Actinolite
- Chinese
- 阳起石
- Pinyin
- Yang Qi Shi
- Latin
- Actinolitum
Known in TCM as Yang Qi Shi (阳起石), this salty, warm herb enters the Kidney. Traditionally, it warms the Kidney and tonifies Yang, most often applied for kidney yang deficiency, impotence, and infertility. Modern research has identified Calcium magnesium iron silicate among its active constituents.
Part used: Actinolite
TCM Properties
- Taste
- salty
- Temperature
- warm
- Channels
- Kidney
Traditional Use
Primary Actions
- Warms the Kidney and tonifies Yang … used for impotence, spermatorrhea, and premature ejaculation from Kidney Yang deficiency
- Warms the Uterus and tonifies Yang … used for female infertility and cold-type abdominal masses from uterine coldness
Secondary Actions
- Tonifies Kidney Yang to address lower back and knee soreness aggravated by cold and deficiency
- Warms the Lower Jiao to relieve lower abdominal coldness and diminished libido from Yang deficiency
Modern Research
Active Compounds
- Calcium magnesium iron silicate … primary mineral composition Ca2(Mg,Fe)5Si8O22(OH)2
- Trace elements … iron, manganese, and other mineral cofactors present in the silicate matrix
Studied Effects
- No peer-reviewed pharmacological studies on Actinolitum as a TCM preparation identified in PubMed; clinical application remains based on traditional evidence only
Safety & Interactions
Contraindications
- Yin deficiency with heat signs … warm tonifying action is contraindicated in heat-excess patterns
- Long-term use … not intended for prolonged administration; risk of mineral accumulation
- Fibrous (asbestiform) actinolite … one of six recognized asbestos types; inhalation of fine fibers causes asbestosis and lung cancer; only pharmaceutical-grade calcined non-asbestiform preparations are permissible
Cautions
- Must be prepared as extremely finely powdered calcined mineral by a qualified practitioner to minimize fiber inhalation risk
- Source exclusively from verified suppliers of pharmaceutical-grade Actinolitum prepared from non-asbestiform material
- MSK page not found … drug interaction data not available from Memorial Sloan Kettering integrative medicine database
Conditions
- Kidney Yang Deficiency Traditional ★★★★☆ JSON
- Impotence Traditional ★★★☆☆ JSON
- Infertility Traditional ★★★☆☆ JSON
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Actinolite used for?
Actinolite is traditionally used to Warms the Kidney and tonifies Yang … used for impotence, spermatorrhea, and premature ejaculation from Kidney Yang deficiency, Warms the Uterus and tonifies Yang … used for female infertility and cold-type abdominal masses from uterine coldness. Research has investigated its effects on: No peer-reviewed pharmacological studies on Actinolitum as a TCM preparation identified in PubMed; clinical application remains based on traditional evidence only.
Is Actinolite safe during pregnancy?
The safety of Actinolite during pregnancy has not been established. Consult a qualified healthcare provider before use.
What are the contraindications for Actinolite?
Actinolite should not be used in: Yin deficiency with heat signs … warm tonifying action is contraindicated in heat-excess patterns; Long-term use … not intended for prolonged administration; risk of mineral accumulation; Fibrous (asbestiform) actinolite … one of six recognized asbestos types; inhalation of fine fibers causes asbestosis and lung cancer; only pharmaceutical-grade calcined non-asbestiform preparations are permissible. Consult a qualified practitioner before use.