Cinnabaris
Aliases：Dān Shā (Cinnabar Red); Chén Shā (Chenzhou Cinnabar); Dān Lì (Red Chestnut); Zhū Dān (Vermilion Red); Chì Dān (Red Cinnabar); Zhēn Zhū (True Red); Gǒng Shā (Mercury Sand); Guāng Míng Shā (Bright Cinnabar).
Zhū Shā (Cinnabar) is a Chinese medicinal substance. It is a commonly used heavy sedative and mind-calming medicinal material, and is a mineral drug from the cinnabar group of sulfide minerals, primarily composed of mercury sulfide (HgS). This herb was first recorded in the Shennong Bencao Jing (The Divine Farmer's Materia Medica) and listed as a top-grade herb. It has a clinical history of over 2,000 years and is used in approximately 10% of Chinese patent medicines. It is a component of famous formulas such as Angong Niuhuang Wan and Niuhuang Qingxin Wan.
Efficacy & Actions
Clears the heart, calms convulsions, tranquilizes the mind, improves eyesight, and detoxifies.
Indications
Used for palpitations, insomnia with excessive dreaming, epilepsy and mania, infantile convulsions, blurred vision, mouth sores, sore throat, and sores with toxic swellings.
Modern Pharmacology
Sedative and Hypnotic Effects: Exhibits central nervous system effects including sedation, hypnotic activity, anti-anxiety, and anti-fear properties. Anticonvulsant Effect: Possesses certain anticonvulsant activity. Antidepressant Effect: Studies indicate that cinnabar has antidepressant effects. Antiarrhythmic Effect: Exhibits certain antiarrhythmic activity. Topical Anti-inflammatory Effect: Has certain topical anti-inflammatory effects. Target Protein Research: Modern research uses molecular probe technology to identify the target proteins of cinnabar, exploring the molecular mechanisms underlying its sedative and mind-calming effects.
Ingredients
Cinnabar is primarily composed of mercury sulfide (HgS). The Chinese Pharmacopoeia stipulates that the mercury sulfide content in cinnabar shall not be less than 96%. The main component is α-mercury sulfide (α-HgS), with a content exceeding 95%. In addition, it also contains small amounts of soluble mercury salts and various trace elements.
Usage & Dosage
Oral Administration: Take as ground powder, the standard dosage is 0.1–0.5g. It is mostly prepared in pills or powder. Not suitable for decoction (should not be decocted together with other herbs). It should be taken with prepared herbal liquid or warm boiled water. Topical Application: Appropriate amount.
Contraindications
Contraindicated during pregnancy (contains mercury with embryotoxicity, may cause miscarriage). Contraindicated in liver or kidney dysfunction. Use with caution in yin deficiency with fire hyperactivity (cold in nature). Not suitable for large doses or long‑term use even in small amounts. Herb‑herb incompatibilities: Avoid salty water; avoid combination with iodine‑rich herbs (e.g., Haizao, Kunbu); avoid combination with aluminum‑containing herbs (e.g., Mingfan) or contact with aluminum utensils. Herb‑drug interactions: Avoid combination with reducing agents (e.g., sodium bromide, potassium iodide, ferrous sulfate, nitrites); avoid combination with sedatives or anesthetics; avoid combination with Yingxin Dan, Huxin Dan, Liushen Wan, etc. Dietary restrictions: Avoid carp, blood products, and kelp; avoid iron utensils; limit salt intake; avoid high‑fat diet and alcohol.
Selected Formulas
For mental confusion, palpitations, and insomnia (Yizong Jinjian, Zhusha Anshen Wan) Take 0.5 liang each of Zhusha (Cinnabar) and Huanglian (Coptis), 2 qian of Danggui (Angelica), 3 qian of Shengdihuang (Rehmannia), and 2 qian of Gancao (Licorice). Grind into fine powder, mix with wine-steamed cake to make pills the size of hemp seeds, coat with Zhusha. Take 30 pills at bedtime with saliva. For wind-induced epilepsy, manic speech, and mental confusion (Shengji Zonglu, Dansha Wan) Take 1 liang of bright Chensha (Zhusha), 0.5 liang each of stir-fried Suanzaoren (Ziziphus seed) and bright Ruxiang (Frankincense). Grind together. Let the patient drink wine to intoxication, then take 5 qian of the powder mixed with one cup of wine, and let the patient sleep in a quiet room. For various types of hematemesis (Shengji Zonglu, Zhufen San) Take equal parts of ground Zhusha and Hafeng (Clam powder). Grind finely and mix well. Take 2 qian each time with warm wine. For night sweats due to febrile disease and yin deficiency with fire hyperactivity (Shanghan Quansheng Ji, Chensha Baizhi San) Take 1 liang of Baizhi (Angelica dahurica) and 5 qian of Chensha (Zhusha). Grind into powder. Take 2 qian each time with a decoction of Fuling (Poria) and Maidong (Ophiopogon).
Daily Consumption
Cinnabar Cooked with Pig Heart (from Ji Bing Shi Liao 900 Fang): 1 pig heart, 1g cinnabar (Zhū Shā), appropriate amounts of salt and scallions. Wash and split open the pig heart, stuff the cinnabar inside, tie it securely with thread, and boil in sufficient water until fully cooked. Add salt and scallions to taste. Eat the pig heart and drink the soup within 2 days. Efficacy: Calms the mind and relieves palpitations, suitable for irritability, insomnia, and palpitations due to heart fire hyperactivity. Caution: Cinnabar is toxic; do not exceed the recommended dosage or use for prolonged periods. Contraindicated during pregnancy and in patients with liver dysfunction.
Medicinal Parts
Ore.
Selection & Storage
Store in a dry place. Cinnabar powder should be dried at room temperature or below 40°C, and stored in an airtight container, protected from moisture.
