☯ TCM Properties
Invigorates Blood and Alleviates Pain; Strengthens the Sinews and Bones
Traditional Chinese Uses
Zi Ran Tong (pyrite, natural copper, iron sulfide) is a neutral mineral substance used in Chinese medicine to invigorate Blood, dissolve Blood stasis, and promote the healing of fractures. It is primarily used for traumatic injuries with fractures, bruising, and joint and muscle pain from Blood stagnation. Its Blood-moving action at the bone level makes it a standard ingredient in Chinese traumatology formulas for fracture healing and recovery from injury. Calcination is required before use.
Botanical Description
Zi Ran Tong is not a plant but the mineral iron pyrite (iron disulfide, FeS2), known in English as pyrite or "fool's gold." It occurs as brassy yellow to pale gold cubic or pyritohedral crystals, or as massive granular aggregates, with a metallic lustre and characteristic greenish-black streak. The hardness is 6-6.5 on the Mohs scale and the specific gravity approximately 5.0. For Chinese medicinal use, the mineral is collected, cleaned of matrix rock, and then traditionally calcined and quenched repeatedly in vinegar (cu zhi) to render it more brittle and to enhance extraction. Sourced widely from sulfide ore deposits in China and elsewhere.
Dosage
| Form | Amount | Frequency | Duration | Population | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| decoction | 6-15g | 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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