Stalactite
Aliases：Tōng Shí (literally "Penetrating Stone") and Kǒng Gōng Shí (literally "Kong Gong Stone"). (These are alternative names for Kǒng Gōng Niè, i.e., the stalactitic aggregate of calcite / Stalactite.)
Kǒng Gōng Niè is a traditional Chinese medicinal material. It is the stalactitic aggregate of the mineral calcite (Stalactite), belonging to the carbonate class and calcite group, specifically referring to the middle thinner part or hollow portion. Because there are hollow passages penetrating through the stone, it is also known as "Tōng Shí" (Penetrating Stone). It was first recorded in Shennong Bencao Jing (The Divine Farmer's Materia Medica).
Efficacy & Actions
Warms Yang and disperses cold, resolves stasis and dissipates masses, and detoxifies.
Indications
Cold pain in the lower back and knees, abdominal masses, indigestion, malignant sores, hemorrhoids and fistulas, and insufficient lactation.
Modern Pharmacology
Its main component is calcium carbonate (CaCO₃). It is warm in nature, and traditionally it is considered to have the effects of warming and unblocking to disperse cold, and resolving stasis and dissipating masses.
Ingredients
This product is mainly composed of calcium carbonate (CaCO₃). Its crystal structure belongs to the trigonal system, with a relative density of 2.6–2.8.
Usage & Dosage
For oral administration: decoct in water, 9–15 g, crushed and decocted first; ground into powder, 1.5–3 g; or made into pills or powders. For topical application: appropriate amount, ground into powder and mixed with a suitable base for application.
Contraindications
Contraindicated in patients with Yin deficiency and fire hyperactivity. Contraindicated in patients with exuberant Lung heat. Contraindicated during pregnancy. Should not be used together with Asarum (Xixin), as recorded in Bencao Jing Jizhu (Miscellaneous Records of the Materia Medica Classic): "incompatible with Xixin". Avoid consuming sheep's blood, as recorded in Yaoxing Lun (Treatise on Medicinal Properties).
Selected Formulas
For wind-dampness with weak feet (Zhouhou Fang) Take 2 jin of Konggongnie (stalactite, also known as钟乳石), 5 liang of Shihu (Dendrobium nobile), and 2 dou of wine. Soak and take.
Medicinal Parts
It is the stalactitic aggregate of the mineral calcite (carbonate class, calcite group), specifically the middle thinner part or hollow portion.
Selection & Storage
Store in a dry place, protected from dust and moisture.
