Pinyin: Baifan
Aliases
Fanshi, Yuze, Lishi, Mingfan.
Source
Alum is made from the sulfate mineral alunite through processing and refining.
Distribution
Distributed in Gansu, Hebei, Anhui, Fujian, Shanxi, Hubei, Zhejiang and other regions.
Harvesting and Processing
It can be collected and excavated throughout the year
Medicinal Properties
This product appears as irregular lumps or granules. Colorless or pale yellowish-white, transparent or translucent, with a slightly smooth or uneven surface, fine longitudinal ridges, and a glassy luster. Texture hard and brittle. Odor: faint; Taste: sour, slightly sweet, and extremely astringent.
Chemical Constituents
The main component is aluminum potassium sulfate dodecahydrate.
Pharmacology
Has the effect of inhibiting pathogenic microorganisms, such as inhibiting Gram-positive bacteria, Gram-negative bacteria, and fungi; anti-Trichomonas vaginalis; has astringent properties.
Properties and Channel Entry
Sour, astringent, and cold. Enters the Lung, Spleen, Liver, and Large Intestine channels.
Functions and Indications
External use: detoxifies and kills parasites, dries Dampness and relieves itching; Internal use: stops bleeding and diarrhea, dispels Phlegm and Wind. External use for eczema, scabies, prolapsed rectum, hemorrhoids, suppurative otitis media; Internal use for chronic diarrhea, bloody stools, uterine bleeding, epilepsy and mania. Alumen praeparatum (calcined alum) astringes dampness and heals sores, stops bleeding and removes putrefaction. Used for eczema and damp sores, prolapsed rectum, hemorrhoids, suppurative otitis media, vaginal itching and leukorrhea, epistaxis and gingival bleeding, nasal polyps.
Dosage and Administration
External use: appropriate amount, ground into powder and sprinkle; or blow into the throat; or mix for topical application; or dissolve in water for rinsing and washing. Internal use: grind into powder, 1-3 g; or incorporate into pills or powders. Raw use emphasizes detoxification and insecticidal effects; calcined use emphasizes astringency and tissue regeneration.
Precautions and Contraindications
This herb has an astringent taste and is difficult to take; internal use should not be excessive as it may easily induce vomiting; use with caution in those with weak constitution and weak stomach.
Prescriptions
1. For furuncles and malignant sores: Alumen (raw) and Lead Tetroxide, equal parts. Grind each separately. At the time of use, take a small amount of each and mix evenly. Prick the sore with a three-edged needle until blood appears, wait for the blood to stop, then apply the powder and cover with a plaster. (Er Xian San from *Wei Sheng Bao Jian*) 2. For mania caused by depression, with phlegm and saliva blocking the pericardium and heart orifices: Alumen 90 g, Curcumae Radix 210 g. Grind both into powder, form into pills the size of *wutong* seeds (pipali fruit) with paste. Take 50-60 pills with warm water. (Bai Jin Wan from *Ben Shi Fang*) 3. For acute throat obstruction: Alumen 9 g, Crotonis Fructus 2 pieces (remove shell, split into 6 segments). Place the alum in a small pot, slowly melt over low heat into liquid, add the croton seeds, wait until dry, remove the croton seeds. Grind the alum into powder. Use a small amount to blow into the throat. (Bai Fan San from *Yu Ji Wei Yi*) 4. For eczema and dermatitis (subacute stage): Artemisiae Argyi Folium, Stemonae Radix, Alumen, and Moschosmatis Herba, 15 g each. Decoct in water for external washing. (Wu Bai Ming Xi Ji from *Zhong Yao Lin Chuang Ying Yong*) 5. For impetigo (yellow-water sores): Calcined Alumen, cooked Pine Resin, and Lead Tetroxide, equal parts. Grind to a very fine powder. Mix with true sesame oil and apply to the affected area. (From *Ben Cao Yuan Shi*) 6. For children with umbilical sores that fail to dry due to wind invasion after cutting the umbilical cord: Alumen (calcined) and Fossilia Ossis Mastodi (calcined), equal parts. Grind into a fine powder and apply sparingly. If both ingredients are unavailable, using just one is acceptable. (From *Xiao Er Wei Sheng Zong Wei Lun Fang*) 7. For children with ear sores, head sores, lip sores, and snail-shaped sores: Alumen (burned to ash) 30 g, Cnidii Fructus 30 g. Grind both finely into a powder. Apply dry powder to the sores. (Bai Fan San from *Sheng Hui Fang*) 8. For acne: Calcined Alumen 30 g, Sulfur 6 g, and Typhonii Rhizoma 6 g. Grind together into powder. Mix with saliva and apply before bed, wash off the next morning. (From *Wan Bing Hui Chun*)
