Tabasheer

Naming

Tian Zhu Huang (Concretio Silicea Bambusae)——Shu Ben Cao (Materian Medica of Shu)

The Processing of Tabasheer

Origin

The cube after the liquid secretion inside of haulm dried of plant Bambusa textiles McClure or Schizostachyum chinense Rendle of family Gramineae.

Location

Yunnan, Guangdong and Guangxi provinces in China.

Harvest

Collected in autumn and winter.

The actual smell and taste

Light smell and taste.

Best quality

Big patch, gray and white, light weight, thin texture, high hygroscopicity.

Processing

Unprocessed.

The Effect of Tabasheer

Property

Sweet, cold; heart and liver meridians entered.

Actions

Clear and resolve heat-phlegm, clear heart and calm fright.

Indications

A. Infantile convulsions, apoplexy, epilepsy, unconsciousness due to phlegm-heat

This herb can clear and resolve heat-phlegm. Its action of clearing heart and calming fright is similar to but weaker than that of Zhu Li. For infantile convulsions, apoplexy, epilepsy, unconsciousness of heat syndrome, it is usually combined with heart-clearing and phlegm-resolving herbs and wind-extinguishing resuscitative herbs. For instance it is combined with Zhu Sha, She Xiang and Dan Nan Xing in Bao Long Wan from Xiao Er Zheng Zhi Jue for treating infantile convulsions due to phlegm-heat. For apoplexy due to phlegm accumulation and epilepsy due to phlegm-heat and so on, it is usually combined with Huang Lian, Shi Chang Pu and Yu Jin to clear heat, dispel phlegm, resuscitate and refresh the mind. For coma and delirium of heat disease, it is combined with heart-clearing, toxicity-relieving as well as resuscitative and mind-refreshing herbs such as Niu Huang, Lian Qiao and Zhi Zi.

B. Cough and dyspnea due to phlegm-heat

This herb can clear heat and resolve phlegm. For cough and dyspnea due to phlegm-heat, it is combined with heat-clearing, phlegm-resolving herbs as well as cough and dyspnea-relieving herbs such as Gua Lou, Zhe bei Mu and Ma Dou Ling.

Dosage and Administrations

Decoct 3~6 g. Grind into powder and take 0.6~l g once.