Pyritum
Aliases：Shí Suǐ Qiān (Stone Marrow Lead); Fāng Kuài Tóng (Square Block Copper); Rán Tóng (Natural Copper); Huáng Tiě Kuàng (Pyrite).
Zì Rán Tóng (Pyrite) is a Chinese medicinal substance. It is a sulfide mineral belonging to the pyrite group, primarily composed of ferrous disulfide (FeS₂). It commonly appears as dense massive aggregates with a bright light yellow surface and metallic luster; it is heavy and hard in texture.
Efficacy & Actions
Disperses stasis, relieves pain, mends fractures, and connects tendons.
Indications
Used for traumatic injuries, fractures and tendon injuries, and swelling and pain due to blood stasis.
Modern Pharmacology
Promotion of Fracture Healing: Research has revealed that its mechanism is related to the sulfur element it contains. Sulfur from Pyrite acidifies the blood environment upon entering the body. This seemingly "bone-destroying" osteoclastic effect is actually a key step in initiating new bone formation, creating a "breaking down before building up" mechanism. The low-valence sulfur lowers the internal pH and acidifies the blood; to counteract this acidification, the body activates mechanisms that promote bone regeneration. Promotion of Osteoblast Proliferation: Both raw and processed (calcined and vinegar-quenched) Pyrite can promote osteoblast proliferation, which is related to the metal elements it contains, such as Fe, Zn, Mg, and Cu, with Fe showing the strongest correlation. Processing Enhances Efficacy and Reduces Toxicity: After calcination, the dissolution of Fe, Cu, and Zn increases, with Fe being over a hundred times higher than other elements. These are essential elements for its bone-healing effects. Simultaneously, the toxic element lead is significantly reduced after processing, enhancing efficacy while reducing side effects. Inhibition of Tumor Bone Metastasis.
Ingredients
Pyrite (Zì Rán Tóng) primarily contains ferrous disulfide (FeS₂). It also contains impurities such as copper, nickel, arsenic, antimony, silicon, barium, and lead. After calcination, the levels of dissolved iron, copper, and zinc are increased.
Usage & Dosage
Oral Administration: Decoction: The standard dosage is 3–9g. When used in a decoction, it should be decocted first (before adding other herbs). Some sources also record a dosage of 10–15g. Pills or Powder: Often used in pill or powder formulations. Topical Application: Appropriate amount, ground into powder and mixed for external application.
Contraindications
Not suitable for long-term use: As Zì Rán Tóng (Pyrite) is a blood-moving and stasis-dispersing substance, prolonged use may increase the metabolic burden on the liver and kidneys and pose a risk of metal accumulation toxicity. Contraindicated in patients with yin deficiency and fire excess. Contraindicated in patients with blood deficiency without blood stasis. Use with caution during pregnancy: Pregnant women, those planning pregnancy, and nursing mothers should use it under the guidance of a physician. Patients with renal insufficiency should not take it in large amounts.
Selected Formulas
Zì Rán Tóng Sǎn (Pyrite Powder, from Zhang Shi Yi Tong, Volume 14) Ingredients: Pyrite (calcined until red-hot, quenched in vinegar seven times, and left on damp soil for over a month), Frankincense (Rǔ Xiāng), Myrrh (Mò Yào), Angelica Root (Dāng Guī Shēn), and Notopterygium Root (Qiāng Huó), in equal parts. Usage: Grind the above ingredients into a powder. Take 2 qian (approximately 6g) each time, mixed with strong wine, twice daily. For bone injuries, soak 0.5 liang (approximately 15g) of Drynaria (Gǔ Suì Bǔ) in wine, pound and extract the juice, and take it together with the powder. Indications: Fractures from falls or trauma. Formula for Sudden Lumbar Sprain (from Shanxi Chinese Herbal Medicine) Ingredients: Calcined Pyrite and Ground Beetle (Tǔ Biē Chóng), 1 liang (approximately 30g) each, ground into powder. Usage: Take 5 fen (approximately 1.5g) each time with boiling water, twice daily. Indications: Sudden lumbar sprain and lower back pain.
Daily Consumption
Zì Rán Tóng (Pyrite) is a mineral drug and is generally not used in daily dietary therapy or as a tea infusion. It is mostly taken in pills, powder, or as a decoction under medical prescription.
Medicinal Parts
Ore (primarily composed of ferrous disulfide, FeS₂).
Selection & Storage
Store in a dry, airtight container in a dry place, protected from dust.
