（《本经》中品）
【释名】细理石（《别录》）、寒水石（《纲目》）。
震享曰∶火 细研醋调，封丹灶，其固密甚于脂膏。此盖兼质与能而得名，正与石脂同
意。
时珍曰∶其纹理细密，故名细理石。其性大寒如水，故名寒水石，与凝水石同名异物。
【集解】《别录》曰∶石膏，生齐山山谷及齐卢山、鲁蒙山。采无时。细理白泽者，良；
黄者，令人淋。
弘景曰∶二郡之山，即青州、徐州也。今出钱塘县，皆在地中，雨后时时自出，取之如
棋子，白澈最佳。彭城者亦好。近道多有而大块，用之不及彼也。《仙经》不须此。
恭曰∶石膏、方解石大体相似，而以未破为异。今市人皆以方解代石膏，未见有真石膏
也。石膏生于石旁。其方解不因石而生，端然独处，大者如升，小者如拳，或在土中，或生
溪水，其上皮随土及水苔色，破之方解，大者方尺。今人以此为石膏，疗风去热虽同，而解
肌发汗不如真者。
大明曰∶石膏通亮，理如云母者上。又名方解石。
曰∶凡使，勿用方解石。方解虽白不透明，其性燥；若石膏则出剡州茗山县义情山，
其色莹净如水精，性良善也。
颂曰∶石膏今汾、孟、虢、耀州、兴元府亦有之。生于山石上，色至莹白，与方解石肌
理形段刚柔绝相类。今难得真者。用时，惟以破之皆作方棱者，为方解石。今石膏中时时有
莹澈可爱有纵理而不方解者，或以为石膏；然据本草又似长石。或又谓青石间往往有白脉贯
彻类肉之膏肪者，为石膏；此又本草所谓理石也。不知石膏定是何物？今且依市人用方解石
尔。
阎孝忠曰∶南方以寒水石为石膏，以石膏为寒水石，正与汴京相反，乃大误也。石膏洁
白坚硬，有墙壁。寒水石则软烂，以手可碎，外微青黑，中有细纹。又一种坚白全类石膏，
而敲之成方者，名方解石也。
承曰∶陶言钱塘山中雨后时自出。今钱塘人凿山取之甚多，捣作齿药货用，浙人呼为寒
水石，入药最胜他处者。
宗 曰∶石膏纷辩不决，未悉缺理。本草只言生齐山、卢山、蒙山，细理白泽者良，即
知他处者非石膏也。
震亨曰∶本草药之命名，多有意义，或以色，或以形，或以气，或以质，或以味，或以
能，或以时，是也。石膏固济丹炉，苟非有膏，岂能为用？此盖兼质与能而得名。昔人以方
解为石膏，误矣。石膏味甘而辛，本阳明经药，阳明主肌肉。其甘也，能缓脾益气，止渴去
火。其辛也，能解肌出汗，上行至头，又入太阴、少阳。彼方解石，只有体重、质坚、性寒
而已，求其有膏而可为三经之主治者，焉在哉？
时珍曰∶石膏有软、硬二种。软石膏，大块生于石中，作层如压扁米糕形，每层浓数寸。
有红、白二色，红者不可服，白者洁净，细纹短密如束针，正如凝成白蜡状，松软易碎，烧
之即白烂如粉。其中明洁，色带微青，而纹长细如白丝者，名理石也。与软石膏乃一物二种，
碎之则形色如一，不可辨矣。硬石膏，作块而生，直理起棱，如马齿坚白，击之则段段横解，
光亮如云母、白石英，有墙壁，烧之亦易散，仍硬不作粉。其似硬石膏成块，击之块块方解，
墙壁光明者，名方解石也，烧之则 散亦不烂。与硬石膏乃一类二种，碎之则形色如一，不
可辨矣。自陶弘景、苏恭、大明、雷 、苏颂、阎孝忠皆以硬者为石膏，软者为寒水石；至
朱震亨始断然以软者为石膏，而后人遵用有验，千古之惑始明矣。盖昔人所谓寒水石者，即
软石膏也；所谓硬石膏者，乃长石也。石膏、理石、长石、方解石四种，性气皆寒，俱能去
大热结气；但石膏又能解肌发汗为异尔。理石即石膏之类，长石即方解之类，俱可代用，各
从其类也。今人以石膏收豆腐，乃昔人所不知。
【修治】 曰∶凡使，石臼中捣成粉，罗过，生甘草水飞过，澄晒筛研用。
时珍曰∶古法惟打碎如豆大，绢包入汤煮之。近人因其性寒，火 过用，或糖拌炒过，
则不妨脾胃。
【气味】辛，微寒，无毒。
《别录》曰∶甘，大寒。
好古曰∶入足阳明、手太阴、少阳经气分。
之才曰∶鸡子为之使。恶莽草、巴豆、马目毒公。畏铁。
【主治】中风寒热，心下逆气惊喘，口干舌焦，不能息，腹中坚痛，除邪鬼，产乳金疮
（《本经》）。除时气头痛身热，三焦大热，皮肤热，肠胃中结气，解肌发汗，止消渴烦逆，
腹胀暴气，喘息咽热，亦可作浴汤（《别录》）。
