Hua Shi - Talcum Powder

TCM Materia Medica

Hua Shi TCM Herb Classifications and Usages

The TCM herb "hua shi" which in english is "talcum powder", is categorized within the "herbs that drain dampness" functional grouping. It is thought to enter the stomach and urinary bladder channels and exhibits cold (han) and sweet (gan) taste/temperature properties.

Dosages and preparations will vary according to each individual and the overall approach of a formula, but generally this herb has the following dosage and/or preparation guidelines:

  • Dosage: 9-18g

Of many possible clinical applications, it may be considered to influence the following issues/symptoms:

  • Promotes urination, drains heat from the bladder - important herb for hot lin syndromes, also for damp heat generated diarrhea.
  • Clears heat, summer heat (w/urinary difficult) and damp-heat through urine.
  • Absorbs dampness (oozing eczema) - used topically for damp skin lesions.

While it may not always be included depending on the manufacturer or herbalist making the formula, hua shi is generally included in the following 1 formula:

ViewBa Zheng Wan (Eight Herb Powder for Rectification)

Painful urination when it arises from damp heat syndrome - urinary tract infections, leukorrhea, cystitis. Prostatitis when from damp heat.

As noted above, hua shi is within the herbs that drain dampness functional group. All the herbs in this category are listed below.

(truncated intro "... there are two main types of dampness: accumulation of fluids in the body - edema, congested fluids (respiratory and digestive system). these herbs are good for edema below the wais…)".

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