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Knowledge baseHerbs

Lu Gan Shi爐干石

CalaminaCalamine

Also known asSmithsonite

Category
Herbs for topical application
Nature
neutral
Taste
sweet
Channels entered
Liver, Stomach
Dosage
0.1–6 g

Actions & indications

Brightens eyes and removes superficial visual obstructions (corneal opacity)
  • Superficial visual obstruction with red, swollen eyes and pterygium
  • Red eyes due to Liver Fire Rising
Dries Dampness, generates flesh and stops itching
  • Long-term drainage of pus from open sores
  • Poor healing of wounds (can be used alone)

Contraindications

Not for internal use.

Combinations

  • As eye drops made with calcined Lu Gan Shi, for a range of eye problems.

  • As eye drops made with calcined Lu Gan Shi, for a range of eye problems, with reduced adhesiveness.

  • General eye problems.

  • Damp sores that chronically seep pus.

  • Redness, swelling, and ulceration of the eyes, and pterygium.

    • Xuan Ming Fen

    Redness and swelling of the eyes.

  • Excessive tearing.

  • Chronic ulcerations and eczema.

  • Diaper rash, applied topically (30g calcined Lu Gan Shi plus 3g Qing Fen).

    • Duan Long Gu
    • Duan Shi Gao

    Applied topically with calcined Calamina for chronic ulcerations.

    • Glycerin Er Gan Chun

    Applied topically for dermatitis.

  • Applied topically for genital ulcers.

Notes

  • According to some sources, this substance neutralizes toxins to treat Chuan Yung and stops excessive tearing.
  • It is an important substance in ophthalmology.
  • Applied topically, it treats genital eczema.
  • Lu Gan Shi and Borax Peng Sha both nourish tissue, prevent putrefaction, resolve toxicity, and treat eye disorders. Peng Sha is used mainly to clear Heat and dissolve Phlegm to prevent putrefaction, with its focus on the mucous membranes, whereas Lu Gan Shi dries Dampness and promotes tissue regeneration, making it best suited for open sores or non-healing wounds with prolonged pus drainage.
  • Calcined Calamina Duan Lu Gan Shi is used in ophthalmology because it does not irritate from large particles.
  • Coptis-prepared Calamine Huang Lian Lu Gan Shi is more effective at clearing Heat, brightening the eyes, and restraining damp sores; it is used for redness, swelling, and pain of the eyes, conjunctivitis, superficial visual obstruction, non-healing ulcers, damp sores, and itchy skin.

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