Calamina
Aliases：Gan Shi、Lu Gan Shi、Yang Gan Shi、Fu Shui Gan Shi、Lu Yan Shi、Yi Ji Shi、Ka La Ming、Gan Shi
Calamine is a commonly used Chinese medicinal for drawing out toxin, resolving putrefaction, and promoting tissue regeneration. It is the carbonate mineral smithsonite (from the calcite group) or the carbonate mineral hydrozincite, mainly composed of zinc carbonate (ZnCO₃).
Efficacy & Actions
Resolve toxin, brighten the eyes and remove corneal opacity; absorb dampness, relieve itching and close sores.
Indications
Ophthalmic conditions: Red, swollen and painful eyes; erosion of the eyelids; corneal opacity (nebula); pterygium. Skin conditions: Non‑healing ulcers, oozing pus, eczema with pruritus, urticaria, prickly heat (miliaria), insect bites. Burns and scalds: First‑degree and second‑degree burns.
Modern Pharmacology
Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant: Zinc effectively inhibits the release of inflammatory mediators and reduces inflammatory responses. Antibacterial: Zinc compounds in calamine inhibit various bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus, and Escherichia coli. Astringent and antipruritic (itching relief): Its components neutralize acidic secretions on the skin, producing an astringent effect that effectively relieves itching. Promotion of wound healing: Studies have shown that calamine accelerates skin wound healing. The mechanism involves promoting the formation of new capillaries in granulation tissue, increasing blood supply to the wound area, and thereby accelerating tissue repair.
Ingredients
Main component: Zinc carbonate (ZnCO₃). Other components: Calcium oxide, magnesium oxide, iron oxide, manganese oxide, etc.
Usage & Dosage
Topical lotion: Shake well before use, then apply to the affected area. May be used several times a day. Eye drops (as eye powder): Grind into an extremely fine powder and apply into the eye. Paste application: Mix with other powdered medicinals, then blend with oil or water to form a paste, and apply to the affected area.
Contraindications
Contraindicated populations: Contraindicated in individuals allergic to any component of calamine. Contraindication: For external use only. Strictly prohibited for oral administration. Precautions for use: Should not be used on skin lesions with significant exudation (weeping). Adverse reactions: Its strong astringent effect may cause dry skin.
Selected Formulas
1. For corneal opacity (Yiming Lun Fang) Mix calamine with green vitriol (qingfan) and mirabilite (puxiao), dissolve in boiling water, and wash the affected eye while warm. 2. For red, swollen eyes, red and eroded eyelids, or pterygium covering the eye (Zhengzhi Zhunsheng – Bailong Dan) Combine calamine with borax, sodium sulfate (xuanmingfen), and borneol (bingpian). Grind into fine powder and apply to the eye. 3. For ulcers after rupture of carbuncles, when pus is nearly resolved Combine calamine with frankincense (ruxiang), amber (hupo), and cinnabar (zhusha). Grind and apply externally. 4. For damp itching in the genital area (Zhizhi Fang Lun) Combine calamine with clam shell powder (bangfen) and gallnut (wubeizi). Grind and dust onto the affected area. 5. For purulent ear discharge (yellow fluid) (Yifang Dacheng – Hongmian San) Combine calamine with dried alum (kufan), rouge (yanzhi), and musk (shexiang). Grind into fine powder and blow into the ear canal.
Medicinal Parts
the ore of smithsonite (calamine).
Selection & Storage
Store in a dry place in an airtight container.