Zi Shi Ying
CaF₂ (Calcium Fluoride)
☯ TCM Properties
Anchors and Calms the Spirit; Settles tremors and palpitations; Warms the Lungs and descends Qi; Warms the Uterus and Dispels Cold; Warms and unblocks the Chong and Ren channels
Botanical Description
Zi Shi Ying is the medicinal form of fluorite (fluorspar), the halide mineral calcium fluoride (CaF2), used in its purple to violet variety — colored by lattice defects and trace rare-earth elements — which gives the substance its Chinese name “purple stone-essence.” Fluorite crystallizes in the isometric system as cubes or octahedra of glassy luster and perfect octahedral cleavage, with a Mohs hardness of 4. Medicinal-grade material is selected from deposits in Zhejiang, Hunan, and other Chinese provinces; the crystals are broken up, calcined, quenched in vinegar, and ground to a fine powder. In traditional Chinese medicine the prepared mineral is sweet and warm, anchoring the spirit and calming the heart for palpitations, insomnia, and fright, warming the kidney and lung to relieve cold-pattern wheezing and cough, and warming the womb to treat infertility from uterine cold.
Dosage
| Form | Amount | Frequency | Duration | Population | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| decoction | 9-30g | Daily | — | — | — |
Cultural & Historical Context
Traditional Chinese Uses
Zi Shi Ying (fluorite) is a warm mineral substance used in Chinese medicine to calm the Spirit and settle palpitations and anxiety — with the key distinction that it is warm rather than cold, making it appropriate for restlessness and heart-Shen disturbance arising from deficiency cold rather than excess heat. It also warms the Uterus to address infertility from cold in the lower burner and eases cold-type coughs and wheezing. Its warming calming action is unmatched among mineral Spirit-settling substances.
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.