Pinyin: Danfan
Aliases
Shidan, Heishi, Shiye, Lanfan
Source
Crystal of the sulfate mineral chalcanthite from the chalcanthite group, or hydrous copper sulfate crystals produced by the action of sulfuric acid on copper.
Distribution
Natural chalcanthite is primarily produced in the oxidation zones of copper deposits in arid climate regions such as northwestern China.
Harvesting and Processing
It can be obtained by mining from copper mines, selecting blue crystals with a glassy luster. It is also often found in mineral water, obtained by evaporating the water. For artificial manufacturing, it can be prepared by reacting sulfuric acid with copper sheets or copper oxide.
Medicinal Properties
This product appears as irregular rhombic flat blocks or prismatic shapes. The surface is uneven, with some areas showing longitudinal fibrous textures. It is blue or light blue in color; the streak is white or light blue. It is translucent to transparent with a glassy luster. The body is relatively light, with hardness close to that of a fingernail; it is brittle and easily broken. Odor: none; Taste: astringent. The best quality is characterized by large pieces, deep blue color, transparency, brittleness, and freedom from impurities.
Chemical Constituents
The main ingredient is copper sulfate pentahydrate.
Pharmacology
Has cholagogic, emetic, and corrosive effects.
Properties and Channel Entry
Sour, acrid, cold, toxic. Enters the Liver and Gallbladder channels.
Functions and Indications
Induces vomiting, resolves toxicity, and removes putrid tissue
Dosage and Administration
Internal use: dissolve in warm water, 0.3-0.6 g; for emesis, limit to a single dose; or take in pill or powder form. External use: appropriate amount, grind into powder and sprinkle; or mix with a medium for application; or dissolve in water for washing; or use a 0.5% aqueous solution as eye drops.
Precautions and Contraindications
This product should have its dosage controlled whether taken internally or applied externally. It should not be used in excess or for prolonged periods. It is contraindicated in individuals with deficiency conditions, and poisoning must be strictly prevented. Symptoms of poisoning include a metallic astringent taste in the mouth, dry throat, nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain and diarrhea, blue-green vomit or stool, dizziness and headache, blurred vision, fatigue, pale and sallow complexion, jaundice, decreased blood pressure, tachycardia, dyspnea, oliguria and anuria, often leading to death from renal failure.
Prescriptions
1. For aphthous ulcers of the mouth and throat closure and tonsillitis: Danfan 3 g, Xiongdan 3 g, Guangmuxiang 0.9 g. Grind all into a fine powder. Take one Mubiezi seed, remove the shell, grind with well water, dip a goose feather in the powder, and apply to the affected area. (From *Shesheng Zhongmiao Fang*). 2. For oral ulcers due to febrile disease: Shidan 1.5 g, Maxiao 30 g, Huanglian 15 g (root removed), Longnao 3 g (sliced), Huangbo 0.3 g, Jiaohao 0.3 g. Grind the above into a fine powder, add Longnao and Maxiao, and grind further until very fine. Take 1.5 g each time, wrap loosely in new cotton, hold in the mouth for a long time. When saliva accumulates, spit it out. (From *Sheng Hui Fang*, Shidan Powder). 3. For oral ulcers: Danfan 0.3 g, Ganchan 0.3 g (roasted). Grind together into a powder. Take a dose the size of a small bean, apply to the sores, hold for a while, then rinse the mouth with five liters of freshly drawn well water until the water is finished. (From *Sheng Hui Fang*). 4. For corneal opacity (nebula), red and painful eyes, itching and astringent sensation: Shidan 15 g, Shiyan 30 g, Zhusha 30 g, Yanyan 15 g, Longnao 0.3 g, Nifen 3 g. Grind into a fine powder. Use a copper stylus tip to take a dose the size of a small bean, apply to the eyes, three to four times daily. (From *Sheng Hui Fang*, Shidan Powder). 5. For sudden conjunctival swelling of the eye: Shidan (calcined until white, remove fire toxicity) and Huashi (ground) 30 g each, Qinpi (ground) 15 g, Nifen 6 g. Grind the four ingredients together until uniform. For each use, take one *zi* (a small unit), soak in warm water until warm. Close the eyes and wash the inner and outer canthi, continue until the eyes feel cool. (From *Sheng Ji Zong Lu*, Eye-Washing Shidan Powder).
