Yang Qi Shi (Tremolite / Actinolite (Ca₂(Mg,Fe)₅Si₈O₂₂(OH)₂))

☯ TCM Properties

Category: tonifying

Temperature: warm

Taste: salty

Meridians: kidney

Functions:

Tonifies Kidney Yang; Warms the Ming Men Fire; Warms the Uterus and Promotes Fertility; Warms the Lower Burner and Dispels Cold

Botanical Description

Yang Qi Shi is the traditional Chinese pharmacopoeial name for the fibrous amphibole minerals tremolite and the iron-bearing variety actinolite, both calcium-magnesium silicates of the general formula Ca2(Mg,Fe)5Si8O22(OH)2. The medicinal material occurs as bundles of long parallel fibers or columnar to acicular crystals, pearly to silky in luster, that can be easily separated along the length of the aggregate. Color varies with iron content from nearly white in pure tremolite through pale grey-green to deep emerald or grass-green in actinolite. The hardness is 5 to 6 on the Mohs scale, the fracture splintery, and the fibers are flexible but brittle. The mineral is heat-resistant and chemically stable. Fibrous tremolite-actinolite can include asbestiform varieties, and modern handling requires caution against fiber inhalation.

Dosage

Form	Amount	Frequency	Duration	Population	Notes
decoction	9-30g	Daily	—	—	—

Cultural & Historical Context

Traditional Chinese Uses

Yang Qi Shi (tremolite, actinolite mineral) is a warm mineral substance used in Chinese medicine since classical times to warm and strengthen Kidney Yang. It is used for Kidney Yang deficiency patterns including male sexual dysfunction, infertility from a cold uterus, cold lower back and knees, and impotence. The name "stone that raises Yang" directly describes its primary application. Calcination is required before use, and long-term consumption is not recommended given its mineral nature.

Traditional American Uses

None Documented

Yang Qi Shi