The efficacy and function of alum

Speaking of alum, many people know that it is a traditional Chinese medicinal material. Do you know the effects and functions of alum? How should it be eaten? Let’s find out now.

[Other names] Alum (Classic of Mountains and Seas), Qingfen Stone, Lizhi Stone, Guyang Stone (Ben Jing), Bailum Stone, Shuxiang, Zeru (Wu Pu's Materia Medica), Taibai Stone, Rock Salt (Bielu).

[Source] It is an ore of the sulfide mineral arsenopyrite .

[Original form] Arsenopyrite, also known as arsenopyrite.

[Chemical composition] The chemical composition of arsenopyrite contains 34.3% iron, 46.0% arsenic and 19.7% sulfur. There are generally fewer inclusions. But some also contain small amounts of diamond, antimony and copper.

[Processing] "Yi Lin Zong Yao": "The alum vinegar quenching and calcining must be done seven times."

[Nature and flavor] Spicy, sweet, hot, poisonous.

【Meridian】 "Compendium of Materia Medica": "Enter the hand and foot Taiyin meridians."

【Functions and indications】Dispels cold accumulation, removes cold and dampness, erodes bad flesh, and kills insects. It is used to treat chronic cold abdominal pain, accumulation of hard masses, wind-cold and dampness, hemorrhoids, fistulas, polyps, and ulcers and ringworms.

[Usage and Dosage] For oral administration: make into pills, powder, or soak in wine. For external use: grind into powder and apply on skin.

【Note】 Use with caution when taking internally.

[Additional prescription] ① To treat athlete's foot: 2 pounds of white alum. Take three dou of wine, soak it for four or five days, and drink it slowly. (Filling the gap at the back of the elbow)

【Discussions by various scholars】 ① "Compendium of Materia Medica": "Alumite is similar in nature to arsenic, and is probably of the same kind. In ancient prescriptions, alumite and alumite were often written as one another, probably because the two words are similar and therefore a mistake. However, alumite is cold and non-toxic, while alumite is hot and toxic, so it is important to be careful. Master Lu Nong said: The power of alumite is ten times that of stalactites. According to the fact that the Luo River is not frozen today, there is also alumite under it, which is why people call it Wenluo. If you take this stone and put it in a jar, the water will not freeze. With such a nature, how can it be taken?"

【Excerpt】 《*Dictionary》

[Source] From "Shennong's Herbal Classic".

Above we introduced what alumite is. We know that alumite is actually a traditional Chinese medicinal material that can bring us health benefits and has almost no major side effects, so you might as well try it in your spare time.