Gypsum

Haegun (解肌), the Heavy Blade that Releases Heat

The Yangming Disease section of the 《Shanghan Lun》 contains several prescriptions for patients with profuse sweating, severe thirst, and a flooding (Hong-dae) pulse. Among them, Baekho-tang consists of only four ingredients: Gypsum (Seok-go), Anemarrhena (Ji-mo), Licorice (Gam-cho), and Non-glutinous Rice (Gyeong-mi). Here, Gypsum serves as the sovereign herb for clearing heat and draining fire (Cheong-yeol-sa-hwa), acting like a heavy blade that blocks hot energy from spreading throughout the body and keeps it in place. The 《Boncho Sabyeon-rok》 explains this action by stating, "The nature of Gypsum is the heaviest, and its property focuses on releasing overflowing heat pathogens." This is precisely what 'Haegun' (解肌) means, not simply inducing perspiration, but the action of releasing heat from the Qi level (Gi-bun) that spreads through the muscles.

It is easy to think of 'Gypsum' simply as a cold mineral lump or a basic antipyretic. However, the 《Boncho Sinpyeon》 refers to Gypsum as a "life-saving medicine," recording that "when stomach fire (Wi-hwa) reaches its peak, it cannot be lowered without Gypsum." In other words, Gypsum is not for lowering mild heat or warmth, but is a medicinal ingredient used to treat states where excess heat in the Qi level (Gi-bun sil-yeol) of the stomach and lungs has reached its peak. The 《Boncho Gangmok》 also records it as "acrid, sweet, and greatly cold, non-toxic," and notes that it acts on the Foot Yangming Stomach meridian and the Hand Taiyin Lung meridian. While it suppresses heat thanks to its cold and heavy nature, it can damage the stomach if it does not match the patient's constitution and symptoms.

Therefore, when using Gypsum, the questions of "how much, for whom, and how" are very important. This is why the 《Boncho Sabyeon-rok》 warns that Baekho-tang "should not be given to those without sweat." If cold Gypsum is used when there is no perspiration, the heat cannot escape outward and may instead clump internally, worsening the problem. On this page, we will guide you through the properties of Gypsum, its representative prescriptions, and the conditions that must be checked before use.

Summary at a Glance

As its name suggests, Gypsum is a mineral medicine with the properties of a cold stone. The table below summarizes the key information at a glance.

Category	Content
Origin	Hanja name: 石膏 / A mineral medicine derived from Calcium Sulfate Dihydrate (CaSO₄·2H₂O).
Properties and Meridian Tropism	Acrid, sweet, and greatly cold. Primarily acts on the Lung meridian and Stomach meridian.
Representative Aliases	Gypsum (Seok-go), Fine Gypsum (Se-seok), White Tiger (Baek-ho), frequently mentioned as the sovereign herb of Baekho-tang.
Efficacy Recorded in Literature	Clearing heat and draining fire (Cheong-yeol-sa-hwa), removing irritability and stopping thirst (Je-beon-ji-gal), releasing muscle heat and inducing perspiration (Hae-geun-bal-han), relaxing the spleen and augmenting Qi (Wan-bi-ik-gi). The 《Boncho Gangmok》 notes its use for seasonal headache, fever, great heat in the Triple Energizer (Sam-cho), skin heat, Qi blockage in the stomach and intestines, thirst (diabetes/polyuria), and irritability.
Main Ingredients	Calcium sulfate dihydrate (CaSO₄·2H₂O) 95.0% or higher (Korean Pharmacopoeia for external herbal medicines (raw herb) standards compendium).
Combinations, Contraindications, and Precautions	Caution is required when used with tonic medicines that supplement Yang or Yin, especially those with warm properties, as their natures are opposite. Use with caution for constitutions or symptoms where cold properties are burdensome, such as stomach coldness (Wi-han), spleen and stomach deficiency (Bi-wi-heo-yak), or Yin deficiency with fire fluctuation (Eum-heo-hwa-dong). Baekho-tang is traditionally contraindicated for those without sweat (Mu-han).

Is this medicinal herb right for me?

Gypsum is a medicinal ingredient that lowers heat with its cold and heavy nature. Because its suitability varies depending on the constitution and the state of the symptoms, it is best to first review the following three criteria.

