Chan Su Wan
Star蟾酥丸 (Toad Venum Pill)
Source: Wai Ke Zheng Zong — Chen Shi-Gong (Ming, 1617)
Last updated October 1, 2026
Description
Chan Su Wan (Toad Venum Pill), from the Wai Ke Zheng Zong (True Lineage of External Medicine) by Chen Shi-Gong — a variation of Xi Huang Wan.
Actions: Eliminates toxins; Reduces swellings; Activates blood circulation; Relieves pain.
Composition: Full composition printed. Chan Su dissolved (hua) with liquor; Han Shui Shi calcined.
Cautions:
- Potentially toxic; not in large doses or long-term
- Extreme caution with qi and blood deficiency
- Contraindicated in pregnancy
- Zhu Sha and Qing Fen are potentially toxic heavy metals and She Xiang comes from an endangered animal; rarely used today
Source: Chen JK, Chen TT. Chinese Herbal Formulas and Applications: Pharmacological Effects & Clinical Research. Art of Medicine Press, 2009, p. 1351.
Preparation
Mash Wo Niu with Chan Su; grind the rest separately; mix and form pills the size of Lu Dou. Chew 5 cun of Cong Bai first, then take 3 pills with 1 bowl of hot grain liquor and cover with blankets to sweat.
Traditional formula information is for educational purposes only. Herbal formulas should be prescribed by a qualified practitioner — dosages and combinations are individualized and can interact with medications.
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