☯ TCM Properties
Attacks Toxins and Kills Parasites; Relieves Itching; Removes Putridity and Promotes Tissue Regeneration; Absorbs Dampness and Heals Sores; Drastically Purges and Expels Water Accumulation; Promotes Bowel Movement
Traditional Chinese Uses
Gui Ban (tortoise plastron) is a cold, salty substance used to nourish Yin and anchor Yang, replenish essence and blood, and clear deficiency heat. It is indicated for Liver and Kidney Yin deficiency with ascending Fire — including dizziness, night sweats, afternoon fevers, and the sensation of heat in the palms and soles. It also consolidates bones, supports the marrow, and stops uterine bleeding from deficiency heat, making it important in formulas for exhaustion syndromes.
Botanical Description
Qing Fen is not a plant but calomel, mercury(I) chloride (Hg2Cl2), a toxic heavy-metal compound. It occurs naturally as the rare mineral calomel but in TCM has historically been prepared by subliming a mixture of mercury, sodium chloride, and alum or sulfate. The refined product is a white, heavy, odorless, tasteless powder or fine flaky crystals that darken on exposure to light through partial disproportionation to elemental mercury and mercury(II) chloride. It is sparingly soluble in water. Historical applications included topical treatment of stubborn skin lesions and as a purgative; modern toxicology recognizes calomel as a source of severe acute and chronic mercury poisoning, and contemporary practice strongly discourages its medicinal use (Wikipedia; NCBI).
Dosage
| Form | Amount | Frequency | Duration | Population | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| poultice | As needed | Daily | — | — | — |
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using any herbal remedy, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medications.
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