Properties: Pungent, neutral, toxic
Meridans Entered:
Primary: Liver and Large Intestine
Traditional Actions/Indications:
- Resolves Toxicity, kills Parasites
Snake and insect bites (topical)
Scabies, tinea, boils and furuncles (topical)
Abdominal pain due to parasites
- Dries Dampness
Cough and asthma with Cold Phlegm
Epilepsy
- Aids fasting
Mentioned in the Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing as part of the superior class of minerals which can, with protracted taking after sublimation, 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).
Suggested Daily Dosage: Due to toxicity no dose is permissible today. Traditionally 0.05-0.1g internally or a small amount applied as powder in external applications.
Cautions: This substance is toxic due to its arsenic content and so should not be used.
Traditionally, it is contraindicated to pregnant women and people with yin and blood deficiency.
Notes:
Despite its toxicity at higher doses, several studies have found that low doses of arsenite induces a mitohormetic response that promotes cell growth and improves health (Schmeisser, Schmeisser & Ristow, 2013; Chavan et al., 2017). This may explain the use of arsenic containing compounds in small doses found in medical systems in both Chinese and European traditions since ancient times. However, the potential toxic effects make dosage difficult to guage.
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.
