Properties: Pungent, cold, toxic
Meridans Entered:
Primary: Large Intestine and Small Intestine
Traditional Actions/Indications:
- Strongly kills parasites, generates flesh and promotes the healing of sores
Skin parasites and fungal infections of the skin Sores that have turned into non-healing ulcers
- Resolves toxicity and kills parasites
As an external wash for scabies, rosacea and syphilitic chancres
- Expels water and unblocks the bowels and bladder
Internally for patterns of Excess with oedema, urinary retention and constipation
Suggested Daily Dosage: Traditionally 0.1-0.2g for internal use. No dose is considered acceptable today.
Cautions: Being toxic (it can induce hydrargyria or mercury poisoning) it should no longer be used. Traditional use acknowledges its toxicity with cautions for internal application, and that it be gargled after administration. It is contraindicated for weak people and pregnant women. For external application, it should never be overdosed or for persistent use.
Appears in 2 formulae listed on this site: (click to display)
Research Links & References: (click to display)
Research Links:
Reference Notes:
Individual herb information has sourced mainly from TCM Wiki and American Dragon for basic data and then updated manually with my own notes. Zhou, Xie and Yan (2011): Encyclopedia of Traditional Chinese Medicines, Vol. 5, and A+ Medical Encyclopaedia have been used for entries not available from those sources with additional material searched for and filled in where available. Western herbs not appearing in the Chinese literature have used Ross (2010): Combining Western Herbs and Chinese Medicine: A Clinical Materia Medica, White Rabbit Institute of Healing and therapeutika.ch. Choices of which source to use or combine have been my own.
These pages are intended to assist clinicians and are not intended for self-diagnosis or treatment for which a qualified professional should be consulted. Actions and indications are taken from traditional uses and do not necessarily reflect the evidence base which should be researched independently. Dosages are for guidance only and will vary dependening on the potency of the batch and the tolerance of the individual so should be evaluated by a professional based on individual needs.