• Generally suitable casesSuitable: It may be suitable for those showing signs of excess heat in the Qi level (Gi-bun sil-yeol), such as profuse sweating, a flushed face, severe thirst, and dry mouth. If you exhibit spontaneous sweating (Ja-han), irritability and thirst (Beon-gal), and a flooding pulse (Maek-hong-dae), which are typical indications for Baekho-tang in the 《Shanghan Lun》, a prescription containing Gypsum may be considered.

• Cases requiring cautionCaution: Caution is required if there is heat but no sweating, or if the body tends to be cold and diarrhea is frequent, as the cold nature (Han-seong) of Gypsum may exacerbate the symptoms. Additionally, those with a weak stomach or lack of appetite should be cautious regarding the dosage and duration of Gypsum, even in prescriptions where it is used with center-tonifying (Bo-jung) ingredients like Licorice and Non-glutinous Rice.

• Cases to avoidContraindicated: As the 《Boncho Sabyeon-rok》 specifies that Baekho-tang "should not be given to those without sweat," it is a principle to avoid Gypsum for those with exterior syndromes (Pyo-jeung) where no sweat occurs at all, or those with deficient Yang Qi (Yang-gi). Furthermore, since Gypsum is a mineral medicine, those who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have kidney function issues must decide after consulting a Korean medicine doctor. Please confirm whether to take it through a medical evaluation.

Practical Q&A

Since Gypsum is a mineral medicine that lowers heat with its cold and heavy nature, you may be curious about when and how it is used, and who should be cautious. We have summarized answers to frequently asked questions during consultations. However, as individual constitutions and disease states differ, please use the following as a reference and must consult a Korean medicine doctor regarding specific use.

What symptoms is Gypsum used for?

Gypsum is traditionally used to manage excess heat in the Qi level (Gi-bun sil-yeol)In simple terms, it is a medicinal ingredient used when heat has spread to the outer and middle parts of the body, such as the skin, muscles, stomach, and lungs. The 《Boncho Gangmok》 records that it "treats seasonal headaches and body heat, great heat in the Triple Energizer (Sam-cho), skin heat, Qi blockage in the stomach and intestines, releases muscle heat to induce perspiration, and stops thirst and irritable reversal (Beon-yeok)." It is traditionally utilized in cases like Baekho-tang, where there is profuse sweating, severe thirst, and a flooding pulse.

Why is Gypsum the sovereign herb (Gun-yak) in Baekho-tang?

Baekho-tang is a prescription found in the 《Shanghan Lun》, consisting of Gypsum, Anemarrhena (Ji-mo), Licorice (Gam-cho), and Non-glutinous Rice (Gyeong-mi). In this prescription, Gypsum takes the core role of clearing heat and draining fire (Cheong-yeol-sa-hwa)The 《Boncho Sinpyeon》 goes as far as to state that "when stomach fire (Wi-hwa) reaches its peak, it cannot be lowered without Gypsum." Anemarrhena clears heat from the stomach and lungs and replenishes Yin fluids (Eum-yeok), while Licorice and Non-glutinous Rice play supporting roles in protecting the stomach Qi (Wi-gi). The position held by Gypsum can be described as the central axis of this prescription.

What should I be careful about when using Gypsum (Seokgo)?

In the "Boncho Sabyeonrok," there is a warning regarding Baekho-tang: "Do not administer to those without perspiration." A lack of sweating may indicate that heat is not dispersed in the Qi level and the surface layer is blocked, which may make the cooling properties of Gypsum unsuitable. 大寒Furthermore, as its properties are cold, it may be inappropriate for individuals with a cold body, weak digestion, frequent diarrhea, or deficient Yang energy. This requires verification. Please inquire during your consultation.

Can Gypsum be used on the skin?

Gypsum has traditionally been used topically. The "Boncho Gangmok" includes records of it reducing skin heat and stopping discharge from sores. Modern research has also reported studies on skin water channels (AQP3) related to calcium sulfate (CaSO₄), the main component of Gypsum. However, these are animal-level studies, and clinical application requires verification. Please inquire during your consultation.

Are there other medicinal herbs with names similar to Gypsum?

