Ci Shi (磁石) — Magnetite (mineral)
Ci Shi — magnetite — is a heavy Chinese mineral that anchors floating Shen, calms rising Liver Yang and improves hearing and vision by anchoring Kidney Yin. It is the specific mineral for tinnitus with Kidney deficiency.
On this page
- Overview
- Properties
- Actions and indications
- Dosage
- Cautions and incompatibilities
- Key formulas
- Treatment at my clinic
1. Overview
Ci Shi (磁石) — Magnetite (mineral) (Magnetite (iron oxide, Fe3O4)) — is a Chinese herb in the Calm Shen (anchor) category. I prescribe it as part of bespoke pharmaceutical-grade granule formulas from Sun Ten in Taiwan at my clinic in Wokingham, Berkshire and via online herbal consultations.
2. Properties
| Pinyin name | Ci Shi |
|---|---|
| Chinese characters | 磁石 |
| Latin name | Magnetite (iron oxide, Fe3O4) |
| English name | Magnetite (mineral) |
| Nature | Cold |
| Flavour | Salty |
| Channels entered | Heart, Liver, Kidney |
| Category | Calm Shen (anchor) |
3. Actions and indications
Principal actions
- Anchors floating Yang and calms Shen
- Improves hearing and vision
- Assists Kidney in grasping Qi
Indications
- Tinnitus and hearing loss from Kidney deficiency
- Palpitations and insomnia with Liver Yang
- Blurred vision from Kidney and Liver deficiency
- Wheezing from Kidney failing to grasp Qi
4. Dosage
9–30g (crushed and decocted first)
5. Cautions and incompatibilities
- Reduce dose in Spleen deficiency
- Not for prolonged high-dose use
6. Key formulas
7. Treatment at my clinic
I prescribe Ci Shi where its indications and TCM pattern match the patient’s presentation, always as part of a tailored formula. Return to the Chinese herbs directory or the Chinese herbal medicine main page.