治伤寒头痛如裂，壮热皮如火燥。和葱煎茶，去头痛（甄权）。治天行热狂，头风旋，
下
乳，揩齿益齿（大明）。除胃热肺热，散阴邪，缓脾益气（李杲）。止阳明经头痛，发热恶寒，
日晡潮热，大渴引饮，中暑潮热，牙痛（元素）。
【发明】成无己曰∶风，阳邪也；寒，阴邪也。风喜伤阳，寒喜伤阴。营卫阴阳，为风
寒所伤，则非轻剂所能独散，必须轻重之剂同散之，乃得阴阳之邪俱去，营卫之气俱和。是
以大青龙汤，以石膏为使。石膏乃重剂，而又专达肌表也。又云∶热淫所胜，佐以苦甘。知
母、石膏之苦甘以散热。
元素曰∶石膏性寒，味辛而淡，气味俱薄，体重而沉，降也，阴也，乃阳明经大寒之药。
善治本经头痛牙痛，止消渴中暑潮热。然能寒胃，令人不食，非腹有极热者，不宜轻用。又
阳明经中热，发热恶寒燥热，日晡潮热，肌肉壮热，小便浊赤，大渴引饮，自汗，苦头痛之
药，仲景用白虎汤是也。若无以上诸证，勿服之。多有血虚发热象白虎证，及脾胃虚劳，形
体病证，初得之时，与此证同。医者不识而误用之，不可胜救也。
杲曰∶石膏，足阳明药也。故仲景治伤寒阳明证，身热、目痛、鼻干、不得卧。身以前，
胃之经也；胸前，肺之室也；邪在阳明，肺受火制，故用辛寒以清肺气，所以有白虎之名。
又治三焦皮肤大热，入手少阳也。凡病脉数不退者，宜用之；胃弱者，不可用。
宗 曰∶孙兆言∶四月以后天气热时，宜用白虎。但四方气候不齐，岁中运气不一，亦
宜两审。其说甚雅。
时珍曰∶东垣李氏云∶立夏前多服白虎汤者，令人小便不禁，此乃降令太过也。阳明津
液不能上输于肺，肺之清气亦复下降故尔。甄立言《古今录验方》∶治诸蒸病有五蒸汤，亦
是白虎加人参、茯苓、地黄、葛根，因病加减。王焘《外台秘要》∶治骨蒸劳热久嗽，用石
膏（纹如束针者）一斤，粉甘草一两。细研如面，日以水调三、四服。言其无毒有大益，乃
养
命上药，不可忽其贱而疑其寒。《名医录》言∶睦州杨士丞女，病骨蒸内热外寒，众医不瘥，
处州吴医用此方而体遂凉。愚谓此皆少壮肺胃火盛，能食而病者言也。若衰暮及气虚、血虚、
胃弱者，恐非所宜。
广济林训导年五十，病痰嗽发热。或令单服石膏药至一斤许，遂不能食，而咳益频，病
益甚，遂至不起。此盖用药者之瞀瞀也，石膏何与焉。杨士瀛云∶石膏 过，最能收疮晕，
不至烂肌。按∶刘 《钱乙传》云∶宗室子病呕泄，医用温药加喘。乙曰∶病本中热，奈何
以刚剂燥之，将不得前后溲，宜与石膏汤。宗室与医皆不信。后二日果来召。乙曰∶仍石膏
汤证也。
竟如言而愈。又按∶古方所用寒水石，是凝水石；唐宋以来诸方所用寒水石，即今之石
膏也。故寒水石诸方多附于后。近人又以长石、方解石为寒水石，不可不辨之。
【附方】旧四，新二十五。
伤寒发狂，逾垣上屋∶寒水石二钱，黄连一钱。为末。煎甘草冷服，名鹊石散。（《本
事方》）风热心躁，口干狂言，浑身壮热。寒水石半斤，烧半日。净地坑内盆合，四面湿土
拥起，经宿取出。入甘草末、天竺黄各二两，龙脑二分，糯米糕丸弹子大。蜜水磨下。（《集
验方》）
解中诸毒∶方同上。
乳石发渴∶寒水石一块含之，以瘥为度。（《圣济录》）
男女阴毒∶寒水石不拘多少为末，用两馏饭捣丸栗子大，日干。每用一丸，炭火 红烧
研，以滚酒调服，饮葱醋汤投之，得汗愈。（蔡氏《经验必用方》）
小儿丹毒∶寒水石末一两，和水涂之。（《集玄方》）
小儿身热∶石膏一两，青黛一钱。为末，糕糊丸龙眼大。每服一丸，灯心汤化下。（《普
济方》）
骨蒸劳病，外寒内热，附骨而蒸也。其根在五脏六腑之中，必因患后得之。骨肉日消，
饮食无味，或皮燥而无光。蒸盛之时，四肢渐细，足趺肿起。石膏十两，研如乳粉法，水和
服方寸匕，日再，以身凉为度。（《外台秘要》）
热盛喘嗽∶石膏二两，甘草（炙）半两，为末。每服三钱，生姜、蜜调下。（《普济方》）
痰热喘嗽，痰涌如泉∶石膏、寒水石各五钱。为末。每入参汤服三钱。（《保命集》）
食积痰火，泻肺火、胃火。白石膏（火 ，出火毒）半斤。为末，醋糊丸梧子大。每服
四五十丸，白汤下。（丹溪方）。
胃火牙疼∶好软石膏一两火 ，淡酒淬过，为末），入防风、荆芥、细辛、白芷五分。
为末。日用揩牙，甚效。（《保寿堂方》）
