Wiseman’s Chinese Medical Database

xuán míng fěn / 玄明粉 / 玄明粉 / refined mirabilite;

Latin pharmacognostic name: Natrii Sulfas Exsiccatus

Alternate English names: mirabilite efflorescence Glauber's salt efflorescence

Alternate Chinese names: 白龙粉 bái lóng fěn; 风化硝 fēng huā xiāo; 元明粉 yuán míng fěn; 风化硝 fēng huà xiāo

Origin: Mineral

Use: medicinal

Category: Draining-precipitant agents / Offensive precipitant agents

Properties: Acrid and salty; cold.

Channel entry: stomach and large intestine channels.

Indications:

Drains heat and frees the stool; moistens dryness and softens hardness; clears heat and resolves toxin. Has the same action as máng xiāo (芒硝 Natrii Sulfas , mirabilite;) but is a milder draining precipitant.

repletion heat accumulation and stagnation; fecal stoppage; painful red swollen eyes; painful swollen throat; mouth sores; toxin swelling of welling- and flat-abscesses (yōng jū).

Dosage & Method:

Oral: Dissolve in decoctions (4.5–9g) or use in pills, powders. Topical: Insufflation into the mouth and throat; eye drops.

Notes:

This item is mirabilite treated by heating or efflorescence.

Product Description:

Takes the form of a loose white powder that dissolves in water.

Etymology:

The name xuán míng fěn 玄明粉 is explained as ""powder that is crystal clear as water,"" 玄 being understood to mean the color of water, and 明粉 meaning clear powder.

See also:

máng xiāo (芒硝 Natrii Sulfas , mirabilite;)