Realgar
Naming
Xiong Huang (Realgar)——Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing (Shen Nong’s Herbal)
Origin
Realgar mineral of sulfide, main containing As2S2.
Location
Mainly in Guangdong, Hunan and Hubei provinces of China.
Harvest
Mined all the year round.
The actual smell and taste
Special bad smell, light taste.
Best quality
Red, large and crisp with lustre.
Processing
Ground into fine powder or refined with water.
Property
Pungent, warm; toxic; liver, stomach and large intestine meridians entered.
Actions
Counteract toxic pathogen, kill parasites.
Indications
A. Abscess, deep-rooted boil, sores, scabies, ringworm, poisonous insect bite
This herb can counteract toxic pathogen both externally and internally. For abscess swelling and sores, it can be used singly or in compound prescription for external application mostly. When taken internally, it is combined with blood-activating and abscess-curing herbs to obtain the action of activating blood to relieve swelling, removing toxicity to cure sores. For example, it is combined with Ru Xiang, Mo Yao and She Xiang in Xing Xiao Wan from Wai Ke Quan Sheng Ji. For itching of skin due to scabies and ringworm, it is often combined with dampness-astringing and itching-relieving herbs to obtain actions of killing parasites and curing ringworm, astringing dampness and relieving itching. For instance, it is combined with the same dose of Bai Fan in powder mixed with clear tea for external application in Er Wei Ba Du San from Yi Zong Jin Jian. For poisonous insect bite, it is mixed with sesame oil and then applied on the afflicted sites.
B. Roundworm and pinworm
This herb can kill parasites so it is indicated for intestine track parasites. For roundworm induced abdominal pain, it is often combined with other roundworm-killing herbs to reinforce action. For instance, it is combined with Qian Niu Zi and Bing Lang, etc. in Qian Niu Wan from Shen Shi Zun Sheng Shu. For anus pruritus caused by pinworm, it can be made into gauze strip by mixing with vaseline, and then inserted into the anus.
In addition, according to some ancient formulas, this herb can dispel phlegm and check malaria for internal application, so it can also be indicated for epilepsy, asthma and malaria.
Dosage and Administration
Take proper dose for external application. Ground into powder for spreading, or mixed with sesame oil or used for fumigating. Take 0.05~0.1 g for internal application, made into pills or powder.
Cautions
This herb is toxic, so it should be used with cautions. It should be refined with water, and just for temporary use. For external application, it's not suitable for a large scale use or for a long time. It is contraindicated for the pregnant women. Avoid being calcined by the fire.