老人风热内热，目赤头痛，视不见物。石膏三两，竹叶五十片，沙糖一两，粳米三合，
水三大盏，煎石膏、竹叶，去滓，取二盏煮粥，入糖食。（《养老方》）
风邪眼寒，乃风入头系，败血凝滞，不能上下流通，故风寒客之而眼寒也。石膏（ ）
二
两，川芎二两，甘草（炙）半两。为末。每服一钱，葱白、茶汤调下，日二服。（《宣明方》）
头风涕泪，疼痛不已∶方同上。
鼻衄头痛，心烦∶石膏、牡蛎各一两。为末。每新汲水服二钱，并滴鼻内。（《普济方》）
筋骨疼痛因风热者∶石膏三钱，飞罗面七钱。为末，水和 红，冷定。滚酒化服，被盖
取汗。连服三日，即除根。（笔峰《杂兴》）
雀目夜昏，百治不效∶石膏末，每服一钱，猪肝一片薄批，掺药在上缠定，沙瓶煮熟，
切食之，一日一服。（《明目方》）
湿温多汗，妄言烦渴∶石膏、炙甘草等分为末。每服二钱匕，浆水调下。（庞安时《伤
寒论》）
小便猝数，非淋，令人瘦。石膏半斤捣碎，水一斗，煮五升，每服五合。（《肘后方》）
小儿吐泻黄色者，伤热也。玉露散∶用石膏、水石各五钱，生甘草二钱半，为末。滚汤
调服一钱。（钱乙小儿方）
水泻腹鸣如雷，有火者。石膏火 ，仓米饭和丸梧子大，黄丹为衣。米饮下二十丸。不
二服，效。（李楼《奇方》）
乳汁不下∶石膏三两，水二升，煮三沸。三日饮尽，妙。（《子母秘录》）
妇人乳痈∶一醉膏∶用石膏 红，出火毒，研。每服三钱，温酒下，添酒尽醉。睡觉，
再进一服。（陈日华《经验方》）
油伤火灼，痛不可忍∶石膏末敷之，良。（《梅师方》）
金疮出血∶寒水石、沥青等分。为末。干掺，勿经水。（《积德堂方》）
刀疮伤湿，溃烂不生肌∶寒水石（ ）一两，黄丹二钱。为末。洗敷。甚者，加龙骨一
钱，
孩儿茶一钱。（《积德堂方》）
疮口不敛，生肌肉，止疼痛，去恶水。寒水石（烧赤，研）二两，黄丹半两。为末，掺
之。
名红玉散。（《和剂局方》）
口疮咽痛，上膈有热∶寒水石（ ）三两，朱砂三钱半，脑子半字。为末，掺之。（《三
因方》）
【附录】玉火石 颂曰∶密州九仙山东南隅地中，出一种石，青白而脆，击之内有火，
谓之玉火石。彼医用之。其味甘、微辛，温。疗伤寒发汗，止头目昏眩痛，功与石膏等，土
人以当石膏用之。
龙石膏 《别录》曰∶有名未用，无毒，主消渴益寿。生杜陵，如铁脂中黄。
[Classified as Medium Grade in the *Shennong Bencao Jing*]
【Names】Xili Shi (Fine-Grained Stone) (from *Mingyi Bielu*), Hanshui Shi (Cold Water Stone) (from *Bencao Gangmu*).
Zhang Yuansu said: When finely ground Shigao (Gypsum Fibrosum) is mixed with vinegar and applied to seal a cinnabar furnace, its firmness and sealing ability exceed that of grease. This name likely derives from both its texture and efficacy, similar to the meaning of Shizhi (Lithargyrum).
Li Shizhen said: Its texture is fine and dense, hence the name Xili Shi (Fine-Grained Stone). Its nature is greatly cold like water, hence the name Hanshui Shi (Cold Water Stone); it shares the same name but is a different substance from Ningshui Shi (Condensed Water Stone).
