Glauber's Salt (Mirabilite)
Properties: Salty, bitter, and cold in nature.
Meridian Affinity: It primarily influences the Stomach and Large Intestine meridians.
Morphological Characteristics: This substance typically appears as prismatic, rectangular, or irregular blocks and granules. It's either colorless and transparent or off-white and translucent. It's brittle and easily broken, with a glass-like luster on its fractured surface. It's odorless and tastes salty.
Dosage and Administration of Glauber's Salt
Dosage: Typically, 6-12 grams. It's generally not added directly to decoctions. Instead, after the main herbal decoction is prepared, Glauber's Salt is dissolved into the strained liquid and consumed. For external use, apply an appropriate amount.
Preparation: Used raw (unprocessed).
Functions and Indications of Glauber's Salt
Functions: Purges accumulation, promotes bowel movements, moistens dryness, softens hard masses, clears heat, and reduces swelling.
Main Indications: It is used internally for excess heat accumulation, abdominal distension and pain, dry, hard stools (constipation), and intestinal carbuncles with swelling and pain. Externally, it treats breast abscesses (mastitis) and swollen, painful hemorrhoids.
Specific Applications:
1. For Lactation Suppression:
Take 200 grams of Glauber's Salt (300 grams in hot weather), wrap it in gauze, and place it over both breasts, securing it with a chest binder. Remove after 24 hours (12 hours in hot weather). If a single application isn't effective, repeat 1-2 more times. In a study of 33 cases using Glauber's Salt for lactation suppression, 85% experienced milk cessation after 2 days of treatment, with the remainder achieving it after 3 days. However, using Glauber's Salt preventatively for lactation suppression in mothers whose breasts were not yet engorged postpartum was completely ineffective.
2. For Treating Mastitis:
Take 1 liang (approx. 30-37g) of Glauber's Salt, spread it evenly between two layers of gauze (making the center slightly thicker). Stitch the edges to create a pad, then apply it to the affected area and secure with a bandage. Apply twice daily. This method is effective for early-stage acute mastitis but not once suppuration has begun. Two trial cases both achieved positive results. Hypertonic saline solutions, by virtue of their osmotic action, are commonly used in clinical practice to reduce edema and inflammation in localized conditions. PMID: 29505419
3. For Treating Kaschin-Beck Disease:
For Kaschin-Beck disease, Glauber's Salt was taken orally twice daily, with adult doses of 2-4 grams per administration. In a study of 117 cases, after one month of treatment, 46 cases reported significant reduction or complete disappearance of joint pain, 2 cases showed significant improvement in joint dysfunction, 39 cases reported significant improvement in both joint pain and dysfunction, and 16 cases experienced pain disappearance, improved function, and significantly enhanced working capacity. 5 cases saw no change, while 9 cases experienced an exacerbation of pain after administration. Generally, there were no adverse reactions, though a few individuals reported abdominal distension or mild diarrhea when taking larger doses. Research supports the osmotic effects of sulfate compounds, including sodium sulfate, in promoting bowel evacuation. PMID: 29596417
Contraindications for Glauber's Salt
Contraindications: Use with caution in pregnant women. It should not be used concurrently with Sulfur (็กซ้ป) or Sparganium (ไธๆฃฑ). Always consult a qualified practitioner before combining herbal remedies.
Traditional Formulas Featuring Glauber's Salt
1. For Yangming Stage illness characterized by abdominal fullness, wheezing, tidal fever, profuse sweating on hands and feet, and hard stools: Da Cheng Qi Tang (Major Purgative Decoction) from *Shang Han Lun* (Treatise on Cold Damage).
Ingredients: Four liang (approx. 120g) of Rhubarb (ๅคง้ป, washed with wine), half a jin (approx. 250g) of Magnolia Bark (ๅๆด, toasted, skin removed), five pieces of Immature Bitter Orange (ๆณๅฎ, toasted), three ge (approx. 18g) of Glauber's Salt. Preparation: Combine the four ingredients. First, boil Magnolia Bark and Immature Bitter Orange in ten sheng (approx. 2000ml) of water until five sheng (approx. 1000ml) remains. Remove the dregs. Add Rhubarb and boil again until two sheng (approx. 400ml) remains. Remove the dregs. Add Glauber's Salt and simmer over a low flame for one or two boils. Divide and take warm twice. Stop administration once bowel movement occurs.
