Méng Shí (礞石) — Chlorite schist
On this page
- Overview
- Properties
- Actions and indications
- Key formulas
- Modern research
- Incompatibilities
- Cautions and contraindications
- Treatment at my clinic
1. Overview
Méng Shí (礞石) — Lapis Chloriti — is known in English as Chlorite schist. It belongs to the category of mineral herbs that dissolve stubborn Phlegm 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 Méng Shí 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 | Méng Shí |
|---|---|
| Chinese characters | 礞石 |
| Latin name | Lapis Chloriti |
| English name | Chlorite schist |
| Nature | Neutral |
| Flavour | Sweet, salty |
| Channels entered | Lung, Liver |
| Category | Cough, wheeze and phlegm |
3. Actions and indications
Principal actions
- Dissolves and drives out stubborn, congealed Phlegm
- Directs Qi downward and calms wheezing
- Settles fright and calms convulsion
Indications
- Chronic cough and wheezing with thick, difficult phlegm
- Phlegm obstructing the Heart orifices with confusion or mania
- Convulsions and epilepsy of a Phlegm pattern
4. Key formulas containing Méng Shí
Méng Shí 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
Chlorite schist is a mineral usually prepared with saltpetre before use. Research is minimal; it is a strong, draining substance reserved for stubborn Phlegm patterns in classical practice.
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 Méng Shí in the Shi Ba Fan or Shi Jiu Wei.
7. Cautions and contraindications
It is heavy and draining and is used only briefly, in robust patients. Contraindicated in pregnancy, in weak or elderly patients and in Qi deficiency. Epilepsy and psychiatric illness require conventional medical management.
Pattern contraindications
Not appropriate for deficiency-type Phlegm or for dry, Yin-deficient cough.
Modern drug interactions
No specific drug interactions are well established for Méng Shí 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 Méng Shí only rarely, within tailored formulas for stubborn Phlegm patterns, and always alongside conventional medical care.
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.
