Mang Xiao (芒硝) is mirabilite, a sodium sulphate mineral, recorded as Natrii Sulfas. It is acrid, bitter and salty in flavour and cold in temperature, entering the Stomach and Large Intestine channels. The catalogue files it among the purgatives.

Pinyin

mang xiao

Chinese

芒硝

Latin Name

Natrii Sulfas

English Name

Mirabilite·sodium sulphate

Japanese

bosho

Korean

mangcho

Actions and indications

Purges accumulation, guides out stagnation, softens hardness and moistens Dryness

Constipation with hardened stool from accumulated Heat in the Stomach and Intestines
Interior Excess Heat with constipation, a full and painful abdomen, and dry hard stools

Clears Heat and drains Fire

Heat in the Stomach or Lungs, particularly with Phlegm build-up or clumping in the Intestines

Clears Heat and reduces swelling

Red, painful, swollen eyes
Sores or swelling of the mouth and throat, applied topically
Red, swollen skin lesions, applied topically
Mastitis, applied topically

Softens hard masses

Hard abdominal masses and lumps from Heat and stagnation

Combinations

da huang

Constipation from Stomach and Intestinal Heat

huang qin + gua lou ren + qing dai

Cough from Phlegm-Heat

zhi ban xia + zhi ke + fu ling

Phlegm-Heat obstructing the collaterals, with pain in both shoulders or swollen extremities

peng sha

Applied topically: red, swollen throat and mouth ulcers

da huang + hou po + zhi shi

Accumulated Excess Heat with severe constipation

da huang + gan cao

Accumulated Excess Heat with moderate constipation

da huang + huang qin + zhi zi

Lung and Stomach Heat

dai zhe shi + da huang + zhi ban xia + yu jin

Heart misted by Phlegm and Heat

peng sha + bing pian + zhu sha

Applied topically: sore throat and mouth ulcers

Age

Raw

Granule

Tincture

Concentrate

Frequency

Any Infusion: 4-18g

4-18 g

—

Cautions

pregnancy Do not use in pregnancy; as a strong purgative salt it can provoke bowel and uterine activity

contraindication After childbirth

contraindication During menstruation

contraindication Spleen deficiency with Cold, which so cold a purgative will aggravate

contraindication Edema

caution Elderly or weak patients

lactation Topical use on a breast abscess while nursing can lessen the milk supply

caution Not for use unless pathogenic clumping is present in the Lower Jiao

caution Not for use unless Heat has caused a hard, closed clumping that will not pass; it is meant for Excess Heat constipation only

caution Best used under a qualified practitioner rather than for self-treatment

mang xiao

About mang xiao

Names

Classification

Actions and indications

Purges accumulation, guides out stagnation, softens hardness and moistens Dryness

Clears Heat and drains Fire

Clears Heat and reduces swelling

Softens hard masses

Combinations

Dosage

Cautions

Interactions

Caution with

Drug interactions

About mang xiao

Names

Classification

Actions and indications

Purges accumulation, guides out stagnation, softens hardness and moistens Dryness

Clears Heat and drains Fire

Clears Heat and reduces swelling

Softens hard masses

Combinations

Dosage

Cautions

Interactions

Caution with

Drug interactions

Related

Used in 17 formulas