Gypsum (Seokgo) is a mineral medicine and must be distinguished from other Korean herbal medicines with similar names. Care must be taken not to confuse it with herbs that have different Chinese characters or similar pronunciations. This section refers only to Gypsum as defined by its specific Chinese character name 石膏only. Not every ingredient containing the name 'Gypsum' in a prescription is the same herb, so it is advisable to check both the herb name and the prescription composition.

Are there any foods or lifestyle habits to avoid when taking Gypsum?

No specific dietary contraindications for Gypsum itself have been identified in public data. However, since prescriptions containing Gypsum generally work to reduce heat, patients currently undergoing treatment should adjust their lifestyle habits according to the guidance of their Korean medicine doctor. Generally, caution is advised as alcohol, spicy foods, and excessive stress can exacerbate heat symptoms. Please inquire during your consultation regarding specific duration of use, dosage, and interactions.

Relationship with Other Medicinal Herbs (Yakdae/Pairing)

Gypsum is not used alone. Because its cold and heavy properties are strong, it is paired with other herbs within a prescription to maintain balance, a practice traditionally called "Yakdae." In particular, while its power to reduce heat is strong, it can damage the stomach Qi (Wei Qi), so it is often used with herbs that protect, harmonize, and complement it. Here are representative combinations identified through research.

• Gypsum + Anemarrhena + Licorice + Non-glutinous Rice — Baekho-tang: This is a prescription recorded in the "Shanghan Lun." An example consists of 18.75 g of Gypsum, 7.5 g of Anemarrhena, 2.625 g of Licorice, and 7.5 g of non-glutinous rice; it is traditionally used for cases of Yangming disease with Qi-level heat characterized by profuse sweating, irritability with thirst, and a flooding and large pulse. Gypsum acts as the chief herb to clear heat and purge fire, Anemarrhena clears heat from the stomach and lungs while nourishing yin fluids, and Licorice and non-glutinous rice protect the stomach Qi. However, the "Boncho Sabyeonrok" specifies that Baekho-tang is used for spontaneous sweating, irritability with thirst, and a flooding and large pulse, and is contraindicated for those without perspiration.
• Gypsum + Ginseng + Ophiopogon + Pinellia + Licorice + Non-glutinous Rice + Bamboo Leaf — Jukyeop-seokgo-tang (Bamboo Leaf Gypsum Decoction): A prescription from the "Shanghan Lun." It is traditionally used for residual heat, deficiency-irritability, rebellious Qi, and thirst remaining after a febrile disease. It is structured so that Gypsum clears residual heat while Ginseng and Ophiopogon protect the Qi and Yin while reducing heat.
• Gypsum + Ephedra — Dae-cheong-ryong-tang, Wolbi-tang (Yuebi Decoction): A prescription found in the "Shanghan Lun" and "Jin Gui Yao Lue." It is traditionally utilized for exterior cold with interior heat or edema caused by wind-water, where Gypsum regulates the dispersing action of Ephedra.

As Gypsum is a mineral medicine with strong cooling properties, individuals with stomach cold, weak spleen and stomach, or those who are pregnant or breastfeeding must be especially cautious about taking it. Whether to take it should be decided only after consulting with a Korean medicine doctor.

In what form is it consumed?

Since Gypsum is a mineral medicine, it is generally used in powder or decoction (boiled herbal tea) form according to Korean medicine prescriptions, rather than being consumed as general food or tea. Here are the guidelines by form.

• Tea: Not common. Gypsum is a mineral herb and is used in a refined form according to a prescription rather than as a tea brewed for daily consumption.
• Food: Not common. Adding Gypsum directly to food for consumption is uncommon, even within the context of Korean medicine prescriptions.
• Decoction: The most common form. In representative prescriptions such as Baekho-tang and Jukyeop-seokgo-tang, Gypsum is boiled in water with other herbs. According to the Baekho-tang A standard on the Traditional Knowledge Portal, it consists of 18.75 g of Gypsum, 7.5 g of Anemarrhena, 2.625 g of Licorice, and 7.5 g of non-glutinous rice for decoction.
• Professional Prescription: This is common. Gypsum is typically used in combination with other medicinal herbs within traditional prescriptions such as Baekho-tang, Jugyeop-seokgo-tang, Daecheongryong-tang, and Siho-seokgo-tang, rather than being taken alone. Since specific prescriptions and dosages vary depending on an individual's constitution and symptoms, it is necessary to determine them through a consultation with a Korean medicine doctor.

