Achatum
Aliases：Mǎ Nǎo (马脑), Mǎ Nǎo (码瑙), Mǎ Nǎo (码碯), and Wén Shí (文石). These are all alternative names for Agate (Mǎ Nǎo).
Mǎ Nǎo (Agate) is a traditional Chinese medicinal material. It is the agate subspecies of quartz, a mineral belonging to the oxide class of the quartz group. It is mainly composed of silicon dioxide (SiO₂). It was first recorded in Bencao Shiyi (Supplements to Materia Medica).
Efficacy & Actions
Clears heat, improves vision, and removes corneal opacities.
Indications
Red and eroded eyelids, and corneal opacities.
Modern Pharmacology
Improves endocrine function and blood circulation: Red agate can improve endocrine function, accelerate blood circulation, and enhance complexion. Calms the nerves: Can soothe tension and reduce mental stress. Aids digestion: Orange‑colored agate is effective for gastrointestinal disorders, can promote the elimination of toxins, and has a soothing effect on liver diseases, gastrointestinal diseases, and neurological disorders. Trace element effects: Trace elements such as iron and manganese contained in agate may come into minimal contact with the skin during wearing.
Ingredients
Agate is mainly composed of silicon dioxide (SiO₂). It often exhibits layered structures due to the alternation of silicon dioxide with hydrated silicon dioxide (silicic acid). The presence of metal oxides gives it a color ranging from very light to dark. It also contains various metal oxides or hydroxides (such as iron and manganese in different valence states).
Usage & Dosage
For topical use: In appropriate amounts, break into pieces and grind into a fine powder; or prepare by the water‑milling method. For eye drops: Use the water‑milled powder as eye drops. For oral administration: Some local standards record 9–12 g for oral use, or 4.5–9 g, mostly used in pills or powders.
Contraindications
Not suitable for infants and young children. Should be used sparingly by those without eye diseases. Should not be used with Cinnamon (Rougui) (recorded in some local standards). This is a mineral-based medicinal and is primarily used externally. 01
Selected Formulas
For corneal opacity (Bencao Gangmu) Take agate, grind into fine powder, and apply to the eyes daily. For red and ulcerated eyes (Bencao Shiyi) Take agate and use it as a hot compress for red and ulcerated eyes. For corneal opacity, red and ulcerated eyes, and related eye disorders (National Prescription Collection of Chinese Patent Medicines, Fushun formula, Ophthalmology Babao San) Take 1.5 qian each of agate, coral, blood amber, and Lianzhu (four ingredients boiled thoroughly with tofu, then ground into extremely fine powder), 5 fen of bear gallbladder, 5 fen of borax, 4 fen of borneol, 2.5 fen of musk, 7.5 fen of dragon's blood, 7.5 fen of Piansha (likely cinnabar or borneol), 5 fen of frankincense, 5 fen of myrrh, and 1.5 liang of calamine. Grind all ingredients together into an extremely fine powder and apply to the eyes.
Medicinal Parts
It is the agate subspecies of quartz, a mineral belonging to the oxide class of the quartz group.
Selection & Storage
Store in airtight dry containers in a cool, dry place, protected from dust.
