Chì Shí Zhī (赤石脂) — Halloysite / red clay
On this page
- Overview
- Properties
- Actions and indications
- Key formulas
- Modern research
- Incompatibilities
- Cautions and contraindications
- Treatment at my clinic
1. Overview
Chì Shí Zhī (赤石脂) — Halloysitum rubrum — is known in English as Halloysite / red clay. It belongs to the category of mineral herbs that astringe and bind in the Chinese Materia Medica and is used in Chinese herbal medicine both as a component of classical herbal formulas and within tailored prescriptions in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM).
I prescribe Chì Shí Zhī as part of bespoke herbal formulas from pharmaceutical-grade granules sourced from Sun Ten in Taiwan — independently tested to the highest international quality and safety standards. Herbs are never prescribed individually outside a properly balanced formula; they are always combined with other herbs selected to match the patient’s individual TCM pattern. Online consultations are available for patients who cannot attend my clinic in person.
2. Properties
| Pinyin name | Chì Shí Zhī |
|---|---|
| Chinese characters | 赤石脂 |
| Latin name | Halloysitum rubrum |
| English name | Halloysite / red clay |
| Nature | Warm |
| Flavour | Sweet, sour, astringent |
| Channels entered | Large Intestine, Stomach |
| Category | Stabilise and bind |
3. Actions and indications
Principal actions
- Astringes the Intestines and stops chronic diarrhoea
- Stops bleeding
- Promotes healing of sores when applied topically
Indications
- Chronic diarrhoea and dysentery with no remaining pathogen
- Bleeding from the lower burner and prolonged uterine bleeding
- Chronic non-healing ulcers and sores, used topically
4. Key formulas containing Chì Shí Zhī
Chì Shí Zhī is an ingredient in a number of classical formulas. The following are among the most important:
See the full Chinese herbal medicine formula directory for detailed information on all 332 classical formulas.
5. Modern research
Halloysite is a hydrated aluminium silicate clay. Its action is physical and adsorbent rather than pharmacological, consistent with its classical use in chronic diarrhoea.
6. Incompatibilities
The classical Ming-dynasty texts Shi Ba Fan (Eighteen Antagonisms) and Shi Jiu Wei (Nineteen Mutual Inhibitions) record herb pairs that should not be combined. Modern practitioners treat these as strong cautions rather than absolute contraindications.
No classical incompatibilities are recorded for Chì Shí Zhī in the Shi Ba Fan or Shi Jiu Wei.
7. Cautions and contraindications
As a strongly binding mineral it is not used in acute infection or where Damp-Heat remains, and is avoided in pregnancy. Prolonged use is inadvisable, and it is separated from other medication by at least two hours because clays can reduce absorption.
Pattern contraindications
Avoid in early-stage or acute diarrhoea, where binding too early traps the pathogen.
Modern drug interactions
No specific drug interactions are well established for Chì Shí Zhī at normal prescribed doses. As with all Chinese herbs, tell your herbalist about every prescribed medication so the formula can be reviewed for interactions and adjusted where necessary.
Important: Chinese herbs should always be prescribed by a fully qualified herbalist who is a member of the Register of Chinese Herbal Medicine (RCHM). Never self-prescribe or self-administer Chinese herbs without professional guidance. Dr (TCM) Attilio D’Alberto is a member of the RCHM and the British Acupuncture Council with over 25 years of clinical experience.
8. Treatment at my clinic
I prescribe Chì Shí Zhī within tailored formulas for chronic, deficiency-type diarrhoea, and only for defined short courses.
Online Chinese herbal medicine consultations are available for patients throughout the UK and internationally, with herbs dispensed by post. Visit the prices page for consultation fees.
Return to the Chinese herb directory or the Chinese herbal medicine main page.
Prefer to be treated from home? Chinese herbal medicine online consultations are available throughout the UK and worldwide. After a full video consultation, Dr (TCM) Attilio D'Alberto formulates a bespoke herbal prescription and posts your Chinese herbs directly to your door.
