Montmorillonite
Aliases：白单、白墡（《石药尔雅》）、丹道、土精、膨润土。
Gān Tǔ is a traditional Chinese medicinal material. It is clay rock bentonite (Bentonite), which is a clay with montmorillonite (Montmorillonite) as its main component. It is formed from deposits of tuff or other volcanic rocks altered by alkaline water. It was first recorded in the Tang Dynasty Bencao Shiyi (Supplements to Materia Medica) by Chen Cangqi.
Efficacy & Actions
Removes toxicity.
Indications
Food poisoning or mushroom poisoning.
Modern Pharmacology
Adsorption effect: It has strong adsorptive capacity, capable of adsorbing toxins, bacteria, and viruses in the intestines. Detoxification effect: It can adsorb toxic substances from food or mushrooms, alleviating poisoning symptoms. Protection of gastrointestinal mucosa: After adding water, it expands to form a paste-like substance, which can coat and protect the gastrointestinal mucosa.
Ingredients
Gān Tǔ (bentonite) is mainly composed of montmorillonite, with the chemical formula (Al,Si)₄O₁₀(OH)₂·nH₂O. Its main components are hydrated aluminum silicate, along with small amounts of calcium, magnesium, and ferrous iron. It also contains small quantities of iron oxide, magnesium oxide, calcium oxide, and other substances.
Usage & Dosage
For oral administration: take an appropriate amount, mix with warm boiled water, and drink 300–500 ml.
Contraindications
Should not be taken in excessive amounts. As a mineral‑based medicinal material, this product is primarily used for detoxification, which differs from the antidiarrheal action of traditional montmorillonite powder.
Selected Formulas
For food or mushroom poisoning (empirical formula) Take an appropriate amount of Gantu (a type of medicinal clay), mix well with warm boiled water, and drink 300-500ml.
Medicinal Parts
It is clay rock bentonite (clay with montmorillonite as its main component).
Selection & Storage
Store in a cool, dry place, protected from moisture.
