This product is a natural crystal of the sulfate mineral Mirabilite. It is found in Shanxi, Hebei, and other regions, often discovered beneath salt deposits in saline lands. It can be collected year-round and is used after being finely ground.

bubble_chart Properties and Meridians

Acrid and salty, cold. Act on heart, stomach and kidney meridians.

bubble_chart Efficacy

Clearing heat and purging fire.

bubble_chart Indications

1. Used for Rebing polydipsia. This product can clear heat and purge fire, relieve restlessness and quench thirst. It is used for warm febrile disease with pathogenic factors in the qi aspect, high fever, polydipsia, and a surging pulse. It is often used together with Gypsum, such as in Three-Stone Decoction.
2. Used for erysipelas and burns. This product has the effects of clearing heat and purging fire, and alleviating redness and pain. Therefore, it is also used for childhood erysipelas, skin redness and heat, as well as scalds or burns caused by hot water or fire. It can be calcined, ground into fine powder, and applied to the affected area.
3. In addition, this product can also promote diuresis and reduce swelling. It is used in combination with Talc, cluster mallow fruit, Plantain Seed, etc., to treat dampness-heat edema.

bubble_chart Documentation

1. "Benjing" : "Main body heat, abdominal mass pathogenic qi in the abdomen, skin as if burned by fire, irritability and fullness, drink water." "Yixue Rumen" : "Treats infantile erysipelas, burn to ash, mix with vinegar and apply." "Bencao Qiuzhen" : "Apply for burns and fire injuries."

bubble_chart Usage and Dosage

10-15 grams. Decoct for oral use, apply externally as needed.

Those with deficiency-cold of the spleen and stomach should avoid taking it.

bubble_chart Modern Pharmacology

Benjing is named Calcitum, which, according to research, should be the natural crystal of Mirabilite. However, in modern times, Calcitum is often replaced by red Gypsum (containing calcium sulfate or calcium carbonate) in the north, and by calcite (mainly containing calcium carbonate) in the south.