Pinyin: Xionghuang
Aliases
Huangshishi, Shihuang, Huangshi, Tianyangshi
Source
Sulfide mineral realgar from the realgar group.
Distribution
Mainly produced in Gansu, Hubei, Hunan, Sichuan, Guizhou, Yunnan and other regions.
Harvesting and Processing
After harvesting, remove impurities.
Medicinal Properties
This product is a massive or granular aggregate, occurring as irregular blocks. It is deep red or orange-red in color, with a pale orange-red streak and a diamond-like luster on crystal faces. It is brittle and easily broken, with a resinous luster on the fractured surface. It has a faint, characteristic odor and a bland taste. The refined mineral powder is in the form of a powder or powder aggregate, loose and friable, turning to powder upon hand pressure, orange-yellow in color, and lacking luster.
Chemical Constituents
The main ingredient is arsenic disulfide (As2S2).2S21. For pneumonia: Renshen 6 g, decoct in water and take orally.
Pharmacology
Has antibacterial and anti-schistosomal effects.
Properties and Channel Entry
Acrid, warm; toxic. Enters the Liver and Large Intestine channels.
Functions and Indications
Detoxifies and kills parasites, dries Dampness and expels Phlegm, and interrupts malarial episodes
Dosage and Administration
External use: appropriate amount, grind into powder and sprinkle or mix for topical application; or burn and smoke to fumigate. Internal use: grind into powder, 0.05-0.1 g, taken in pills or powders, not in decoctions, and do not calcine with fire for internal use.
Precautions and Contraindications
This product is acrid, hot, and toxic; internal use should be cautious, discontinue once the condition is treated, and do not take excessively or for prolonged periods. For external use, do not apply over large areas or use continuously for long periods to avoid accumulation and poisoning through skin absorption. It is contraindicated in pregnant women and those with Yin deficiency and Blood depletion; the main symptoms of poisoning are vomiting and diarrhea.
Prescriptions
1. For chronic leg ulcers (lichen-like sores): Xionghuang (Realgar) 6 g, Chen Ai (aged mugwort) 15 g. Roll the mixture in a piece of blue cloth to form a thick wick, ignite and fumigate the affected area. (From "Compendium of Materia Medica," citing "Weisheng Zaxing"). 2. For snake-like sores (herpes zoster): Grind Xionghuang (Realgar) into a powder, mix with vinegar and apply topically; also take with wine orally. This can be used for snake bites, bee stings, centipede bites, toxic insect bites, and bites from rabid dogs. (From "Shiyi Dexiao Fang"). 3. For all types of infantile erysipelas: Xionghuang (Realgar) 3 g, fifty snails, Dahuang (Rhubarb) powder 30 g. Grind all ingredients together into a fine powder, mix with iron rust water and apply to the affected area. (From "Lufu Jin Fang," Niu Huang Xiao Du Gao). 4. For hemorrhoids and intestinal bleeding: Xionghuang (Realgar) 4.5 g, Wubeizi (Chinese gall) 30 g, Baifan (Alum) 6 g. Grind together into a powder, form into pills with Wumei (smoked plum) pulp. Take 3 g each time on an empty stomach with plain boiled water. (From "Yifang Yijian"). 5. For tinea (ringworm): Mix Xionghuang (Realgar) powder with strong vinegar. First, wipe the affected area with a new cloth to break the skin, then apply the mixture. (From "Qianjin Yifang").
