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Cinnabar, Zhu Sha 朱砂
Zhu Sha (TCM)
Hingula (Ayurveda)
Mtshal མཚལ (Tibetan)
Hingula (Ayurveda)
Mtshal མཚལ (Tibetan)
Ortus Sanitatis, Beck, 1517
Native Cinnabar in crystal form
Exotic Mineralogy, Sowerby, 1811
Exotic Mineralogy, Sowerby, 1811
Different grades of Natural and Artificial Cinnabar / Vermillion. (Adam, Chengdu Medicine Market, 2015)
Grains of Natural Cinnabar
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Vermillion; man-made red sulphide of Mercury
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Mineralogical name:
Cinnabar; Native Red Mercury Sulphide;
Vermillion is the name given to red Mercury Sulphide prepared artificially by subliming Mercury and Sulphur.
Temperature & Taste:
Cool, dry. Sweet. Toxic
PROPERTIES:
Crystal system: trigonal
Color: Cochineal-red, towards brownish red and lead-gray
Streak: scarlet
Cleavage: prismatic, perfect
Fracture: uneven, subconchoidal
Luster: adamantine to dull
Tenacity: slightly sectile
Transparency: Transparent in thin pieces
Hardness: 2-2.5
Specific Gravity: 8.17
Classification:
2B ATTENUATERS 2B ATTENUATERS 2F. PURIFYING
3A. SUDORIFICS & DIAPHORETICS 3C. ALEXIPHARMICS
TCM:
B. Clear Heat
G. Sedate the Heart, Mind and Spirit
Cinnabar; Native Red Mercury Sulphide;
Vermillion is the name given to red Mercury Sulphide prepared artificially by subliming Mercury and Sulphur.
Temperature & Taste:
Cool, dry. Sweet. Toxic
PROPERTIES:
Crystal system: trigonal
Color: Cochineal-red, towards brownish red and lead-gray
Streak: scarlet
Cleavage: prismatic, perfect
Fracture: uneven, subconchoidal
Luster: adamantine to dull
Tenacity: slightly sectile
Transparency: Transparent in thin pieces
Hardness: 2-2.5
Specific Gravity: 8.17
Classification:
2B ATTENUATERS 2B ATTENUATERS 2F. PURIFYING
3A. SUDORIFICS & DIAPHORETICS 3C. ALEXIPHARMICS
TCM:
B. Clear Heat
G. Sedate the Heart, Mind and Spirit
Uses:
1. Calms the Heart, Mind and Spirit (West, Unani, Ayurveda, Tibetan, TCM):
-Confusion, Restlessness, Anxiety, excessive Dreaming, Insomnia, Palpitation, Fright related disorders
-Epilepsy and Convulsions including Childhood Convulsions
-calms Restless, Nervous, or Hyper-emotional people
-Mania and Manic Depression.
-Heat, Wind and Heat, Heat and Phlegm, or deficiency syndromes, depending on the medicines it is used with.
-The TCM Classic Sheng Nongs Herbal said Cinnabar helps ‘attain mental tranquility, calming the Soul’.
2. Stops Wind, Stops Spasms (West, Unani, Ayurveda, Tibetan, TCM):
-Convulsion, Epilepsy, infantile Convulsions from high fever.
-Paralysis, Apoplexy, Dizziness, Vertigo etc (several claimed it specific for Vertigo)
3. Clears Heat and Poison (West, Unani, Ayurveda, Tibetan, TCM):
-Infections, Poisons, Rhinitis, Fever, including chronic Fevers.
-special effect on the blood, and is therefore used for Gonorrhea, Gout, Arthritis, and all toxin of the Blood;
-serious Carbuncles associated with fever, and for bleeding.
-Scrofula, Fistula.
-obstinate skin diseases including Leprosy (accounted very useful in Ayurveda).
-Classically used for Chronic Infectious diseases, Toxin and Poison Bites including Rabid Dog bites.
-Ayurveda uses it for Hepatitis and swelling of the Spleen.
-Traditionally used for illnesses caused by Demons and Evil Spirits.
-Parasitic infections.
4. Rasayana (West, Unani, Ayurveda, Tibetan, TCM):
-regarded as an excellent medicine to prevent and cure senility and other disorders of old age;
-promotes Strength.
-Spermatorrhea, Diabetes.
-Useful in many chronic diseases, depending on the medicines it is used with.
-Some texts have stated that it is useful in the treatment of all diseases (as is Mercury), and can help cure obstinate and otherwise incurable diseases; this is related to its effects of pacifying all three Dosas (Phlegm, Wind and Bile).
5. Externally:
-applied to Boils, Carbuncles, Toxic Sores, Mouth Ulcers, Sore Throat, purulent discharge of the ear
-applied to poisonous bites including Snakebite (West, Unani, Ayurveda, Tibetan, TCM)
-‘Moderns repute it as a Secret, to hinder Cancers from creeping farther’. (Edward Strother, Materia Medica, 1727)
PREPARATION:
1. It must be washed well with water to remove irritant and toxic salts.
2. In the west, it was then triturated with Rose water to a very fine powder.
3. In Ayurveda it is washed well with Lemon juice 7 times, then triturated with the same. Ginger juice has also been used in Ayurveda.
