Properties: Sweet, neutral
Meridans Entered:
Primary: Liver
Traditional Actions/Indications:
- Improves eyesight and unblocks the nine orifices
Poor vision; deafness
- Induces vomiting, resolves Toxicity and kills the Three Worms
Epigastric pain and distension (Evil Qi below the Heart)
- Aids fasting
Mentioned in the Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing as part of the superior class of minerals which can, with protracted taking, enable one to communicate with the Spirit Light (Shen Ming 神明), make the body light, prolong life, and prevent senility. This may suggest it was part of supplementing the diet when engaging in an "avoiding grain" (Bigu 辟穀) fasting regime to cultivate life (Yangsheng 養生). However, prolonged taking could result in copper toxicity (see below).
Suggested Daily Dosage: 0.3 - 1 g ground into powder and taken internally as pills, or applied externally to the eyes.
Cautions: Some sources list this substance as toxic although it is not mentioned in the Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing and considered non-toxic in the Ben Cao Gang Mu. Its toxic consideration probably comes from the potential of copper poisoning from over-consumption.
Notes:
Much of the information on pharmaceutical identification for minerals has been taken from Liu, S.L., Kuo, C.L., Hsieh, M.T. (2012) Textual Research for Latin Names and Medicinal Effects of Top Grade Drugs in Shennongbencaojing, J Chin Med 23(1): 51-72. https://www.nricm.edu.tw/var/file/0/1000/attach/86/pta_2344_3201013_81490.pdf.
Does not appear in any formulae listed on this site
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.
