Medicinals
liú huáng / 硫黄 / 硫黃 / sulfur
Latin pharmacognostic name: Sulphur
Alternate English names:
Alternate Chinese names: 石硫黄 shí liú huáng; 硫磺 liú huáng
Origin: Mineral
Use: medicinal
Category: External medicine 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.
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 & 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.
Warning:
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).
Product Area:
Shānxī, Shǎnxī (Shaanxi), Hénán, Shāndōng, Húběi, Húnán, Jiāngsū, Sìchuān, Guǎngdōng, and Táiwān.