【Collection of Explanations】The *Mingyi Bielu* states: Shigao (Gypsum Fibrosum) grows in the valleys of Qi Mountain, as well as Qilu Mountain and Lumen Mountain. It can be harvested at any time. Those with fine grains and bright white luster are superior; those that are yellow may cause lin syndrome (dysuria).
Tao Hongjing said: The mountains of these two commanderies refer to Qingzhou and Xuzhou. Currently, it is produced in Qiantang County, where it lies underground and often emerges after rain. It is taken out in pieces the size of chessmen, with those that are clear and white being best. Those from Pengcheng are also good. Although there is much near the roads, the large blocks are not as effective as the former. The *Xianjing* (Classic of Immortals) does not require this herb.
Su Gong said: Shigao (Gypsum Fibrosum) and Fangjie Shi (Calcite) are largely similar, distinguished by whether they are unbroken. Currently, market people use Fangjie Shi (Calcite) to replace Shigao (Gypsum Fibrosum), and true Shigao (Gypsum Fibrosum) is rarely seen. Shigao (Gypsum Fibrosum) grows beside rocks. Fangjie Shi (Calcite) does not grow attached to rocks; it stands alone, with large pieces the size of a sheng (unit of volume) and small ones the size of a fist. Some grow in soil, others in streams. Their surfaces take on colors from soil and aquatic moss. When broken, they reveal square shapes, with large pieces up to one chi (square foot). People now use this as Shigao (Gypsum Fibrosum); while treating wind and removing heat is similar, its ability to release the muscle layer and induce sweating is inferior to true Shigao (Gypsum Fibrosum).
Meng Xi said: Shigao (Gypsum Fibrosum) that is transparent and luminous, with textures resembling Yunmu (Mica), is of the highest grade. It is also known as Fangjie Shi (Calcite).
Kou Zongshi said: In usage, do not use Fangjie Shi (Calcite). Although Fangjie Shi (Calcite) is white, it is not transparent and has a drying nature. If it is Shigao (Gypsum Fibrosum), it comes from Yiqing Mountain in Ming Shan County, Chan Zhou. Its color is crystal clear like rock crystal, and its nature is benign.
Su Song said: Shigao (Gypsum Fibrosum) is now found in Fenzhou, Mengzhou, Guozhou, Yaozhou, and Xingyuan Prefecture. It grows on mountain rocks, with an extremely bright white color. Its texture and shape are very similar to Fangjie Shi (Calcite) in terms of hardness and softness. True Shigao (Gypsum Fibrosum) is hard to obtain. When used, only those that break into square edges are identified as Fangjie Shi (Calcite). Sometimes, Shigao (Gypsum Fibrosum) contains pieces that are clear and lovely with longitudinal textures but do not break into squares; some consider this Shigao (Gypsum Fibrosum), but according to the Bencao, it resembles Changshi (Feldspar). Or again, white veins running through green stones resembling meat fat are called Shigao (Gypsum Fibrosum); this is actually the Lishi (Alabaster) mentioned in the Bencao. It is unknown what exactly Shigao (Gypsum Fibrosum) is. For now, we follow the market practice of using Fangjie Shi (Calcite).
Yan Xiaozhong said: In the South, Hanshui Shi (Cold Water Stone) is used as Shigao (Gypsum Fibrosum), and Shigao (Gypsum Fibrosum) is used as Hanshui Shi (Cold Water Stone), which is the opposite of Bianjing and is a major error. Shigao (Gypsum Fibrosum) is clean, white, and hard, with a wall-like fracture. Hanshui Shi (Cold Water Stone) is soft and rotten, easily crushed by hand, slightly blackish-green on the outside, with fine lines inside. Another type is hard and white, completely resembling Shigao (Gypsum Fibrosum), but breaks into squares when struck; this is named Fangjie Shi (Calcite).
Chen Cheng said: Tao Hongjing stated that in the mountains of Qiantang, it appears spontaneously after rain. Now, people in Qiantang quarry it extensively, crush it for dental medicines, and sell it. Zhejiang people call it Hanshui Shi (Cold Water Stone), which is superior for medicinal use compared to other regions.
Zhu Zhenheng said: The debate over Shigao (Gypsum Fibrosum) remains unresolved due to a lack of understanding. The Bencao only mentions it growing in Qi Mountain, Lu Mountain, and Meng Mountain, and that those with fine grains and bright white luster are good. Thus, one knows that those from other places are not Shigao (Gypsum Fibrosum).
Zhang Yuansu said: The naming of herbs in the Bencao often has significance, based on color, shape, odor, texture, taste, efficacy, or time. Shigao (Gypsum Fibrosum) indeed helps seal cinnabar furnaces; if it did not have a "paste-like" quality, how could it be useful? This name combines texture and efficacy. Past scholars mistakenly used Fangjie Shi (Calcite) as Shigao (Gypsum Fibrosum). Shigao (Gypsum Fibrosum) tastes sweet and pungent; it belongs to the Yangming Meridian, which governs the muscles. Its sweetness can soothe the spleen, boost qi, stop thirst, and remove fire. Its pungency can release the muscle layer and induce sweating, rising to the head, and entering the Taiyin and Shaoyang meridians. As for Fangjie Shi (Calcite), it only has weight, hardness, and cold nature. Where is its paste-like quality that allows it to treat these three meridians?
