Analysis of Medicinal Properties of Shigao in Zhuye Shigao Decoction(竹叶石膏汤)
WANG Xianbin
ZHANG Qian
SHAO Xia
MA Ting
Abstract：The debate over whether the medicinal property of Shigao(Gypsum Fibrosum)is slightly cold or extremely cold has persisted for a long time.Impacted by the heat-clearing effect of Baihu Decoction(白虎汤)and the record of Shigao being extremely cold in Treatise on the Medicinal Substances by Famous Physicians,later generations generally believe that Shigao used in Treatise on Febrile and Miscellaneous Diseases is an extremely cold substance.Nevertheless,Shennong's Herbal Classic of Materia Medica recorded that the medicinal property of Shigao was slightly cold.Through the analysis of the 8 prescriptions in Treatise on Febrile and Miscellaneous Diseases for treating fever and containing Shigao,it is discovered that Shigao is mostly not used for clearing heat;although it is used for clearing heat in the prescriptions of the Baihu Decoction type,it mainly assists Zhimu(Rhizoma Anemarrhenae).Based on the premise that the medicinal property of Shigao is slightly cold,the function of Shigao in Zhuye Shigao Decoction(竹叶石膏汤)is re-analyzed,it is found that Shigao in Zhuye Shigao Decoction mainly serves to suppress adverse rising and stop vomiting.Fever is not an essential syndrome of Zhuye Shigao Decoction,and it can expand the clinical application of Zhuye Shigao Decoction in post-recovery,cough,and vomiting,etc.
Keywords：Treatise on Febrile and Miscellaneous DiseasesShigaoZhuye Shigao Decoctionformulas analysisslightly coldstop vomiting
Publication Date：2026-01-05
Online Publishing Date：2026-05-22(First online date of this platform, not the publication date of the document)
Pages：5( 32-35,63 )