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Alternate Chinese names: 石硫黄 shí liú huáng; 硫磺 liú huáng

Kingdom: Mineral

Origin in PRC Pharmacopoeia: A mineral comprising sulfur (S) . (PRC Pharmacopoeia)

Use: Medicinal

Category: External-use agents / Toxin-attacking, worm-killing, and itch-relieving agents

Properties: Sour; warm; toxic. (Some sources list sweet instead of sour.)

Channel entry: Kidney and large intestine channels.

Actions and indications:

• Kills worms, attacks toxin, absorbs dampness, and relieves itching (external use): Scab and lichen; bald white scalp sores; eczema.
• Supplements fire and assists yáng (internal use): Kidney yáng vacuity with panting, impotence, enuresis, or constipation.

Dosage and method: Topical: powder form is often simply sprinkled on the affected area. It can also be mixed with sesame oil. Oral: 1–3g in pills and powders.

Warnings: Contraindicated in pregnancy and in yīn vacuity with effulgent fire. It is traditionally said to fear pò xiāo (Natrii Sulfas Non-Purus), which the impure form of máng xiāo (Natrii Sulfas).

Production area: Shānxī, Shǎnxī (Shaanxi), Hénán, Shāndōng, Húběi, Húnán, Jiāngsū, Sìchuān, Guǎngdōng, and Táiwān.

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