Shí Gāo (石膏) — Gypsum
On this page
- Overview
- Properties
- Actions and indications
- Key formulas
- Modern research
- Incompatibilities
- Cautions
- Treatment at my clinic
1. Overview
Shí Gāo (石膏) — gypsum (hydrous calcium sulfate, CaSO4·2H2O) — is the principal mineral herb in Chinese medicine for clearing intense Heat from the Qi level. It belongs to the category of Herbs that clear Heat and drain Fire. It is the chief herb in Bai Hu Tang (White Tiger Decoction), one of the most famous formulas in classical Chinese medicine.
2. Properties
| Pinyin name | Shí Gāo |
|---|---|
| Chinese characters | 石膏 |
| Pharmacological name | Gypsum fibrosum (hydrated calcium sulfate) |
| English name | Gypsum |
| Nature | Very cold |
| Flavour | Acrid, sweet |
| Channels entered | Lung, Stomach |
| Category | Herbs that clear Heat and drain Fire |
3. Actions and indications
Principal actions
- Clears Heat and drains Fire from the Qi level
- Clears Lung Heat
- Clears Stomach Fire
- (Calcined) Restrains and absorbs Damp; promotes healing (topical use)
Indications
- High fever with intense thirst, profuse sweating, large flooding pulse (Bai Hu Tang pattern)
- Lung Heat with cough, wheezing, yellow phlegm
- Stomach Fire with headache, toothache, swollen gums, bad breath
- Topical use (calcined): non-healing sores, weeping eczema, burns
4. Key formulas containing Shí Gāo
- Bai Hu Tang — the foundational Qi-level Heat formula
- Ma Xing Shi Gan Tang — Lung Heat with wheezing
- Yu Nu Jian — Stomach Fire with Kidney Yin deficiency
- Qing Wei San — Stomach Heat with toothache
5. Modern research
Modern research confirms anti-pyretic effects and demonstrates that the calcium and trace elements released during decoction modulate fever pathways. Recent studies on Bai Hu Tang and Shi Gao-containing formulas have shown anti-inflammatory and anti-viral activity in the context of acute infectious illness.
6. Incompatibilities
Shí Gāo (石膏) Gypsum is not listed in either of the two classical incompatibility texts — Shi Ba Fan (Eighteen Antagonisms) or Shi Jiu Wei (Nineteen Mutual Inhibitions). As with every Chinese herb it should be prescribed only as part of a balanced formula by a registered Chinese herbalist (RCHM), who will check for interactions with any other herbs and prescription medications you are taking.
7. Cautions
Contraindicated in cold patterns, Spleen Yang deficiency, and deficiency-type Heat (Yin-deficient Heat). The herb is very cold and may injure Stomach Yang if misused. Always consult a qualified Chinese herbalist registered with the RCHM.
Pattern contraindications
Used short term for Excess Fire patterns. Contraindicated in Cold patterns, Spleen and Stomach Yang deficiency, Yin and Blood deficiency. Pregnancy: most Fire-purging herbs are contraindicated.
Modern drug interactions
Several (Zhi Mu, Shi Gao) are generally well tolerated. Long-term Da Huang depletes potassium and should be reviewed with your GP if you take digoxin or diuretics.
8. Treatment at my clinic
I see patients at my clinic in Wokingham, Berkshire. Online consultations are available. Return to the Chinese herb directory.
Prefer to be treated from home? Chinese herbal medicine online consultations are available throughout the UK and worldwide. After a full video consultation, Dr (TCM) Attilio D'Alberto formulates a bespoke herbal prescription and posts your Chinese herbs directly to your door.
