Oxides of iron are part of two oft-used decoction ingredients Magnetite (磁石) and Hematite (代赭石). - - - First, a short introduction to iron: Iron is the most magnetic of three naturally magnetic elements; the other two are cobalt and nickel. The principle ores of iron are: Hematite aka Fe2O3: it contains 70% iron Magnetite aka Fe3O4: it contains 72% [...]

According to the herbal pharmacology textbook by 中国中医药出版社, Bamboo Shavings (竹茹) in Chinese Medicine refer to the middle layer of the bamboo stalk. It is sweet and slightly cold. It is used in Jin Kui Yao Lue’s Tangerine Peel and Bamboo Shavings Decoction (橘皮竹茹汤) to clear heat and stem emesis. The pattern in this case is heat [...]

Some time back, over a dinner conversation, someone brought up the topic of Hongqu (红曲), also known as Red Yeast Rice Extract. Hongqu has now been popularized as a natural statin, useful for the prevention or treatment of high blood cholesterol (高血胆固醇). Almost immediately, the topic moved on to the danger of using Chinese medicinal herbs, [...]