Interactions and Safety During Use

Gypsum is a mineral medicine with strong cold and heavy properties. Do not take it arbitrarily simply because you have a fever; the dosage and accompanying herbs must be determined within a professional prescription. The following sections explain precautions to consider before intake.

• Contraindications based on constitution and symptoms: It is not suitable for those who have a cold body, frequent diarrhea, or a weak stomach. Additionally, in cases where there is fever but no sweating at all, it is traditionally known that gypsum should not be used alone.
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: There is a lack of confirmed official evidence regarding the safety of intake for those who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Please be sure to mention this during your consultation.
• Interactions with Western medicines and health functional foods: Publicly available data on specific interactions are limited. If you are currently taking prescription medications or health functional foods, it is important to inform your provider before the prescription.
• Long-term use and high dosage: Gypsum is a medicinal herb used to treat temporary heat symptoms; long-term use or high dosages require the judgment of a medical professional.

Any uncertain parts require verification. When considering a prescription containing gypsum, please make a decision only after consulting with a Korean medicine doctor.

If you experience these symptoms

If you experience these symptoms

Gypsum is a mineral medicine that lowers heat due to its cold and heavy properties. When used according to a proper prescription, it can effectively manage heat, but if it does not match your constitution or symptoms, or if it is taken in excessive amounts or for a long period, it may damage the stomach energy (Wi-gi). The following signals are known warnings that gypsum may not be suitable for you or may be acting excessively. If these symptoms appear, please inform your attending Korean medicine doctor who can adjust the prescription, rather than reducing the dose or stopping intake on your own.

• Abdominal discomfort or diarrhea: Because gypsum has strong cold properties, it may damage the stomach energy in those with weak gastrointestinal function or a cold body. If abdominal pain, coldness, or diarrhea occurs, stop intake and seek a consultation.
• Stopping of sweat or feeling colder: Gypsum prescriptions such as Baekho-tang are based on a state of high fever and heavy sweating. If gypsum is used in a state of absence of sweat (mu-han) or cold symptoms (han-jeung), the heat may not resolve and symptoms may instead worsen.
• Nausea, vomiting, or loss of appetite: It may cool the stomach, which can slow down digestive function. If this persists, professional consultation is required.
• General fatigue or lethargy: Lowering heat excessively can affect the normal flow of energy. Those who generally have weak vitality need to be especially cautious.

If symptoms are severe or accompanied by sudden changes in general condition such as difficulty breathing, decreased consciousness, or severe dehydration, please visit an emergency medical institution.

Differences from other restorative medicines

Gypsum is a medicinal herb that is closer in nature to a 'purging medicine' (sa-yak) rather than a 'tonic'. Rather than supplementing the body, it serves to lower excessively soaring heat, so its use differs from traditional tonics like Gongjin-dan or Gyeongok-go. While Gongjin-dan or Gyeongok-go focus on supplementing deficiency symptoms (heo-jeung) and nourishing Qi and Blood, gypsum is used to clear heat and manage irritability and thirst in a state of excess heat in the Qi level (gi-bun sil-yeol). Gypsum is central in cases of heavy sweating, red face, and severe thirst, as seen in Baekho-tang from the 'Shanghan Lun', but such prescriptions can be burdensome for those with a cold body or a weak stomach.

Therefore, whether gypsum is necessary or if another prescription closer to a tonic is more appropriate must be judged by looking at the individual's constitution and current symptomatic state. For those who seem to have heat but fatigue easily and have weak digestion, a direction of supplementing energy may be better than a prescription containing gypsum. It is best to confirm which approach is correct through a medical consultation.

References

1. Evidence material related to gypsum 1: Supporting data from data.go.kr.
2. Evidence material related to gypsum 2: Korea Institute of Korean Medicine official data.
3. Evidence material related to gypsum 3: Crude drug data from the National Institute of Food and Drug Safety Evaluation.
4. Evidence material related to gypsum 4: PubMed academic paper.
5. Gypsum evidence material 5: PubMed academic paper.
6. Gypsum evidence material 6: docs.waglewagle.net Evidence.
7. Gypsum evidence material 7: health.kr supporting data.
8. Gypsum evidence material 8: kmcric.com evidence materials.

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