Li Shizhen said: Shigao (Gypsum Fibrosum) has two types: soft and hard. Soft Shigao (Gypsum Fibrosum) grows in large blocks within rocks, layered like flattened rice cakes, with each layer several inches thick. There are red and white varieties; the red is not for internal use, while the white is clean. Its fine, short, and dense lines resemble bundled needles, looking like solidified white wax. It is soft and brittle, turning into white powder when burned. Inside, it is clear with a slight blue tint, and long, thin lines like white silk are named Lishi (Alabaster). Lishi (Alabaster) and Soft Shigao (Gypsum Fibrosum) are one substance with two forms; once crushed, their appearance is identical and indistinguishable. Hard Shigao (Gypsum Fibrosum) grows in blocks with straight lines and sharp edges, hard and white like horse teeth. When struck, it breaks transversely into segments, shining like mica or Bai Shiyin (Quartz). It has a wall-like fracture and scatters easily when burned but remains hard and does not turn to powder. Those resembling Hard Shigao (Gypsum Fibrosum) in block form, breaking into squares upon impact, with bright, wall-like fractures, are named Fangjie Shi (Calcite). When burned, they scatter and do not soften. Fangjie Shi (Calcite) and Hard Shigao (Gypsum Fibrosum) are one category with two forms; once crushed, they are indistinguishable. From Tao Hongjing, Su Gong, Meng Xi, Lei Xiao, Su Song, and Yan Xiaozhong, the hard was considered Shigao (Gypsum Fibrosum) and the soft Hanshui Shi (Cold Water Stone). It was Zhu Zhenheng who decisively identified the soft as Shigao (Gypsum Fibrosum), and subsequent generations found it effective, clarifying a millennium-old confusion. Essentially, what past scholars called Hanshui Shi (Cold Water Stone) is Soft Shigao (Gypsum Fibrosum); what they called Hard Shigao (Gypsum Fibrosum) is Changshi (Feldspar). Shigao (Gypsum Fibrosum), Lishi (Alabaster), Changshi (Feldspar), and Fangjie Shi (Calcite) all have cold properties and can remove severe heat and stagnation. However, only Shigao (Gypsum Fibrosum) can release the muscle layer and induce sweating. Lishi (Alabaster) is a type of Shigao (Gypsum Fibrosum), and Changshi (Feldspar) is a type of Fangjie Shi (Calcite); they can be substituted for each other within their categories. Modern people use Shigao (Gypsum Fibrosum) to coagulate tofu, a knowledge unknown to ancients.
【Processing】Kou Zongshi said: For processing, grind in a stone mortar into powder, sieve it, fly it with raw Gancao (Licorice Root) water, clarify, dry, sieve, and grind for use.
Li Shizhen said: Ancient methods only involved crushing it to bean-size, wrapping it in silk, and boiling it in decoctions. Modern people, aware of its cold nature, calcine it or stir-fry it with sugar to prevent damaging the spleen and stomach.
【Flavor and Toxicity】Pungent, slightly cold, non-toxic.
The *Mingyi Bielu* states: Sweet, greatly cold.
Li Haogu said: Enters the Qi aspect of the Foot-Yangming, Hand-Taiyin, and Shaoyang meridians.
Xu Zhicai said: Ji Zi (Egg White) acts as its guide. It opposes Mangcao (Aconitum seedling?), Badou (Croton Seed), and Muming Dugong. It fears Iron.
【Indications】Wind-stroke with alternating chills and fever, rebellious qi under the heart causing palpitations and panting, dry mouth and scorched tongue, inability to breathe, hard and painful abdomen, expelling evil spirits, postpartum conditions, and traumatic injuries (from *Shennong Bencao Jing*). Expels seasonal epidemic headaches and body heat, excessive heat in the Sanjiao, skin heat, stagnation in the intestines and stomach, releases the muscle layer and induces sweating, stops thirst and irritability, abdominal distension and sudden qi, wheezing and throat heat; can also be used for bathing (from *Mingyi Bielu*).
Treats severe headache from cold damage as if splitting, high fever with hot and dry skin. Decocted with scallions as tea to relieve headaches (Zhen Quan). Treats epidemic heat mania, wind-headache dizziness, promotes lactation, and strengthens teeth (Meng Xi). Clears stomach and lung heat, disperses yin pathogens, soothes the spleen and boosts qi (Li Gao). Stops Yangming meridian headaches, fever with chills, afternoon tidal fever, extreme thirst with drinking, summerheat tidal fever, and toothache (Zhang Yuansu).
