Talc (Huashi)

Pharmacutical Name : Pulvus Talci

Mineral Name : 1. Talcum; 2. Hydrous magnesium silicate

Common Name : Talc, Talcum

Source of Earliest Record : Shennong Bencao Jing

Part Used & Method for Pharmaceutical Preparations : The mineral is ground into powder for use.

Properties & Taste : Sweet or no taste and cold

Meridians : Stomach and urinary bladder

Functions :
1. To promote water metabolism and relieve abnormal urination;
2. To clear heat and release summer-heat

Indications & Combinations:

1. Damp-heat in the urinary bladder manifested as painful urination, urgency of micturition, frequent urination, lower abdominal distention and fever. Talc (Huashi) is used with Clematis stem (Mutong), Plantain seed (Cheqianzi), Common knotgrass (Bianxu) and Capejasmine (Zhizi) in the formula Bazheng San.

2. Summer-heat and dampness syndrome manifested as thirst, stifling sensation in the chest, vomiting and diarrhea. Talc (Huashi) is used with Licorice root (Gancao) in the formula Liu Yi San.

3. Boils, eczema, miliaria and skin diseases. Talc (Huashi) is used with Gypsum (Shigao) and Calamine Colamina (Luganshi) externally.

Dosage: 10-15 g