haematitum

Haematitum (代赭石, Dai Zhe Shi) is a mineral-based traditional Chinese medicine primarily composed of ferric oxide (Fe2O3). It is officially listed in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia and is traditionally used to "subdue liver yang," "direct qi downward," and "stop bleeding." Clinically, it is employed to treat conditions such as belching, vomiting, hiccups, asthma, and various types of hemorrhage. While effective, it is considered slightly toxic and is often processed by calcination (calcined Haematitum) to reduce toxicity and improve friability for decoction. Recent studies have explored its potential for multi-organ toxicity (particularly pulmonary) at high doses and its role in complex TCM formulas like Xuanfu Daizhe Decoction for gastrointestinal disorders.

Other names

代赭石Dai Zhe ShiHematiteRed OchreFerric oxideHematitum