Magnetite (CI SHI)
Pharmaceutical Name:
Magnetitum
Latin Name:
Common Name:
Magnetite
Part Used:
This mineral is the ore magnetite. It is mined in the provinces of Hebei, Shandong, Liaoning, and Jiangsu. It is dried, and used unprepared or quenched with vinegar and ground into a fine powder.
Properties Taste & Meridians:
Pungent and salty in flavor, cold in property, acts on the Liver, Heart, and Kidney channels.
Functions:
Settles Yang to tranquilize the Mind, improves sensory functions, relieves asthma by improving the Qi-receiving functions.
Indications & Combinations:
1. For hyperactivity of Yang due to Yin Deficiency with restlessness, palpitations, insomnia, dizziness, headache, and epilepsy, it is used with Cinnabaris (Zhu Sha) in “The Magnetite and Cinnnabar Pill” (Zhu Sha Wan). It is also used with Concha Haliotidis (Shi Jue Ming), Radix Paeoniae Alba (Bai Shao), and Radix Rehmanniae (Sheng Di Huang).
2. For tinnitus, deafness, and blurred vision due to Liver and Kidney Deficiency. For tinnitus and deafness, it is used with Radix Rehmanniae Preparata (Shu Di Huang), Fructus Corni (Shan Zhu Yu), and Fructus Schisandrae (Wu Wei Zi ). For blurred vision, it is used in “The Magnetite and Cinnnabaris Pill” (Zhu Sha Wan).
3. For asthma due to failure of the Kidney in receiving Qi, it is used with Fructus Schisandrae (Wu Wei Zi) and other herbs.
Dosage and administration:
10–30 g, decocted in water for an oral dose, 1–3 g each time.
Precautions:
Since this mineral may impair digestion, the pill or powder should not be taken over a long time or used in large doses.
