Herb Herbs that anchor and calm the Spirit

Dai Zhe Shi

Hematite | 代赭石

Iron oxide

TCM Properties

Temperature

Cold

Taste

Bitter

Organ Affinity

Stomach, Heart, Liver, Pericardium

Parts Used

The mineral

TCM Actions & Uses

Traditional Chinese Medicine properties and applications of Dai Zhe Shi

Traditional Actions

Pacify the Liver and Subdue Yang
Stop bleeding by cooling the Blood
Heavily anchor and descend Rebellious Qi

Key TCM Concepts

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Dai Zhe Shi 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 Dai Zhe Shi is Cold in nature. This means that Dai Zhe Shi typically helps people who have too much 'Heat' in their body. Balance between Yin and Yang is a key health concept in TCM. Those who have too much Heat in their body are said to either have a Yang Excess (because Yang is Hot in nature) or a Yin deficiency (Yin is Cold in Nature). Depending on your condition Dai Zhe Shi can help restore a harmonious balance between Yin and Yang.

 

Dai Zhe Shi also tastes Bitter. 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. Bitter ingredients like Dai Zhe Shi tends to have a cleansing action on the body by clearing Heat, drying Dampness and promoting elimination via urination or bowel movements.

 

The tastes of ingredients in TCM also determine what Organs and Meridians they target. As such Dai Zhe Shi is thought to target the Stomach, the Heart, the Liver and the Pericardium. In TCM the Stomach is responsible for receiving and ripening ingested food and fluids. It is also tasked with descending the digested elements downwards to the Small Intestine. In addition to regulating Blood flow, the Heart is believed to be the store of the 'Mind' which basically refers to someone's vitality. The Liver is often referred as the body's "general" because it is in charge of regulating the movements of Qi and the Body Fluids. It also takes a leading role in balancing our emotions. The Pericardium is also called the "heart protector". It is the first line of defence for the Heart against external pathogenic influences

Common Applications

Irritability Dizziness Vertigo Tinnitus Blurred vision Asthma Vomiting Nosebleed Abnormal uterine bleeding

Preparation & Dosage

Traditional and modern methods for preparing Dai Zhe Shi

Traditional Preparation

Take the original mineral, remove impurities, smash into pieces or crush into powder. Cook for 2 hours before adding other herbs to any formula that contains hematite.

Recommended Dosage

Note: The following information is provided for educational purposes only and is not meant to replace professional medical advice.

9 - 30 grams

Safety & Contraindications

Important safety information and precautions for Dai Zhe Shi

This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before using any herb or supplement.

Herb-Drug Interactions

Like many herbs, Dai Zhe Shi may interact with certain medications. If you are taking any prescription medications, we recommend consulting with a healthcare provider knowledgeable in herb-drug interactions.

Related Educational Resources

Formulas Containing Dai Zhe Shi

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