What are the effects and functions of gypsum?

The efficacy and function of gypsum are mainly reflected in clearing away heat and purging fire, as well as relieving restlessness, quenching thirst, astringing and promoting tissue regeneration. It has a good conditioning and therapeutic effect on some febrile diseases, and is also used to treat headaches and swollen and painful teeth.

1. Used for the symptoms of excess heat in the qi of febrile diseases. It is often used together with Anemarrhena asphodeloides, such as Baihu Decoction. For febrile diseases with both Qi and blood burning, high fever and rashes, it is often used in combination with rhinoceros horn, Scrophularia ningpoensis and other blood-cooling and detoxifying drugs to clear away heat and eliminate rashes, such as Huaban Decoction.

2. Used for lung heat, cough, dysphoria and thirst. It is often used with apricot kernel and ephedra to clear away lung heat, relieve cough and asthma, such as Ma Xing Shi Gan Decoction.

3. Used for hyperactivity of stomach fire, headache, toothache, and swollen and painful gums. It is often used in combination with Anemarrhena asphodeloides, Achyranthes bidentata, etc. to clear heat and relieve pain, such as Yunu Decoction.

4. Used for eczema, sores that do not heal, and burns caused by water or fire. It is often used in combination with Phellodendron chinense, Indigo naturalis, etc. for external use to clear away heat, heal sores, and promote tissue regeneration.

5. The main component of raw gypsum is hydrated calcium sulfate. In addition, there are small amounts of silicate, aluminum hydroxide, sulfide and trace amounts of iron and magnesium. The main component of calcined gypsum is dehydrated calcium sulfate.

6. When taken orally, part of it is converted into soluble calcium salt by gastric acid. After being absorbed into the blood by the intestine, it can increase the concentration of calcium ions in the serum, inhibit the body temperature regulation center, reduce the excitability of skeletal muscles, and reduce vascular permeability. Therefore, it has antipyretic, antispasmodic, and anti-inflammatory effects. External use of calcined gypsum can reduce mucous membrane secretions.