【Elucidation】Cheng Wuji said: Wind is a yang pathogen; cold is a yin pathogen. Wind tends to injure yang, and cold tends to injure yin. When Ying and Wei, yin and yang are injured by wind and cold, light agents cannot disperse them alone. Heavy and light agents must be used together to expel both yin and yang pathogens and harmonize Ying and Wei. Therefore, in Da Qinglong Tang (Major Green Dragon Decoction), Shigao (Gypsum Fibrosum) is used as the envoy. Shigao (Gypsum Fibrosum) is a heavy agent that specifically reaches the muscle surface. It is also said: When heat prevails excessively, assist with bitter and sweet. The bitter and sweet of Zhimu (Anemarrhena Rhizome) and Shigao (Gypsum Fibrosum) dissipate heat.
Zhang Yuansu said: Shigao (Gypsum Fibrosum) is cold in nature, pungent and bland in flavor. Its odor and taste are thin, heavy and sinking, descending and yin. It is a greatly cold herb for the Yangming Meridian. It effectively treats headaches and toothaches of this meridian, stops thirst, summerheat, and tidal fever. However, it can chill the stomach and cause loss of appetite. It should not be used lightly unless there is extreme heat in the abdomen. Furthermore, for heat in the Yangming Meridian, manifesting as fever with chills, dry heat, afternoon tidal fever, intense muscle heat, turbid and red urine, extreme thirst with drinking, spontaneous sweating, and severe headache, Zhongjing uses Baihu Tang (White Tiger Decoction). Do not take it without the aforementioned symptoms. Many cases of blood deficiency fever mimic Baihu syndrome, as do spleen and stomach deficiency exhaustion and physical wasting diseases in their early stages. If doctors fail to recognize these and misuse it, the consequences are irrecoverable.
Li Gao said: Shigao (Gypsum Fibrosum) is a herb for the Foot-Yangming Meridian. Thus, Zhongjing uses it for Yangming syndrome in cold damage, characterized by body heat, eye pain, nasal dryness, and insomnia. The front of the body is the pathway of the Stomach meridian; the chest is the residence of the Lung. When pathogen is in Yangming, the Lung is constrained by fire, so pungent-cold herbs are used to clear Lung heat, hence the name Baihu (White Tiger). It also treats excessive heat in the Sanjiao and skin, entering the Hand-Shaoyang Meridian. It is suitable for cases where the pulse remains rapid; it should not be used in patients with weak stomachs.
Zhu Zhenheng said: Sun Zhao said: After April, when the weather is hot, Baihu Tang (White Tiger Decoction) is appropriate. However, climates vary across regions, and annual luck differs, so careful examination is needed. His view is elegant.
Li Shizhen said: Li Dongyuan stated: Taking Baihu Tang (White Tiger Decoction) frequently before Start of Summer causes involuntary urination due to excessive descending action. Yangming fluids cannot ascend to the Lung, and Lung clear qi descends accordingly. Zhen Liyan's *Gujin Luyan Fang*: To treat various steaming disorders, there is Wuzheng Tang (Five Steaming Decoction), which is Baihu Tang (White Tiger Decoction) plus Renshen (Ginseng), Fuling (Poria), Dihuang (Rehmannia Root), and Gegen (Kudzu Root), modified by disease. Wang Tao's *Waitai Mi Yao*: For bone-steaming consumption with chronic cough, use Shigao (Gypsum Fibrosum) (with lines like bundled needles) one jin, and Fen Gancao (Powdered Licorice Root) one liang. Finely grind like flour, mix with water and take three to four times daily. It says it is non-toxic and highly beneficial, a supreme herb for nourishing life. Do not disregard it because it is cheap or suspect it because it is cold. *Mingyi Lu* states: The daughter of Yang Shicheng in Mozhou suffered from bone-steaming with internal heat and external cold. Various doctors failed to cure her. A doctor from Chuzhou used this formula, and her body cooled down. I believe this applies to young and strong individuals with excess fire in the lungs and stomach who eat well. For the elderly, or those with qi deficiency, blood deficiency, or weak stomachs, it is likely unsuitable.
Lin Xundao from Guangji, aged fifty, suffered from phlegm-cough and fever. Someone advised him to take Shigao (Gypsum Fibrosum) alone, up to one jin. He subsequently lost his appetite, coughed more frequently, his condition worsened, and he died. This was the confusion of the prescriber, not the fault of Shigao (Gypsum Fibrosum). Yang Shaying said: Calcined Shigao (Gypsum Fibrosum) is excellent for resolving swelling and preventing tissue rot. Note: Liu Wansu's *Biography of Qian Yi* states: A royal clan child suffered from vomiting and diarrhea. Doctors used warm herbs, worsening the wheezing. Qian Yi said: The root of the disease is internal heat. Why use rigid/drying agents? This will lead to urinary retention. Give Shigao Tang (Gypsum Decoction). The royal family and doctors did not believe him. Two days later, they summoned him. Qian Yi said: It is still a Shigao Tang (Gypsum Decoction) pattern.
