Hua Rui Shi
Serpentine marble (蛇纹大理岩)
☯ TCM Properties
Dispels Stasis and Stops Bleeding; Stops Bleeding; Invigorates Blood and Reduces Swelling
Botanical Description
Hua Rui Shi is the traditional Chinese pharmacopoeial name for an ornamental serpentine-bearing marble, a metamorphic rock consisting principally of calcite or dolomite intergrown with veins and patches of green serpentine-group minerals (chiefly antigorite and chrysotile). The stone is typically pale greyish-white to creamy yellow with bright green to deep emerald flecks, streaks, or dendritic patterns that resemble flower-stamens, from which the Chinese name (literally flower-stamen stone) derives. It is relatively soft, with the carbonate matrix at Mohs hardness 3 to 4 and the serpentine inclusions slightly harder. The rock takes a fine polish and breaks with an uneven fracture. For medicinal use the stone is calcined and ground to a fine powder of yellowish-white color, light texture, and faintly earthy taste.
Dosage
| Form | Amount | Frequency | Duration | Population | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| decoction | 6-15g | Daily | — | — | — |
Cultural & Historical Context
Traditional Chinese Uses
Hua Rui Shi (ophicalcite, ophite stone) is a neutral, sour-astringent mineral substance used in Chinese medicine to stop traumatic bleeding and dissolve Blood stasis simultaneously. It is used for hemorrhage from traumatic injuries where both stopping blood loss and preventing clot retention are important goals. Its dual hemostatic-dispersing action makes it appropriate for injuries with both active bleeding and internal bruising. Calcination enhances its astringent and hemostatic properties.
Traditional American Uses
None Documented
Important Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using any herbal remedy, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medications.