Lithargyrum
Aliases：Tuó Sēng (literally "Monk"), Méi Duō Sēng (literally "Many Monks"), Lú Dǐ (literally "Furnace Bottom"), Yín Chí (literally "Silver Pool"), Dàn Yín (literally "Pale Silver"), Jīn Lú Dǐ (literally "Golden Furnace Bottom"), Yín Lú Dǐ (literally "Silver Furnace Bottom"), Jīn Tuó Sēng (literally "Golden Monk"), and Mì Tuó Sēng (an alternative spelling of the main name). (These are all alternative names for Mì Tuó Sēng, i.e., Lithargite / Lithargyrum.)
Mì Tuó Sēng (Lithargite) is a traditional Chinese medicinal material. It is the furnace bottom sediment deposited during the extraction of silver and lead from galena, or a processed product from molten lead. Natural lithargite is very rare; medicinal products are mostly processed from lead. It was first recorded in Tang Bencao (Tang Materia Medica).
Efficacy & Actions
Dries dampness, kills parasites, detoxifies, astringes, and preserves.
Indications
Non‑healing ulcers and sores, mouth ulcers (canker sores), eczema, scabies and ringworm, body odor (bromhidrosis), tinea versicolor (skin discoloration), facial dark spots (melasma), rhinophyma (bulbous nose), and burns and scalds.
Modern Pharmacology
Antibacterial effect: Lithargite ointment at 2% concentration inhibits Trichophyton concentricum, T. violaceum, T. rubrum, and Microsporum ferrugineum; at 4% concentration, it inhibits Epidermophyton floccosum, Trichophyton mentagrophytes, T. pedis, T. interdigitale, T. schoenleinii and its Mongolian variant, among others. Anti-inflammatory effect: It has the effect of reducing inflammation. Astringent effect.
Ingredients
Lithargite is mainly composed of lead oxide (PbO). It also contains small amounts of impurities such as sand, metallic lead, and lead dioxide (PbO₂), as well as trace amounts of lead, antimony, iron, calcium, magnesium, and other elements.
Usage & Dosage
For topical use: in appropriate amounts, grind into powder and sprinkle on, or mix and apply; or make into plasters, ointments, oils, etc. For oral use: grind into powder, 0.2–0.5 g; or make into pills or powders. Internal use should be undertaken with caution and must not exceed the recommended dosage.
Contraindications
Contraindicated in patients with deficient constitution. Contraindicated in pregnant women and children. This product is primarily for external use; long-term or excessive use may cause lead poisoning. Oral use should not exceed one week. Literature reports suggest it may cause kidney damage.
Selected Formulas
For carbuncles and malignant sores with reduced purulent discharge but failure of tissue regeneration (Sheng Hui Fang) Take 1.5 liang of litharge (Mi Tuo Seng), 1 liang of Huanglian (Coptis, roots removed), and 3 fen of Binlang (Areca seed). Grind into fine powder and apply three times daily. For chronic non-healing sores (Zhengzhi Zhunsheng · Yangyi, Pingji San) Take 1 liang each of calcined litharge, calcined Huaruishi (Ophicalcite), and white dragon bone, plus 1 qian each of Ruxiang (Frankincense) and Qingfen (Calomel). Grind into fine powder, mix well, and apply dry to the affected area. For buttock sores (furuncles) with swelling, pain, and purulent discharge (Jingyue Quanshu) Take equal parts of litharge, raw alum, and Dahuang (Rhubarb). Grind into extremely fine powder and apply. For various heat-toxin malignant sores and chancres (Zhengzhi Zhunsheng · Yangyi) Take 1.5 fen each of litharge and Huangbai (Phellodendron), 1 qian of Nifen (calomel), and a little Shexiang (Musk). Clean the sore, dry it, and apply the powder. For bromhidrosis (body odor) (empirical formula) Take litharge, grind into fine powder, and apply to the armpits.
Medicinal Parts
It is the furnace bottom sediment deposited during the extraction of silver and lead from galena, or a processed product from molten lead.
Selection & Storage
Store in airtight dry containers in a dry place, protected from moisture and dust.
