Pinyin: Zhangnao
Aliases
Shaonao, Younao, Shunao.
Source
1. Lauraceae plant Cinnamomum camphora (L.) Presl.Cinnarnomum camphora(L.) Presl root, dry branch, and leaf distillate refined into granular form.
Botanical Description
See the entry under "Zhangmu" (Camphorwood).
Harvesting and Processing
Generally harvested from old trees between September and December, the roots, trunk, and branches are cut and chopped into pieces (leaves can also be used). These are placed in a distillation apparatus, where the camphor and volatile oil contained in the camphor wood are distilled out with steam. After cooling, crude camphor is obtained. The crude camphor is then purified through sublimation to obtain refined camphor powder. This camphor powder is pressed into molds to form transparent camphor blocks. It should be stored in a sealed porcelain container in a dry place. The highest yield comes from trees over 50 years old; young branches and leaves have lower content and yield.
Internal use: decoct 3-10 g
1. For pneumonia: Renshen 6 g, decoct in water and take orally.
This product appears as a white crystalline powder or colorless transparent hard mass; the crude product is slightly yellow with a glossy luster, is volatile at room temperature, and when tested by fire produces a red flame with smoke and burns. If a small amount of ethanol, ether, or chloroform is added, it is easily ground into a white powder. It has a penetrating, distinctive aromatic odor, with a taste that is initially pungent and spicy, followed by a cooling sensation.
Pharmacology
Has antipruritic, analgesic, wind-dispelling, and phlegm-expelling effects; exerts a stimulating effect on the central nervous system, and also possesses cardiotonic action.
Properties and Channel Entry
Acrid, hot, slightly toxic, enters the Heart and Spleen channels.
Functions and Indications
Clears the orifices, promotes the flow of stagnant Qi, repels filth and turbidity, kills parasites and relieves itching, reduces swelling and alleviates pain. Indications: coma in febrile diseases, sudden collapse due to pestilential attack, cholera-like disorders with vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain, cold-dampness beriberi, scabies, stubborn tinea, alopecia areata, frostbite, scalds and burns, traumatic injuries with pain, toothache, and wind-fire red eyes.
Dosage and Administration
Internal use: in pill or powder form, 0.06-0.15 g, not for decoction. External use: appropriate amount, grind into powder, or dissolve in wine, or incorporate into ointment for application.
Precautions and Contraindications
Internal use should not be excessive; those with Qi deficiency and pregnant women are prohibited from taking. Those with skin allergies should use with caution.
Prescriptions
1. For all wind-heat eye pain: Camphor 6 g, Borneol 3 g, Mint 9 g, Saposhnikovia 3 g. Place Camphor and Borneol in a bowl, spread Mint and Saposhnikovia on top, seal the bowl with paper, and sublimate over gentle and strong heat; scrape off the sublimate for use. (From *Xinyi Ji*, Xianzi Dan) 2. For wind-fire toothache: Camphor and Asarum 6 g each. Cut Asarum into pieces, place in an iron pot, spread Camphor on top, cover with a porcelain bowl, seal the gaps with yellow clay, then sublimate over gentle heat, allow to cool, collect the sublimate, and store sealed. Take an appropriate amount of sublimate, wrap it in cotton to the size of a *wutong* seed, and bite down on the affected tooth. (From *Quanguo Zhongcaoyao Huibian*) 3. For all pruritus, scabies, and stubborn tinea with parasites: Camphor 30 g, Hydrocarpus seed kernel 60 g (mashed into paste), Rhubarb, Sulfur, and Pepper 15 g each. Slightly stir-fry the five ingredients, grind into fine powder, mix into the Hydrocarpus seed paste, add Camphor and mix evenly, then add Mercury 15 g, grind again, and pound 300 times to form pills the size of a *dan* (pellet). Before bed each night, rub the medicine over the entire body inside the covers; recovery occurs after no more than two or three applications. (From *Bencao Huiyan*) 4. For scalds and burns to relieve pain: Mix Camphor with sesame oil and apply topically. If the wound is moist, dust the dry powder directly on to stop pain and prevent fire toxin from entering. (From *Pinhui Jingyao*) 5. For chilblains: Camphor 9 g, Lard 30 g. First render the lard, remove the residue, then return the rendered lard to the pot, add Camphor, simmer over low heat for about ten minutes, remove from heat, allow to cool into an ointment, store in a sealed bottle. Apply 3-5 times for healing. [From *Health News*, 1958, Issue 10, p. 25] 6. For beriberi with swelling and pain: Camphor 9 g, Aconite root 6 g. Grind into extremely fine powder. Form into pills the size of a *dan* (pellet) with vinegar paste. Place one pill under the foot and step on it, warm the foot with a gentle fire, cover with clothing and bedding until sweating like drool; it is effective. (From *Bencao Huiyan*) 7. For early-stage yin-type abscess: Mix Camphor and Realgar and apply topically. (From *Yaoxing Jiyao*)
