The source is from the stone in the gallbladder and biliary ducts of Bos taurus domesticus Gemelin, family Bovidae. The medicinal material is mainly produced in the areas of Northwest and Northeast China. When a cow is killed, if one finds the stone in the gallbladder and biliary ducts, one immediately fetches the stone after filtering the bile, the stone being dried in the shade for being used. Medicinal Properties Bitter in flavor, cool in nature and attributive to the liver and heart meridians. Actions Stop endogenous wind and relieve convulsion, eliminate phlegm for resuscitation, clear away heat to remove toxic materials. Application 1. For seasonal febrile disease with high fever , coma, spasm and infantile convulsion, it is usually used together with Zhusha ( Cinnabaris ), Quanxie ( Scorpio ), and Gouteng (Ramulus Uncariae cum Uncis ), etc., such as Niuhuang San (Powder). 2. For seasonal febrile disease resulting in heat attacking the pericardium, apoplexy, convulsion and epilepsy, and syndrome of confusion of the mind due to accumulation of phlegm-heat, it is ground singly into powder, which is dissolved in Danzhuli (Succus Bambusae ) for oral use, or combined with Shexiang (Moschus artifactus), Zhizi ( Fructus Gardeniae) and Huanglian (Rhizoma Coptidis ), etc., such as Angong Niuhuang Wan (Pill). 3. For heat-toxin syndrome manifested as sore throat and aphthous stomatitis due to heat-toxin accumulation, it is usually combined with Huangqin (Radix Scutellariae ) , Xionghuang ( Realgar ) , and Dahuang (Radix et Rhizoma Rhei), etc.;if the sore throat is ulcerated, it should be ground together with Zhenzhu (Margarita) in to powder for external application on the wounded throat, that is, Zhu Huang San (Powder); for large carbuncle, furuncle, breast carcinoma and scrofula, etc., also combined with Shexiang (Moschus artifactus ), Ruxiang (Olibanum) and Moyao ( Myrrha ), etc., such as Xi Huang Wan (Pill). Usage and Dosage 0.2 - 0.5 g is used in pill or powder form. Just right amount is for external use, which is ground into fine powder for application on wounded areas. Notes It is used with caution in pregnant women.
