Single Herb Glossary
Péng Shā 硼砂
| Pharmaceutical name | Borax Borax |
| Category | Substances for Topical Applications |
| Key Properties | Exterior: Residual Toxins, Red Swelling, Prevents Putrefaction Interior: Clears Heat, Softens Areas of Hardness, Dispels Clumped Phlegm, Unblocks Painful Obstruction of Throat |
| Properties | Sweet Salty Cool |
| Tropism | LU, ST |
| Actions & Indications | 1) Resolves Toxicity & Prevents Putrefaction (Interior/Exterior) 2) Resolves Toxicity, Reduces Swellings, Treats Eyes 3) Clears Heat & Dissolves Phlegm (difficult to expectorate) |
| Dosages | 1.5 -3g |
| Contraindications (TCM) | Toxicity of substance renders it obsolete, although still used in some places. Use great caution when used internally. Long-term use can cause renal dysfunction; caution with Yin Deficiency with dryness and Yin Deficiency with Heat |
| Contraindications (Western) | |
| Chemical Composition | Sodium tetraborate |
| Pharmacological Effects | • Antibiotic: inhibitory effect against E. coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Bacillus anthracis, Bacillus dysenteriae, Salmonella typhi, Bacillus proteus, S. aureus, Corynebacterium diphtheriae, Diplococcus meningitidis, β-hemolytic streptococcus, and some pathogenic fungi |
| Herb-Drug Interactions | |
| Classical Formula(s) |
Xing Jun San (delete Niu Huang, She Xiang, Xiong Huang, Jin Bo) (Marching Powder) 行軍散（減牛黃，麝香，雄黃，金箔） |
This information is a reference tool for Chinese herbal studies. It is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Please consult a primary health professional if you require health advisory.