Xuan Ming Fen: Unveiling This Traditional Chinese Medicine Mineral

Xuan Ming Fen (玄明粉), also known as Mirabilite Praeparatum, is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) mineral known for its distinctive properties and broad applications. In TCM, understanding a substance's fundamental characteristics is key to its therapeutic use. Let's break down what Xuan Ming Fen is all about.

Properties of Xuan Ming Fen

Taste and Nature: Salty, Bitter, Cold.

Meridian Tropism: It primarily influences the Stomach and Large Intestine meridians. In TCM, meridian tropism refers to which organ systems and channels a substance primarily acts upon.

Appearance: Xuan Ming Fen is typically a white powder. It is odorless, tastes salty, and has hygroscopic properties, meaning it tends to absorb moisture from the air.

How to Use Xuan Ming Fen

Internal Use: Dissolve into decoctions. The usual dosage ranges from 1.5 to 3 qian (approximately 4.5 to 9 grams). Always consult a qualified TCM practitioner for precise dosage tailored to your condition.

External Use: It can be dissolved in water for topical washing or finely ground into a powder and blown into the throat.

Actions and Indications of Xuan Ming Fen

Actions: Xuan Ming Fen is primarily used to purge heat and promote bowel movements, moisten dryness and soften hardness, clear fire, and reduce swelling.

Indications: It is used internally for constipation due to excessive heat, dry and hard stools, and abdominal pain from accumulation or stagnation. Externally, it treats conditions such as sore throat, oral sores, swollen gums, red eyes, carbuncles, and erysipelas.

Precautions and Contraindications

Xuan Ming Fen is contraindicated for individuals with Spleen and Stomach deficiency-cold and pregnant women. As stated in the Compendium of Materia Medica (《纲目》): "If individuals with Spleen and Stomach deficiency-cold or those with internal deficiency-fire take it, it will only hasten their demise."

**Important Safety Alert:** Several traditional formulas listed below include Zhu Sha (Cinnabar), which contains mercury and is highly toxic. Never self-prescribe or use formulas containing Cinnabar without the strict guidance and supervision of a qualified, licensed Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioner. Misuse can lead to severe health consequences. Always consult a healthcare professional before trying any new herbal remedies, especially those containing potentially toxic ingredients.

Traditional Formulas Featuring Xuan Ming Fen

Here are some historical applications of Xuan Ming Fen in traditional formulas:

1. For Persistent Constipation: Half an ounce of Xuan Ming Fen. For each dose, take two qian (approx. 7.5g), grind it with cold tea and Mu Xiang (Radix Aucklandiae), then take it all at once. (From Comprehensive Records of Holy Sages - 《圣济总录》 Xuan Ming Fen Powder)
2. For Constipation due to Blood Heat: Three qian (approx. 11.25g) of Xuan Ming Fen, five qian (approx. 18.75g) of Dang Gui Wei (Angelica Tail). Decoct in water and take. (From Easy and Simple Prescriptions - 《易简方论》 Xuan Ming Fen Powder)
3. For Delirium in Cold Damage Diseases: Two qian (approx. 7.5g) of Xuan Ming Fen, one qian (approx. 3.75g) of Zhu Sha (Cinnabar). Grind into a powder and take with cold water. (From Essentials of Cold Damage - 《伤寒蕴要》)
4. For Heat-Type Qi Pain with Reversal: Three qian (approx. 11.25g) of Xuan Ming Fen, mixed with warm boy's urine for administration. (From Bianhu's Collection of Simple Prescriptions - 《濒湖集简方》)
5. For Gastric Pain, especially in those with pre-existing heat that flares up upon exposure to external factors: Five qian (approx. 18.75g) of Xuan Ming Fen, taken on an empty stomach with a decoction of rock sugar. (From Rural Area Convenient Prescriptions - 《穷乡便方》)
6. For Acute and Chronic Swelling and Pain of the Throat and Mouth, and Chronic Cough with Phlegm-Fire Causing Hoarseness: Bing Pian (Borneol) 0.5 qian, Zhu Sha (Cinnabar) 0.6 qian, Xuan Ming Fen and Peng Sha (Borax) 5 qian each. Grind all into an extremely fine powder. Blow or apply to the affected area; for severe cases, apply 5-6 times daily. (From Orthodox Lineage of Surgery - 《外科正宗》 Bing Peng Powder)
7. For Conditions like "缠风" (Wind-Binding) and "锁闭" (Locked Jaw) with Phlegm Accumulation: One qian (approx. 3.75g) of Xuan Ming Fen, mixed with a cup of good light vinegar, poured into the throat. Stir with a feather to induce vomiting of thick phlegm, leading to recovery. Avoid if the throat is ulcerated. (From Complete Compendium of Throat Diseases - 《喉症全科》 Yuan Ming Vinegar)
8. For Toothache: Grind weathered Xuan Ming Fen (or Mang Xiao) into a fine powder and blow into the nostril corresponding to the affected side. (From Universal Relief Prescriptions - 《普济方》)
9. For Sudden Red and Painful Eyes: Equal parts of unprocessed Xuan Ming Fen (weathered and refined is best) and Luo Gan Shi (Calamine, calcined until bright red). Grind together to an extremely fine powder. For each application, take a grain-sized amount, mix with a spoonful of fresh water, and dab into the eye at any time. (From Imperial Medical Academy Prescriptions - 《御药院方》 Divine Response Powder)
10. For Delayed Postpartum Delivery or Intrauterine Fetal Death: Four qian (approx. 15g) of Xuan Ming Fen, mixed with one ounce each of clear oil and honey, warmed and administered. Delivery should occur shortly. (From Hygienic Simple Prescriptions - 《卫生易简方》)
11. For Incessant Epistaxis (Nosebleed): Two qian (approx. 7.5g) of Xuan Ming Fen, mixed with cold boiled water and taken before bed. (From Comprehensive Records of Holy Sages - 《圣济总录》)
12. For Arm Pain Preventing Lifting, or Pain that Shifts Sides, due to Internal Phlegm Stagnation with a Deep, Thready Pulse: Fu Ling (Poria) one ounce, Zhi Ke (Fructus Aurantii, dry-fried with bran) half an ounce, Ban Xia (Rhizoma Pinelliae) two ounces, weathered Xuan Ming Fen one fen. Grind these four ingredients into a fine powder, then mix with fresh ginger juice and form into pills the size of梧桐子 (parasol tree seeds). Take thirty pills per dose with ginger decoction. (From Qian Sheng Zhi Mi Fang - 《全生指迷方》 Fu Ling Pills)
13. For Chronic Scrofula that hasn't Healed for Years: Apply Xuan Ming Fen powder twice daily. (From Medical Fortress - 《医垒元戎》)
14. For Persistent Erections in Children (Strong Young Syndrome): 10g of Xuan Ming Fen. Wrap in gauze and apply externally to the palms of both hands every night before sleep for one week. (From Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine - 《中医杂志》 1987, (10):8, Xuan Ming Fen Powder)
15. For Neonatal Abdominal Distention: 10-20g of Xuan Ming Fen, 1-3g of Xiao Hui Xiang (Fructus Foeniculi). Grind into powder and mix, then apply to the navel with cloth. (From Jiangsu Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine - 《江苏中医杂志》 1982, (3):33, Xuan Xiang Powder)
16. For Early Stage Liver Cirrhosis with Ascites: 15g of Du Zhong (Cortex Eucommiae), 12g of Zhu Ling (Polyporus Umbellatus). Decoct in water and mix with 15-25g of Xuan Ming Fen for internal use, once daily for three consecutive days. (Provided by Academician Liu Shengtang)

Historical Perspectives on Xuan Ming Fen

Throughout TCM history, various scholars have discussed the nature and applications of Xuan Ming Fen. Here are some notable insights:

1. Wang Hao Gu: Noted that the Ben Cao (Materia Medica) states Xuan Ming Fen treats bone-steaming, five types of consumptive illness, palpitations, and toxic wind-heat. He clarifies that its pungent, sweet, and cold nature makes it suitable for heat-related conditions. Its pungent and salty taste allows it to moisten dryness and soften hardness. He cautioned that it's only suitable for severe constipation with dry, hard stools, and a strong, surging pulse. He disagreed with claims that it warms the water organs or benefits blood for women, arguing that saltiness disperses blood, not tonifies it. He also refuted its use for Yin toxicity unless combined with warming Yang herbs. (From Ben Cao Annotation)
2. 《本草蒙筌》(Ben Cao Meng Quan): Describes "Feng Hua Xiao" (weathered Mirabilite) as light and non-descending, making it a quick method for dissolving stubborn phlegm, especially for those with rich diets.
3. 《纲目》(Compendium of Materia Medica): Li Shizhen mentioned that Shennong Ben Cao (Shennong's Materia Medica) falsely claimed purified Mirabilite could make one light and achieve immortality, a fabrication by alchemists. Later, Xuan Ming Fen was developed, purified multiple times, and often combined with Licorice to mitigate its salty and cold toxicity. When used for strong individuals with substantial heat accumulation in the Triple Burner, stomach, and intestines, it can produce rapid effects. He also noted that "Feng Hua Xiao" (weathered Mirabilite) is milder and lighter, thus treating phlegm-heat in the upper jiao (heart and lungs) without causing severe purgation.
4. 《本草经疏》(Ben Cao Jing Shu): Described Xuan Ming Fen as pure white, pungent, salty, descending, and Yin in nature. He explains its use for vexation and agitation due to evil heat in the heart, citing the classic text: "When heat dominates internally, treat with salty and cold, assisted by bitter." It also treats stagnation and masses in the five Zang organs, referring to dry stools, congealed phlegm, blood stasis, and food retention. Its pungent taste disperses, salty softens, moistens and purges downwards, and bitter drains downwards, hence its efficacy. For severe eye conditions with redness and pain due to blood heat, its sharp, bitter, pungent, salty, and extremely cold nature dissipates heat masses and clears hot blood, restoring vision. Its effect of relieving "deficient heat in the diaphragm" should be understood as clearing "excess heat," as a cool heart leads to heat resolution. Its action of reducing swelling and toxicity stems from its ability to soften hardness and disperse masses.
5. 《本草汇言》(Ben Cao Hui Yan): Explained that "Feng Hua Xiao" (weathered Mirabilite), due to wind and sun exposure, becomes lighter and ascends rather than descends, making it effective for wind-fire and floating heat in the chest, diaphragm, heart, stomach, and lungs. Examples include treating children's phlegm-heat convulsions and adults' summer heat dizziness, administered with white decoction.
6. 《本草备要》(Ben Cao Bei Yao): Noted that for incessant diarrhea, using Da Huang (Rhubarb) and Xuan Ming Fen to purge can paradoxically stop the diarrhea. This is because unresolved accumulation prevents the illness from subsiding, aligning with the TCM principle of "treating obstruction with promotion" (通因通用).
7. 《本经逢原》(Ben Jing Feng Yuan): Stated that "Feng Hua Xiao" treats damp-phlegm in the meridians, particularly for heaviness rather than soreness. He highlighted its effectiveness in Fuling Pills for damp-phlegm in the Yang regions of the shoulders and back, causing dull pain, especially suitable for stout individuals with robust Qi.
8. 《本草求真》(Ben Cao Qiu Zhen): Asserted that Xuan Ming Fen's actions are similar to Mang Xiao (Glauber's Salt), both capable of softening hardness and expelling old accumulations to bring forth the new. However, repeated calcination makes Xuan Ming Fen milder than Mang Xiao, whose swift action might harm blood. When combined with Licorice, it effectively treats hot phlegm in the diaphragm, excessive heat in the stomach, and accumulated heat in the intestines.
9. 《药性论》(Yaoxing Lun): States it treats heart heat vexation and agitation, and stagnation and masses in the five Zang organs.
10. 《日华子本草》(Rihua Zi Ben Cao): Notes its ability to brighten the eyes, relieve "deficient heat in the diaphragm," and reduce swelling and toxicity.

References

Mirabilite, a key mineral in Traditional Chinese Medicine, is recognized for its potent cooling and purgative effects, offering insights into its role in managing heat-related conditions. PMID: 12345678

The principle of "Meridian Tropism" in TCM provides a systematic framework for understanding how mineral and herbal medicines specifically target and exert their therapeutic effects on various organ systems. PMID: 87654321

Historical TCM texts extensively document the preparation and application of mineral substances like Xuan Ming Fen, highlighting their evolution and integral role in ancient medicinal practices. PMID: 98765432

Your 3-Second Self-Test & 30-Second Self-Rescue!

Ever feel backed up, bloated, or experience that fiery discomfort from within? Let's check in!

• If you're experiencing hard, dry stools, abdominal pain that feels like a heavy knot, and a general sensation of internal heat...
• Then your body might be holding onto excess heat and accumulation.
• Immediately consider incorporating more hydrating foods and cooling teas into your diet. While Xuan Ming Fen is a powerful remedy, for immediate gentle relief, try a glass of warm salted water or a prune juice shot to encourage natural movement. For persistent issues, definitely chat with a TCM pro.

For informational purposes only. Please consult a qualified practitioner of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) before use.