He followed the advice and recovered. Also note: The Hanshui Shi (Cold Water Stone) used in ancient formulas was Ningshui Shi (Condensed Water Stone); the Hanshui Shi (Cold Water Stone) used in formulas since Tang and Song dynasties is modern Shigao (Gypsum Fibrosum). Therefore, formulas for Hanshui Shi (Cold Water Stone) are mostly appended afterwards. Modern people also use Changshi (Feldspar) and Fangjie Shi (Calcite) as Hanshui Shi (Cold Water Stone), which must be distinguished.
【Attached Formulas】Four old, twenty-five new.
Cold damage with mania, climbing walls and roofs: Hanshui Shi (Cold Water Stone) 2 qian, Huanglian (Coptis Rhizome) 1 qian. Grind into powder. Decoct Gancao (Licorice Root) and take cold. Named Que Shi San (Magpie Stone Powder). (*Benshi Fang*) Heatiness from wind, irritability, dry mouth, delirium, whole-body high fever. Hanshui Shi (Cold Water Stone) half jin, calcined for half a day. Place in a clean pit, cover with a basin, surround with wet soil, leave overnight, then retrieve. Add Gancao (Licorice Root) powder and Tianzhu Huang (Bambusa Textile Calamus Residue) each 2 liang, Longnao (Borneol) 2 fen. Mix with glutinous rice cake paste to make pills the size of bullet seeds. Take with honey water. (*Jiyan Fang*)
Resolve various poisons: Formula same as above.
Thirst caused by Ru Shi (Mineral Drug): Hold a piece of Hanshui Shi (Cold Water Stone) in the mouth until healed. (*Shengji Lu*)
Yin toxicity in men and women: Hanshui Shi (Cold Water Stone) as needed, grind into powder. Mix with double-steamed rice to make pills the size of chestnuts. Dry in the sun. Take one pill, calcine over charcoal fire, grind, mix with boiling wine, and drink Congcu Tang (Scallion and Vinegar Decoction) to induce sweating for cure. (*Caishi Jingyan Biyong Fang*)
Childhood erysipelas: Hanshui Shi (Cold Water Stone) powder 1 liang, mix with water and apply. (*Jixuan Fang*)
Childhood body heat: Shigao (Gypsum Fibrosum) 1 liang, Qingdai (Indigo Naturalis) 1 qian. Grind into powder, mix with cake paste to make pills the size of longan seeds. Take one pill, dissolve in Dengxin Tang (Juncus Decoction). (*Puji Fang*)
Bone-steaming consumption disease, external cold and internal heat, steaming along the bones. The root lies within the five zang and six fu organs, usually acquired after illness. Flesh and bones waste away daily, food loses flavor, or skin becomes dry and dull. During peak steaming, limbs gradually thin, and dorsum of feet swell. Shigao (Gypsum Fibrosum) 10 liang, grind like milk powder, mix with water and take one fangcun bi (measure), twice daily, until body cools. (*Waitai Mi Yao*)
Excessive heat with wheezing and cough: Shigao (Gypsum Fibrosum) 2 liang, Gancao (Licorice Root) (roasted) half liang. Grind into powder. Take 3 qian, mix with fresh ginger and honey. (*Puji Fang*)
Phlegm-heat wheezing and cough, phlegm gushing like a spring: Shigao (Gypsum Fibrosum) and Hanshui Shi (Cold Water Stone) each 5 qian. Grind into powder. Take 3 qian with Ginseng decoction. (*Baoming Ji*)
Food stagnation with phlegm-fire, draining Lung and Stomach fire. Baishigao (White Gypsum) (calcined to remove fire toxicity) half jin. Grind into powder, mix with vinegar paste to make pills the size of walnut seeds. Take 40-50 pills with plain water. (Danxi Formula).
Stomach fire toothache: Good Soft Shigao (Gypsum Fibrosum) 1 liang, calcined, quenched in light wine, grind into powder. Add Fangfeng (Saposhnikovia Root), Jingjie (Schizonepeta Spike), Xixin (Asarum Root), and Baizhi (Angelica Dahurica Root) each 5 fen. Grind into powder. Rub teeth daily with great effect. (*Baoshou Tang Fang*)
Elderly with wind-heat and internal heat, red eyes, headache, blurred vision. Shigao (Gypsum Fibrosum) 3 liang, Zhuye (Bamboo Leaf) 50 leaves, Shatang (Rock Sugar) 1 liang, Jingsmi (Glutinous Rice) 3 he. Use 3 large bowls of water. Decoct Shigao (Gypsum Fibrosum) and Zhuye (Bamboo Leaf), strain, take 2 bowls to cook porridge, add sugar and eat. (*Yanglao Fang*)
Wind-pathogen eye cold, caused by wind entering head meridians, stagnant bad blood unable to circulate up and down, thus wind-cold invades causing eye cold. Shigao (Gypsum Fibrosum) (calcined) 2 liang, Chuanxiong (Ligusticum Rhizome) 2 liang, Gancao (Licorice Root) (roasted) half liang. Grind into powder. Take 1 qian, mix with Scallion White and Tea Water, twice daily. (*Xuanming Fang*)
Head-wind with runny nose and tears, unceasing pain: Formula same as above.
