Objective:To sort out the efficacy and application evolution of Haematitum(Zheshi) in the literature of materia medica and prescription books. MethodsThe evolution process of the efficacy of Haematitum was analyzed by referring to materia medica and prescription books from the Han and Tang dynasties to the present.  Results:In the Han and Tang dynasties, the efficacy and applications of Haematitum had been basically determined,which had the action of dispelling pathogenic factors and detoxification,lowering adverse flow of qi and checking fright,cooling blood and stopping bleeding,reducing leucorrhea and promoting embryo discharge,and nourishing blood and tonifying qi. During the Song and Yuan dynasties,it was definite about Haematitum’s antiemetic effect. The category of its stopping bleeding effect was extended from the bleeding syndrome of lower energizer to the epistaxis of the upper energizer,the hematemesis of the middle energizer,and the profuse uterine bleeding and hematochezia of the lower energizer; its efficacy of reinforcing deficiency was divided into strengthening the spleen and securing essence. Moreover,It was also clear that it can promote granulation to astringe ulcer by external usage. In the Ming and Qing dynasties,the utility of Haematitum was divided. More attention was paid to mechanisms in that period,and the illness treated with Haematitum mostly related to fever,deficiency and reverse syndrome. The main efficiency of Haematitum in contemporary Chinese pharmacy textbooks was simplified to repressing hyperactive liver yang,descending the adverse flow of qi with heavy drugs,cooling blood and hemostasis.  Conclusion:From the Han and Tang dynasties to the contemporary era,the efficacy’ parlance of Haematitum has changed from confusion to refinement and standardization, but there are both additions and omissions in the efficacy of the drug, which are worth further sorting out and making full use of.