Limonite (Yu Liang Shi Alias)
- Chinese
- 禹粮石
- Pinyin
- Yu Liang Shi
- Latin
- Limonitum
Known in TCM as Yu Liang Shi (禹粮石), this sweet and astringent, neutral herb enters the Stomach and Large Intestine. Traditionally, it astringes the intestines and stops chronic diarrhea - Yu Liang Shi is used for long-standing slippery leakage, especially chronic diarrhea or dysentery from deficiency rather than acute damp-heat attack, most often applied for diarrhea, dysentery, and abnormal uterine bleeding. Modern research has identified Hydrated among its active constituents.
Part used: Limonite
Also Known As
Latin: Limonitum | Pinyin: Yu Liang Shi | Chinese: 禹粮石
TCM Properties
- Taste
- sweet, astringent
- Temperature
- neutral
- Channels
- Stomach, Large Intestine
Traditional Use
Primary Actions
- Astringes the intestines and stops chronic diarrhea - Yu Liang Shi is used for long-standing slippery leakage, especially chronic diarrhea or dysentery from deficiency rather than acute damp-heat attack.
- Astringes to stop bleeding - traditional indications include uterine bleeding, blood in the stool, and other lower-body bleeding patterns where containment has failed.
- Stops leucorrhea - it is also applied to chronic vaginal discharge when deficiency and failure to secure the lower burner are central to the pattern.
Secondary Actions
- This page preserves `Yu Liang Shi` as an imported alias track, but the medicinal identity is the same limonite lineage represented more canonically under herb #539, `Yu Yu Liang`.
- It is classically paired with Chi Shi Zhi, and both herbs belong to the narrow astringent-mineral group used for chronic leakage rather than acute pathogen-expelling work.
Classic Formulas
- Chi Shi Zhi Yu Yu Liang Tang - the Shang Han Lun formula using limonite with halloysitum rubrum for unremitting diarrhea after improper treatment.
- Yu Liang Shi with Chi Shi Zhi - the classic pairing logic for chronic diarrhea, dysenteric leakage, and intestinal slipping from deficiency.
- Yu Liang Shi with other astringent hemostatics - later-style use for persistent uterine bleeding or leucorrhea when simple warming herbs are insufficient.
Classical References
- Traditional sources describe Yu Liang Shi / Yu Yu Liang as sweet, astringent, and neutral, entering the Stomach and Large Intestine to secure intestinal leakage and stop bleeding.
- The classic scope is chronic, deficiency-type leakage. It is not a general anti-diarrheal for acute infectious illness or unresolved damp-heat toxin.
- ALIAS NOTE: the imported pinyin `Yu Liang Shi` is treated here as a naming variant of canonical `Yu Yu Liang`, not as a separate pharmacologic mineral.
Modern Research
Active Compounds
- Hydrated iron oxides and hydroxides - the core limonite mineral matrix
- Goethite- and lepidocrocite-rich fractions - common iron-bearing components within limonite material
- Trace silicates and related mineral impurities - one reason authenticated medicinal sourcing matters
Studied Effects
- Modern Yu Liang Shi-specific biomedical literature remains sparse, so the evidence base is still far thinner than the classical use history.
- A 1998 identification study compared special egg-type and general limonitum samples and found similar main chemical components but meaningful differences in elemental content and infrared spectra, reinforcing the need for source verification in mineral drug use (PMID 11601308).
- A 2021 mouse study found oral limonite supplementation improved glucose metabolism and remodeled the gut microbiome in diabetic and obese models, but this does not directly validate the classical anti-diarrheal or hemostatic TCM indications of Yu Liang Shi (PMID 34276223).
PubMed References
Safety & Interactions
Contraindications
- Acute diarrhea or dysentery with unresolved pathogen, damp-heat, or food retention
- Constipation or dry, difficult stool
- Pregnancy without qualified practitioner supervision
Cautions
- Yu Liang Shi is a heavy mineral astringent and should not be used casually for unexplained gastrointestinal bleeding or chronic diarrhea without medical evaluation.
- Limonite is a variable iron-bearing mineral material rather than a simple purified compound, so authenticated medicinal sourcing matters.
- Modern research is sparse and does not justify expanding this herb beyond its narrow traditional leakage-stopping role.
- MSK page not found - drug interaction data not available from Memorial Sloan Kettering integrative medicine database
Conditions
- Diarrhea Traditional ★★★★☆ JSON
- Dysentery Traditional ★★★☆☆ JSON
- Abnormal Uterine Bleeding Traditional ★★★☆☆ JSON
- Leucorrhea Traditional ★★☆☆☆ JSON
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Limonite (Yu Liang Shi Alias) used for?
Limonite (Yu Liang Shi Alias) is traditionally used to Astringes the intestines and stops chronic diarrhea - Yu Liang Shi is used for long-standing slippery leakage, especially chronic diarrhea or dysentery from deficiency rather than acute damp-heat attack., Astringes to stop bleeding - traditional indications include uterine bleeding, blood in the stool, and other lower-body bleeding patterns where containment has failed., Stops leucorrhea - it is also applied to chronic vaginal discharge when deficiency and failure to secure the lower burner are central to the pattern.. Research has investigated its effects on: Modern Yu Liang Shi-specific biomedical literature remains sparse, so the evidence base is still far thinner than the classical use history.; A 1998 identification study compared special egg-type and general limonitum samples and found similar main chemical components but meaningful differences in elemental content and infrared spectra, reinforcing the need for source verification in mineral drug use (PMID 11601308)..
What are other names for Limonite (Yu Liang Shi Alias)?
Limonite (Yu Liang Shi Alias) is also known as Yu Yu Liang, Tai Yi Yu Liang, Limonite. In TCM: 禹粮石 (Yu Liang Shi); Limonitum.
Is Limonite (Yu Liang Shi Alias) safe during pregnancy?
The safety of Limonite (Yu Liang Shi Alias) during pregnancy has not been established. Consult a qualified healthcare provider before use.
What are the contraindications for Limonite (Yu Liang Shi Alias)?
Limonite (Yu Liang Shi Alias) should not be used in: Acute diarrhea or dysentery with unresolved pathogen, damp-heat, or food retention; Constipation or dry, difficult stool; Pregnancy without qualified practitioner supervision. Consult a qualified practitioner before use.