The source is from the refined product of the mineral Alunite of sulphate, mainly containing potassium aluminium sulfate. The medicinal material is mainly produced in Hubei, Anhui, Zhejiang, and Fujian provinces. The crude or calcined one (the latter called kufan in Chinese) is used for medication.

Medicinal Properties Sour in flavor, cold in nature and attributive to the lung, liver, spleen, stomach and large intestine meridians.

Actions Remove toxin and kill parasites, eliminate dampness and relieve itching, stop bleeding and diarrhea, clear away heat and eliminate phlegm.

6.Luganshi Calamina

The source is from smithsonite of carbonate of calcite group, mainly containing zinc carbonate. The medicine is mainly produced in Guangxi, Hunan, and Sichuan. Impurity is removed from the material after being collected. It is calcined, or quenched with vinegar or with Sanhuang Tang (Decoction), containing Huanglian (Rhizoma Coptidis ), Huangbai ( Cortex Phellodendri ) and Dahuang (Radix et Rhizoma Rhei )) and then dried in the sun and ground into fine powder with water for use.

Medicinal Properties Sweet in flavor, mild in nature, and attributive to the liver and stomach meridians.

Actions Remove nebula to improve eyesight, eliminate dampness and promote tissue regeneration.

7.Shengyao Hydrargyri Oxydum

The source is from the compound prepared from equal amount of mercury, nitre and alum through sublimation. The medicine may be red or yellow in color, the red one is called Hongsheng; the yellow one Huangsheng. It is mainly produced in Hebei, Hunan, and Jiangsu provinces. It is ground into powder for medicinal use and more effective if stored over a long time.

Medicinal Properties Pungent in flavor and hot in nature, toxic and attributive to the lung and spleen meridians.

Actions Remove toxin and necrotic tissue to regenerate tissues.

8.Liuhuang Sulphur

The source is from the refined product of the natural ore Sulphur. The medicinal material is mainly produced in Shanxi, Shandong and Henan provinces. For oral use, the clean sulfur is boiled with bean curd until the bean curd shows a blackish-green color, then remove the bean curd and dry it in the shade. It is used in powder form.

Medicinal Properties Sour in flavor, warm in nature, toxic and attributive to the kidney and large intestine meridians.

Actions Clear away toxic materials, kill parasites when externally used; strengthen yang to relax bowel when used orally.