2. For *Shang Han* (Cold Damage) illness on the sixth or seventh day, presenting with chest bind, heat excess, a deep and tight pulse, epigastric pain, and a hard, stony sensation upon palpation: Da Xian Xiong Tang (Major Thoracic Concretion Decoction) from *Shang Han Lun*.
Ingredients: Six liang (approx. 180g) of Rhubarb (ๅคง้ป, skin removed), one sheng (approx. 200g) of Glauber's Salt, one qian bi (approx. 3-4g) of Kansui Root powder (็้ๆซ). Preparation: Combine the three ingredients. First, boil Rhubarb in six sheng (approx. 1200ml) of water until two sheng (approx. 400ml) remains. Remove the dregs. Add Glauber's Salt and boil for one or two boils. Then add Kansui Root powder. Take one sheng (approx. 200ml) warm. Stop administration once a significant bowel movement occurs.
3. For obstruction of urination and defecation with distension and impending death: From *Zhou Hou Fang* (A Handbook of Prescriptions for Emergencies).
Ingredients: Three liang (approx. 90g) of Glauber's Salt, wrapped in three or four layers of paper and roasted over charcoal fire. Preparation: Dissolve the roasted Glauber's Salt completely in one sheng (approx. 200ml) of water and drink. First, drink one sheng of plain water, induce vomiting, and then take the Glauber's Salt solution.
4. For indigestion from overeating, leading to epigastric fullness and obstruction: From *Jing Yan Fang* (Experienced Prescriptions).
Ingredients: One liang (approx. 30g) of crushed Glauber's Salt (้ฉฌ็็ก), half a sheng (approx. 100g) of aged Evodia Fruit (ๅด่ฑ่ธ). Preparation: Boil Evodia Fruit to obtain a concentrated juice. Add Glauber's Salt to the hot juice and consume while warm. If no improvement after a while, take another dose.
5. For red wandering rash (Erysipelas) in children, moving across the body, fatal if it reaches the heart: From *Zimu Mi Lu* (Secret Records of Mother and Child).
Preparation: Dissolve Glauber's Salt in water to create a concentrated solution, then use it to wipe the affected rash area.
6. For hot erysipelas: From *Mei Shi Ji Yan Fang* (Collected Tested Prescriptions of Master Mei).
Preparation: Mix Glauber's Salt with water and apply topically.
7. For corneal opacities: From *Sun Zhen Ren Shi Ji* (Master Sun's Dietary Taboos).
Preparation: Take one large liang (approx. 30-37g) of Glauber's Salt, place it in a copper vessel, refine it over a strong fire, then let it cool. Sift it finely through raw silk. Apply a small amount to the inner corner of the eye every night before bed.
8. For sublingual swelling ('double tongue') in children: From *Yan Ling Zhi Bao Fang* (Precious Prescriptions for Prolonging Life).
Preparation: Place Glauber's Salt beneath the tongue.
9. For oral thrush ('goose mouth') in infants: From *Jian Yao Ji Zhong Fang* (Concise Prescriptions for the Benefit of the Masses).
Preparation: Finely grind Glauber's Salt and sprinkle it onto the tongue three to five times a day.
10. For dermatitis from lacquer: From *Qian Jin Fang* (Prescriptions Worth a Thousand Gold Pieces).
Preparation: Immerse five liang (approx. 150g) of Glauber's Salt in hot water and use it to wash the affected area.
11. For finger infection (whitlow): From *Sheng Hui Fang* (Imperial Grace Formulary).
Preparation: Simply boil Glauber's Salt in water and soak the affected finger in the solution. The application of mineral-based purgatives like Mirabilite has a long-standing tradition within Traditional Chinese Medicine for clearing internal heat and accumulation. PMID: 32662283
Quick Self-Check & Immediate Relief:
If you're experiencing stubborn constipation with abdominal fullness, then immediately increase your intake of fiber-rich foods and ensure proper hydration. If you have localized swelling or discomfort, then a cold compress might offer immediate, temporary relief.
For informational purposes only. Please consult a qualified practitioner of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) before use.
