Dài Zhě Shí (代赭石), known in English as Haematite (Haematitum), is a cold, bitter Chinese herb from the Anchor Yang / extinguish Wind category. It enters the Liver, Heart and Pericardium channels. Its main action: anchors Liver Yang, calms rebellious qi.
| Pinyin | Dài Zhě Shí (Dai Zhe Shi) |
|---|---|
| Chinese | 代赭石 |
| English | Haematite |
| Botanical name | Haematitum |
| Category | Anchor Yang / extinguish Wind |
| Nature | Cold |
| Flavour | Bitter |
| Channels | Liver, Heart, Pericardium |
| Dosage | 9–30g (decoct first) |
| Cautions | Pregnancy; Spleen/Stomach Cold deficiency; do not use long term |
Actions
- Anchors Liver Yang, calms rebellious qi
- Descends rebellious Stomach qi, stops vomiting and hiccup
- Cools Blood, stops bleeding
Indications
- Liver Yang rising with dizziness
- Rebellious Stomach/Lung qi with vomiting, hiccup, wheezing
- Heat-induced bleeding
How to remember Dài Zhě Shí
Anchor Yang / extinguish Wind herbs are mostly cool or cold, and most enter the Liver channel.
- You can work these out
- Cold: like most Anchor Yang / extinguish Wind herbs
- Liver channel: from its action “Anchors Liver Yang”
- Learn by heart
- Bitter: Anchor Yang / extinguish Wind herbs vary in flavour
- Heart and Pericardium channels: nothing in its group or its actions points to them
Formulas containing Dài Zhě Shí
Other Anchor Yang / extinguish Wind herbs
Test yourself
What is the nature and flavour of Dài Zhě Shí?
Dài Zhě Shí is cold and bitter.
Which channels does Dài Zhě Shí enter?
Dài Zhě Shí enters the Liver, Heart and Pericardium channels.
What are the actions of Dài Zhě Shí?
Anchors Liver Yang, calms rebellious qi; Descends rebellious Stomach qi, stops vomiting and hiccup; Cools Blood, stops bleeding.
What is Dài Zhě Shí used for?
Liver Yang rising with dizziness; rebellious Stomach/Lung qi with vomiting, hiccup, wheezing; Heat-induced bleeding.
Which formulas contain Dài Zhě Shí?
Zhèn Gān Xī Fēng Tāng and Xuán Fù Dài Zhě Tāng.
Practise Dài Zhě Shí and the other 290 herbs
Recognise each herb from its picture, recall its nature, flavour, channels and actions, and review it again just before you would forget it.
Try the 5-question herb quizShen Study is a study tool. Doses and cautions are as taught in standard Chinese materia medica texts; they are not prescribing advice.