Ophicalcite
- Chinese
- 花蕊石
- Pinyin
- Hua Rui Shi
- Latin
- Ophicalcitum
Known in TCM as Hua Rui Shi (花蕊石), this sour and astringent, neutral herb enters the Liver. Traditionally, it stops bleeding and dispels Blood stasis by gathering and transforming stagnant Blood; used for hematemesis and hemoptysis due to Blood stasis and for postpartum bleeding, most often applied for hemoptysis, blood stasis, and traumatic injury. Modern research has identified Calcium among its active constituents.
Part used: Ophite marble
Also Known As
Latin: Ophicalcitum | Pinyin: Hua Rui Shi | Chinese: 花蕊石
TCM Properties
- Taste
- sour, astringent
- Temperature
- neutral
- Channels
- Liver
Traditional Use
Primary Actions
- Stops bleeding and dispels Blood stasis by gathering and transforming stagnant Blood; used for hematemesis and hemoptysis due to Blood stasis and for postpartum bleeding
- Unlike purely astringent hemostatics, it removes stasis while stopping bleeding rather than merely sealing vessels
Secondary Actions
- Traditionally combined with San Qi (Notoginseng) and carbonized hair in formula for traumatic bleeding
Classical References
- Documented in later Chinese materia medica as a calcined mineral hemostatic distinguished from warming Blood-movers by its neutral, non-warming nature
Modern Research
Active Compounds
- Calcium carbonate and magnesium silicate (serpentine-marble mineral matrix)
Studied Effects
- Traditional hemostatic and stasis-resolving use lacks dedicated modern clinical pharmacology; mineral composition studied mainly for identification and quality control
Safety & Interactions
Contraindications
- Pregnancy
- Weak constitution without active bleeding or stasis
Cautions
- Must be calcined and smashed before decocting
- Source from quality-controlled suppliers given general heavy-metal contamination risk in mineral Chinese medicinals
Conditions
- Hemoptysis Traditional ★★★☆☆ JSON
- Blood Stasis Traditional ★★☆☆☆ JSON
- Traumatic Injury Traditional ★★☆☆☆ JSON
- Abnormal Uterine Bleeding Traditional ★☆☆☆☆ JSON
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ophicalcite used for?
Ophicalcite is traditionally used to Stops bleeding and dispels Blood stasis by gathering and transforming stagnant Blood; used for hematemesis and hemoptysis due to Blood stasis and for postpartum bleeding, Unlike purely astringent hemostatics, it removes stasis while stopping bleeding rather than merely sealing vessels. Research has investigated its effects on: Traditional hemostatic and stasis-resolving use lacks dedicated modern clinical pharmacology; mineral composition studied mainly for identification and quality control.
What are other names for Ophicalcite?
Ophicalcite is also known as Serpentine Marble. In TCM: 花蕊石 (Hua Rui Shi); Ophicalcitum.
Is Ophicalcite safe during pregnancy?
Ophicalcite is not recommended during pregnancy.
What are the contraindications for Ophicalcite?
Ophicalcite should not be used in: Pregnancy; Weak constitution without active bleeding or stasis. Consult a qualified practitioner before use.