Talcum

Diuretic, antibacterial, antiemetic, antidiarrheal.

Dispels dampness, clears heat, soothes irritation. It is used to treat difficult, scanty, or painful urination and to relieve damp heat and symptoms of summer heat, including diarrhea, and fever. Used when there is poisoning, both internally and externally, diluting and absorbing toxins and slowing the rate of poisoning.

Also useful for skin rashes and as a wash or douche for the mucous membranes. It can be taken internally to help stop diarrhea and vomiting.

9-12 grams in decoction; it should be placed in a cheesecloth to separate it from the rest of the herbs.

Combinations: For the pain of urinary stones, combine 12 grams of talcum with 9 grams each of polyporus, poria, plantain seed, and alisma and 4 grams of cinnamon twigs.

For summer heat patterns with dampness, thirst that is not satisfied with drinking, vomiting, and diarrhea, combine 12 grams of talcum and 6 grams of licorice.

Talcum should not be used when there are no signs of damp heat, and it should be avoided during pregnancy.