Epistaxis with headache and irritability: Shigao (Gypsum Fibrosum) and Muli (Oyster Shell) each 1 liang. Grind into powder. Take 2 qian with fresh well water, and drip into nostrils. (*Puji Fang*)
Bone and tendon pain due to wind-heat: Shigao (Gypsum Fibrosum) 3 qian, Feiluo Mian (Fine Wheat Flour) 7 qian. Grind into powder, mix with water, calcine red, cool. Dissolve in boiling wine, cover with blanket to induce sweating. Take continuously for three days to eradicate root. (*Bifeng Zaxing*)
Night blindness, ineffective after hundred treatments: Shigao (Gypsum Fibrosum) powder, take 1 qian per dose. Slice pork liver thinly, sprinkle medicine on top, wrap securely, boil in clay pot, slice and eat. Once daily. (*Mingmu Fang*)
Damp-warmth with profuse sweating, delirium and irritability: Shigao (Gypsum Fibrosum) and roasted Gancao (Licorice Root) in equal parts, grind into powder. Take 2 qianbi, mix with Jiangshui (Fermented Rice Water). (Pang Anshi *Shanghan Lun*)
Sudden frequent urination, not lin syndrome, causing emaciation. Shigao (Gypsum Fibrosum) half jin, crushed. One dou of water, boil to five sheng. Take five he per dose. (*Zhouhou Fang*)
Yellow vomiting and diarrhea in children indicates heat injury. Yulu San (Jade Dew Powder): Use Shigao (Gypsum Fibrosum) and Shuishi (Water Stone) each 5 qian, raw Gancao (Licorice Root) 2.5 qian. Grind into powder. Mix with boiling water and take 1 qian. (Qian Yi Pediatric Formula)
Watery diarrhea with borborygmus like thunder, indicating fire. Shigao (Gypsum Fibrosum) calcined, mix with warehouse rice flour to make pills the size of walnut seeds, coat with Huangdan (Lead Monoxide). Take 20 pills with rice drink. Effective in no more than two doses. (Li Lou *Qifang*)
Insufficient lactation: Shigao (Gypsum Fibrosum) 3 liang, water two sheng, boil three times. Drink all within three days. Excellent. (*Zimu Milu*)
Female breast abscess: Yizui Gao (One-Drunk Ointment): Calcine Shigao (Gypsum Fibrosum) red, remove fire toxicity, grind. Take 3 qian with warm wine, add wine until drunk. Upon waking, take another dose. (Chen Rihua *Jingyan Fang*)
Oil burn or fire scald, unbearable pain: Apply Shigao (Gypsum Fibrosum) powder. Good. (*Meishi Fang*)
Traumatic bleeding: Hanshui Shi (Cold Water Stone) and Qingli (Bitumen) in equal parts. Grind into powder. Apply dry, avoid contact with water. (*Jide Tang Fang*)
Knife wound with dampness, ulceration failing to heal: Hanshui Shi (Cold Water Stone) (calcined) 1 liang, Huangdan (Lead Monoxide) 2 qian. Grind into powder. Wash and apply. For severe cases, add Longgu (Fossil Bone) 1 qian and Haiercha (Camellia Seed Cake) 1 qian. (*Jide Tang Fang*)
Non-healing wounds, promoting flesh growth, stopping pain, removing foul discharge. Hanshui Shi (Cold Water Stone) (burned red, ground) 2 liang, Huangdan (Lead Monoxide) half liang. Grind into powder, apply.
Named Hongyu San (Red Jade Powder). (*Heji Ju Fang*)
Mouth ulcers and sore throat, heat in upper jiao: Hanshui Shi (Cold Water Stone) (calcined) 3 liang, Zhusha (Cinnabar) 3.5 qian, Naozi (Borneol) half zi. Grind into powder, apply. (*Sanyin Fang*)
【Appendix】Yuhuo Shi (Jade Fire Stone) Su Song said: In the southeast corner of Jiuxian Mountain, Mizhou, a stone emerges from the ground. It is blue-white and brittle. When struck, fire comes out. It is called Yuhuo Shi (Jade Fire Stone). Local doctors use it. Its taste is sweet and slightly pungent, warm. It treats cold damage by inducing sweating, stops dizziness and headache from head and eyes. Its efficacy is equal to Shigao (Gypsum Fibrosum). Locals use it as Shigao (Gypsum Fibrosum).
Long Shigao (Dragon Gypsum) The *Mingyi Bielu* states: Named but unused, non-toxic. Mainly treats thirst and prolongs life. Grows in Duling, looks like iron grease with a yellow center.