☯ TCM Properties
Dries Dampness and resolves Phlegm; Kills parasites and dispels Accumulation; Nourishes the Blood and controls bleeding; Removes toxins and controls furuncles
Traditional Chinese Uses
Zao Fan (皂矾, green vitriol) is melanterite, naturally occurring hydrated ferrous sulfate. Sour and cool, entering the Spleen, Liver and Lung channels, it dries Dampness and transforms Phlegm, kills parasites and disperses accumulation, nourishes the Blood and stops bleeding, and resolves toxicity. Internally, in small pill or powder doses, it is used for jaundice ("yellow swelling" disease), childhood malnutrition, blood-deficiency edema, chronic diarrhea and bloody stool, and anemia; externally it treats sores, eczema, scabies and tinea.
As a mineral iron salt it must not be decocted; typical internal doses are only about 0.8–1.6 g. It is contraindicated in pregnancy and irritating to the stomach, so it is taken after meals and avoided in Spleen-Stomach weakness.
Botanical Description
Zao Fan is a mineral substance, not a plant. It is melanterite, the naturally occurring hydrated iron(II) sulfate FeSO4·7H2O, also called green vitriol or copperas, formed by oxidative weathering of pyrite and marcasite in mine workings, coal seams, and sulfide ore bodies. It occurs as pale green to bluish-green, water-soluble, vitreous to silky crystals, fibrous crusts, or efflorescences with a sweetish-astringent metallic taste; on exposure to dry air it dehydrates and turns yellowish or whitish. In TCM, Zao Fan is processed (often calcined to Ku Fan or further to Lu Fan) and used externally and internally to kill parasites, dry damp, stop bleeding, and resolve toxin. Internal dosing is small and tightly controlled; iron sulfate is corrosive and can cause gastrointestinal toxicity in excess.
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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