is notably hygroscopic, and a distinctive quality test is that when touched to the tongue, it adheres strongly. It has a faint earthy smell and a bland taste with no grittiness when chewed.

Sourcing & Harvesting

Where Chi Shi Zhi is sourced, when it's harvested or collected, and how to assess quality

Harvesting season

Can be mined year-round (全年均可采挖). After extraction, the red, smooth, fat-like pieces are selected and impurities such as stones and soil are removed.

Primary growing regions

Chi Shi Zhi is mined across several provinces in China. The major producing regions include Fujian (especially Yongchun and Dehua), Henan (Yuzhou and Jiyuan), Jiangsu (Wuxi), Shaanxi (Yan'an), Shanxi, Hubei (Xiaogan), and Anhui. Among these, Fujian, Henan, and Shanxi are traditionally considered the primary sources of high-quality material.

Quality indicators

High-quality Chi Shi Zhi should be bright red to deep pinkish-red in color, with a smooth, greasy surface and a fine, dense texture. The cross-section should show a waxy lustre with fine, even grain and no visible grit or sand. When touched to the tongue, it should adhere strongly (strong hygroscopic property, a key quality test). It should be soft and easy to break, and when chewed, should feel smooth with no sandy or gritty sensation. The earthy smell should be mild. Avoid pieces that are dull-colored, coarse, gritty, crumbly, or mixed with non-red mineral material.

Classical Texts

Key passages from the classical Chinese medical texts that describe Chi Shi Zhi and its therapeutic uses

Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing (《神农本草经》)

主黄疸，泄痢，肠僻脓血，阴蚀下血赤白，邪气痈肿，疽痔恶疮，头疡疥瘙。

"Governs jaundice, diarrhea and dysentery, intestinal discharge of pus and blood, genital erosion with red and white discharge, malign Qi causing abscesses and swelling, sores, hemorrhoids, malignant ulcers, head sores, and scabies."

Ming Yi Bie Lu (《名医别录》)

味甘酸辛，大温，无毒。主养心气，明目，益精，疗腹痛泄僻，下痢赤白，小便利，及痈疽疮痔，女子崩中、漏下、产难、胞衣不出。

"Sweet, sour, and acrid in flavor, greatly warm, non-toxic. Nourishes the Heart Qi, brightens the eyes, benefits the essence, treats abdominal pain and diarrhea, dysentery with red and white discharge, urinary frequency, abscesses and hemorrhoids, women's flooding and spotting, difficult labor, and retained placenta."

Ben Cao Gang Mu (《本草纲目》) by Li Shizhen

五石脂，涩而重，故能收湿止血而固下。甘而温，故能益气生肌而调中。

"The five types of mineral fat (石脂) are astringent and heavy, therefore they can collect dampness, stop bleeding, and secure what is below. Sweet and warm, therefore they can boost Qi, generate flesh, and regulate the Middle."

Ben Cao Hui Jian (《本草汇笺》), Qing Dynasty

其他固涩之药，性多轻浮，不能达下，惟石脂体重而涩，直入下焦阴分，为久利泄澼之要药。

"Other astringent substances tend to be light and floating, unable to reach the lower body. Only Shi Zhi, being heavy and astringent, enters directly into the Yin aspect of the Lower Burner, making it the essential medicine for chronic diarrhea and dysentery."

Historical Context

The history and evolution of Chi Shi Zhi's use in Chinese medicine over the centuries

Chi Shi Zhi is one of five colored mineral fats (五色石脂) recorded in the earliest Chinese pharmacopoeia, the Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing (circa 1st-2nd century CE), where it was classified as a middle-grade substance. The name literally means 'red stone fat' (赤 = red, 石 = stone, 脂 = fat/grease), a reference to its smooth, greasy texture and reddish color. Classical aliases include Chi Fu (赤符, 'red talisman') from the Wu Pu Ben Cao.

The herb's most iconic classical use comes from Zhang Zhongjing's Shang Han Lun (c. 200 CE), where it appears in two important formulas: Tao Hua Tang (Peach Blossom Decoction) for chronic cold-type dysentery with pus and blood in the stool, and Chi Shi Zhi Yu Yu Liang Tang for intractable diarrhea that does not respond to other treatments. In the Jin Gui Yao Lue, it also appears in Chi Shi Zhi Wan for heart pain radiating to the back from deep cold. Li Gao (Li Dongyuan) of the Jin Dynasty noted its dual ability: "securing the intestines and stomach through its astringent power, and bringing down the placenta without harsh force." Over time, understanding of its channel entry evolved: early sources emphasized the Stomach and Large Intestine, while later commentators such as those in the Ben Cao Jing Shu added the Hand and Foot Shaoyin (Heart and Kidney) channels, reflecting its use in conditions involving the lower burner blood level.

Modern Research

2 published studies investigating the pharmacological effects or clinical outcomes of Chi Shi Zhi

1

Prospective Randomized Controlled Study of Hemostatic Efficacy with Kaolin-Impregnated Dressings in Diabetic Foot Ulcers (RCT, 2019)

Hwang YG, Lee JW, Won EA, Han SH. J Diabetes Res. 2019;2019:9316380.

This clinical trial studied kaolin-impregnated wound dressings in diabetic patients on anticoagulants undergoing foot ulcer debridement. The kaolin dressings were found to be safe and effective for achieving hemostasis in these high-risk patients, supporting the traditional hemostatic use of kaolin-group minerals like Chi Shi Zhi.

PubMed
2

New Kaolin-Based Haemostatic Bandage Compared with Manual Compression for Bleeding Control After Percutaneous Coronary Procedures (RCT, 2011)

Trabattoni D, Montorsi P, Fabbiocchi F, Lualdi A, Gatto P, Bartorelli AL. Eur Radiol. 2011;21(8):1687-91.

This randomized trial compared a kaolin-based hemostatic bandage with manual compression after coronary catheterization. The kaolin bandage significantly improved hemostasis time and was found to be a safe and effective alternative to standard compression, demonstrating the procoagulant potential of kaolin minerals.

PubMed

Research on individual TCM herbs is growing but still limited by Western clinical trial standards. These studies provide emerging evidence and should be considered alongside practitioner expertise.