Single Herb Glossary
Qīng Fěn 輕粉
| Pharmaceutical name | Calomelas Calomel "light powder" |
| Category | Obsolete and Prohibited Substances |
| Key Properties | Attacks Toxicity Kills Parasites Treats Sores and Scabies Toxic |
| Properties | Acrid Cold Very Toxic |
| Tropism | LI, KD, LV |
| Actions & Indications | 1) Strongly Kills Parasites, Generates Flesh, & Promotes Healing of Sores 2) Resolves Toxicity and Kills Parasites 3) Expels Water and Unblocks Bowels & Bladder |
| Dosages | Topically: do not use Long Term or too large a dose. 0.1-0.2g pills & powders Over Dose must be avoided |
| Contraindications (TCM) | Toxicity of substance renders it obsolete, although there are places where it is still used. If used, Internal use with utmost caution; May be used for edema and ascites from cardiac disorders but not from kidney or liver disease Strictly forbidden during pregnancy |
| Contraindications (Western) | |
| Chemical Composition | Mercurous chloride (Hg2Cl2) 99.6% |
| Pharmacological Effects | • Antibiotic: inhibitory effect in vitro against various pathogenic bacteria and fungi • Gastrointestinal: after oral ingestion, herb binds with bile in intestines to become bivalent mercury ions; these ions interfere with normal breakdown and digestion of food in intestines, leading to increased elimination of electrolytes, water, and bile; thus, patients ingesting this substance commonly report diarrhea and green discoloration of stool • Urinary: systemic absorption of bivalent mercury ions interferes with re-absorption of water in kidney, leading to increased urination and diuresis |
| Herb-Drug Interactions | |
| Classical Formula(s) |
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.