MineralsDampness-drainingTalcum

Hua Shi (Talcum)

滑石 · Hua Shi

Dampness-draining herb in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Traditional functions: Promotes urination, frees strangury, clears heat, resolves summerheat, dispels dampness, closes sores.

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Quick Facts

Latin NameTalcum
Chinese Name & Pinyin滑石 · Hua Shi
Medicinal PartMinerals
Efficacy CategoryDampness-draining
Botanical OriginThe mineral talcum, primarily composed of [Mg3 (Si4O10) (OH)2].
Nature & FlavourSweet, Bland; Cold
Channels EnteredBladder, Lung, Stomach

What Is Hua Shi?

Hua Shi (Talcum) is a medicinal herb of Traditional Chinese Medicine.

Primarily produced in the Chinese provinces of Shandong, Jiangsu, Shaanxi.

Nature & Flavour: Sweet, Bland; Cold
Channels Entered: Bladder, Lung, Stomach

Hua Shi: Materia Medica Profile

Identification & Quality Standard

Talcum

Botanical Origin

The mineral talcum, primarily composed of [Mg3 (Si4O10) (OH)2].

Production Regions

Primarily produced in the Chinese provinces of Shandong, Jiangsu, Shaanxi.

Quality Requirements

Superior medicinal material is smooth and white.

Macroscopic Features

Generally a lump-shaped aggregate, presenting as irregular lumps. White, yellowish-white or pale bluish-gray, with a waxy luster. Soft and smooth texture, smooth and slippery when held in the hand, does not absorb moisture, does not break apart in water. faint odor; bland taste.

Traditional TCM Properties

Sweet, Bland; ColdBladderLungStomach

Traditional Functions

Promotes urination, frees strangury, clears heat, resolves summerheat, dispels dampness, closes sores. Apply to heat strangury, stony strangury, hot and astringent pain during urination, polydipsia due to summer-dampness, diarrhea due to damp heat, externally used to eczema, heat rash.

How Hua Shi Is Used in TCM

In the Chinese materia medica, Hua Shi is classified among the Dampness-draining herbs. It appears in 8 classical formulas in our library.

Formulas containing Hua Shi are traditionally used for:

FeverDry Mouth & ThroatFrequent UrinationFatigue & Low EnergyDamp-Heat ConstitutionPoor AppetiteEdemaYin Deficiency ConstitutionAbdominal PainConstipationChest TightnessHeadache

Classical Formulas Containing Hua Shi

+4 more

Herbs Commonly Combined with Hua Shi

Gan CaoYin ChenHuang QinShi Chang PuChuan Bei MuMu TongHuo XiangShe GanLian QiaoBo HeBai Dou KouZhu Ling

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Hua Shi? Is it the same as talc powder, Han Shui Shi or baby powder?
Official Hua Shi (滑石) is the silicate mineral talc, mainly hydrous magnesium silicate. The pharmacopoeial name is Talcum. Hua Shi Fen (Talci Pulvis) is the purified powder, same properties, more often wrapped for decoction and used topically. Han Shui Shi is a different sulfate or carbonate mineral that clears heat and drains fire. Cosmetic body powder is not pharmaceutical grade and may hold fragrance or impurities—never swallow it. Write Hua Shi or Hua Shi Fen and use only medicinal grade.
What are the TCM properties and traditional uses of Hua Shi?
According to the Chinese Pharmacopoeia, Hua Shi is sweet, bland and cold, enters the Bladder, Lung and Stomach channels, and acts to promote urination and unblock strangury, clear heat and resolve summerheat, and dispel damp and astringe sores. It is used for heat strangury, stone strangury, hot painful urination, summer-damp vexing thirst and damp-heat watery diarrhea; externally for eczema, damp sores and prickly heat. Sweet-bland and percolating, cold to clear heat—suited to damp-heat pouring down and summer-damp, not to Spleen-deficient cold-damp or essence-fluid damage.
Why wrap Hua Shi for decoction? How do internal and external uses differ?
The pharmacopoeia specifies 10–20 g internally, decocted wrapped. The powder does not dissolve; loose in the pot it scorches, clouds the liquid and scrapes the throat, so it is tied in gauze. Internally it clears and disinhibits the Bladder and resolves summer-damp. Externally the powder is dusted or pasted to astringe damp sores, eczema and prickly heat. Do not get it in the mouth or eyes. Industrial or cosmetic talc is not a decoction drug.
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Learn More About Hua Shi

Explore our in-depth article covering the traditional uses, properties, functions, and TCM context of Hua Shi.

Read the Hua Shi Guide →

Medical Disclaimer — This article is provided for educational purposes only and describes traditional Chinese medicine concepts. It is not medical advice, and it is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Always consult a qualified practitioner before using any herb, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication or managing a diagnosed condition.

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