Mirabilitum Crudum
Aliases：Pǔ Xiāo Shí (literally "Crude Mirabilite Stone") — recorded in Wu Pu Bencao (Wu Pu's Materia Medica); Xiāo Shí Pǔ (literally "Niter Stone Crude") — recorded in Mingyi Bielu (The Miscellaneous Records of Famous Physicians); Hǎi Mò (literally "Sea Powder") — recorded in Shiyao Erya (Stone Medicine Erya); Pǔ Xiāo (literally "Crude Mirabilite") — recorded in Taiping Huimin Heji Jufang (Formulary of the Peaceful Benevolent Dispensary); Yán Xiāo (literally "Salt Mirabilite"); Pí Xiāo (literally "Skin Mirabilite"); Shuǐ Xiāo (literally "Water Mirabilite") — recorded in Bencao Gangmu (Compendium of Materia Medica); Hǎi Pí Xiāo (literally "Sea Skin Mirabilite"); and Máo Xiāo (literally "Hairy Mirabilite") — recorded in Yaocaixue (Materia Medica). (These are all alternative names for Pǔ Xiāo, i.e., the crude crystalline product of mirabilite.)
Pǔ Xiāo (Crude Mirabilite) is a traditional Chinese medicinal material. It is the crude crystalline product obtained by processing the mineral mirabilite, which belongs to the mirabilite group of the sulfate class. It was first recorded in Shennong Bencao Jing (The Divine Farmer's Materia Medica).
Efficacy & Actions
Purging heat, softening hardness, removing toxicity, and reducing swelling and dispersing masses.
Indications
Excess heat accumulation, abdominal distension and constipation, red, swollen and painful eyes, sore throat (pharyngitis), carbuncles, sores and toxic swellings, breast abscess with swelling and pain, hemorrhoids with swelling and pain, phlegm retention and accumulation, and abdominal pain due to blood stasis in women.
Modern Pharmacology
Laxative effect: The main component of Pǔ Xiāo is sodium sulfate. Its sulfate ions are not absorbed in the intestine, maintaining a hyperosmotic state in the intestinal lumen. This causes water retention in the intestine and stimulates reflex peristalsis, thereby producing a laxative effect. Reducing swelling and dispersing masses: External application can reduce swelling and disperse masses, and is used for carbuncles, sores, toxic swellings, hemorrhoidal swelling and pain, and other conditions.
Ingredients
Pǔ Xiāo mainly contains hydrated sodium sulfate (Na₂SO₄·10H₂O). It also contains trace amounts of sodium chloride (NaCl) and inorganic elements such as calcium, magnesium, and potassium.
Usage & Dosage
For oral administration: Dissolve in a decoction, 1.5–3 qián (approximately 4.5–9 g); or use in pills or powders. However, this crude product is generally not taken internally; its refined products, Mirabilite (芒硝) or Dried Mirabilite (玄明粉), are preferred for internal use. For topical application: Use an appropriate amount. It can be ground into powder and insufflated into the throat; or dissolved in water for moist compress, applied as eye drops, mixed and rubbed on the affected area, or used for fumigation and washing.
Contraindications
Contraindicated in patients with Spleen‑Stomach deficiency‑cold. Contraindicated during pregnancy.
Selected Formulas
For sore throat (empirical formula) Take 4 liang of Puxiao (refined Glauber's salt, separately ground) and 1 liang of raw Gancao (Licorice) powder. Mix evenly. Use 0.5 qian each time, sprinkle directly into the mouth; for severe swelling, blow it into the throat using a bamboo tube. For red, swollen eyes (empirical formula) Place Puxiao on tofu and steam until melted, then collect the liquid and apply as eye drops. For wind-induced red and ulcerated eyes (empirical formula) Take 1 cup of clear Puxiao, dissolve in 2 bowls of water by boiling, leave it exposed overnight, filter and clarify. Wash the eyes with the liquid in the morning and evening. For swollen and painful hemorrhoids (empirical formula) Take equal parts of Puxiao and Wubeizi (Gallnut), grind into fine powder. For each dose, take 3 liang, add 3 bowls of water, boil for 3-4 times, and use the liquid to soak or wash the affected area. For vomiting due to stomach heat (empirical formula) Take equal parts of Puxiao and Zhizi (Gardenia fruit, stir-fried until black). Grind into powder, take 1-2 spoonfuls with boiling water. For infantile red eyes (empirical formula) Take 2 fen of Huanglian (Coptis) and 1 fen of Puxiao, soak in women's breast milk, and apply as eye drops.
Medicinal Parts
It is the crude crystalline product obtained by processing the mineral mirabilite, which belongs to the mirabilite group of the sulfate class.
Selection & Storage
Store in a dry place in a sealed container, protected from moisture.
