Shí Gāo (石膏) — Gypsum

On this page

1. Overview
2. Properties
3. Actions and indications
4. Key formulas
5. Modern research
6. Cautions
7. Treatment at my clinic

1. Overview

Shí Gāo (石膏) — gypsum (hydrous calcium sulfate, CaSO₄·2H₂O) — is the principal mineral herb in Chinese medicine for clearing intense Heat from the Qi level. It belongs to the category of Herbs that clear Heat and drain Fire. It is the chief herb in Bai Hu Tang (White Tiger Decoction), one of the most famous formulas in classical Chinese medicine.

2. Properties

3. Actions and indications

Principal actions

1. Clears Heat and drains Fire from the Qi level
2. Clears Lung Heat
3. Clears Stomach Fire
4. (Calcined) Restrains and absorbs Damp; promotes healing (topical use)

Indications

1. High fever with intense thirst, profuse sweating, large flooding pulse (Bai Hu Tang pattern)
2. Lung Heat with cough, wheezing, yellow phlegm
3. Stomach Fire with headache, toothache, swollen gums, bad breath
4. Topical use (calcined): non-healing sores, weeping eczema, burns

4. Key formulas containing Shí Gāo

• Bai Hu Tang — the foundational Qi-level Heat formula
• Ma Xing Shi Gan Tang — Lung Heat with wheezing
• Yu Nu Jian — Stomach Fire with Kidney Yin deficiency
• Qing Wei San — Stomach Heat with toothache

5. Modern research

Modern research confirms anti-pyretic effects and demonstrates that the calcium and trace elements released during decoction modulate fever pathways. Recent studies on Bai Hu Tang and Shi Gao-containing formulas have shown anti-inflammatory and anti-viral activity in the context of acute infectious illness.

6. Cautions

Contraindicated in cold patterns, Spleen Yang deficiency, and deficiency-type Heat (Yin-deficient Heat). The herb is very cold and may injure Stomach Yang if misused. Always consult a qualified Chinese herbalist registered with the RCHM.

7. Treatment at my clinic

I see patients at my clinic in Wokingham, Berkshire. Online consultations are available. Return to the Chinese herb directory.