COMMENT:
As with Mercury, Cinnabar has been regarded in all systems as a potent medicine, capable of restoring balance of the 3 Dosas (Humors), and correcting the disposition of the Blood. This was taken from the Doctrine of Signatures (its Blood-red color) from a very early age. Obviously it is mostly obsolete today, although it may have use in some obstinate and chronic diseases of the elderly. Modern research has demonstrated that therapeutic doses or 'purified' or prepared Cinnabar show no toxic effects.
DOSE:
Diet while using should be salt-free and based on a light diet of rice and dairy as per traditional Ayurvedic recommendations.
100–500mg (up to 1–1 ½ grams)
SUBSTITUTES:
1. Magnetite has been used as a substitute for Cinnabar
2. Gold (in lesser dose) can be used as a substitute for Mercury and Cinnabar.
3. Native Cinnabar itself has been used as a substitute for prepared Mercury (which is also prepared into sulphide form).
1. It must be washed well with water to remove irritant and toxic salts.
2. In the west, it was then triturated with Rose water to a very fine powder.
3. In Ayurveda it is washed well with Lemon juice 7 times, then triturated with the same. Ginger juice has also been used in Ayurveda.
COMMENT:
As with Mercury, Cinnabar has been regarded in all systems as a potent medicine, capable of restoring balance of the 3 Dosas (Humors), and correcting the disposition of the Blood. This was taken from the Doctrine of Signatures (its Blood-red color) from a very early age. Obviously it is mostly obsolete today, although it may have use in some obstinate and chronic diseases of the elderly. Modern research has demonstrated that therapeutic doses or 'purified' or prepared Cinnabar show no toxic effects.
DOSE:
Diet while using should be salt-free and based on a light diet of rice and dairy as per traditional Ayurvedic recommendations.
100–500mg (up to 1–1 ½ grams)
SUBSTITUTES:
1. Magnetite has been used as a substitute for Cinnabar
2. Gold (in lesser dose) can be used as a substitute for Mercury and Cinnabar.
3. Native Cinnabar itself has been used as a substitute for prepared Mercury (which is also prepared into sulphide form).
Main Combinations:
Brain, Nerves, Wind diseases:
1. Epilepsy:
i. Cinnabar with Magnetite (TCM)
ii. Cinnabar with Red Coral, Pearl, Saffron, Gold (Riverius)
iii. Cinnabar with Amber, Red Coral, Peony root (Bateana)
iv. Cinnabar with Lapis Lazuli, Mistletoe, Peony root and seed, Pearl, Coral, Amber
2. Infantile Convulsions:
i. Cinnabar, Peony root, Nutmeg (West)
ii. Cinnabar, Pearl, Tabasheer (West)
iii. Centipede (Wu Gong) with Cinnabar
iv. Cinnabar with Centipede (Wu Gong), Saposhnikovia Fang Feng, Tabasheer (Tian Zhu Huang), Amber (TCM)
3. Vertigo, Dizziness:
i. Cinnabar with Peony root
ii. Amber, Peony, Cinnabar
iii. Cinnabar, Red Coral, Pearl, Amber
iv. Cinnabar, Mistletoe, Peony, Red Coral
4. Paralysis, Arthritis, Convulsions, Nervous diseases, Amber with Peony, Mistletoe, Pearl, Cinnabar, Millipede, Earthworms, Viper powder (Pulvis Visceralis, Dispensatory of Prague)
5. Insomnia:
i. Cinnabar with Rehmannia Sheng Di Huang and Dang Gui (TCM)
ii. Cinnabar, Pearl, Red Coral
6. Heart Fire causing Madness, Mania, Hallucinations, Tabasheer with Bezoar, Cinnabar, Coptis Huang Lian, Polygala Yuan Zhi, Poria Fu Shen, Licorice, Gold and Silver (as in Tian Zhu Huang Wan)
Catarrh, Asthma:
7. Catarrh and as a Brain tonic, Cinnabar with Pyrethrum, Cinnamon, Clove, Henbane seed, Saffron, Nutmeg (as in Pills of Cinnabar of Unani)
8. Catarrh, Headache and Toxic Fevers, Cinnabar with purified Aconitum ferox, purified Borax, Mace, Nutmeg, Black Pepper, Long Pepper (as in Kasturi Bhairava Rasa of Ayurveda)
9. Asthma, Arum, Orris, Cinnabar, Sublimed Sulphur (equal parts) (2 drams), Benzoic acid (½ dram), Sugar dissolved in White Lily Water (8 0z.). Form troches. (Memorial Pharmaceutique, 1824)
Tonic:
10. Wasting and Consumption, Cinnabar with Iron Bhasma, Ginger, Long Pepper, Black Pepper, Triphala, Cardamon, Nutmeg and Clove (Ayurveda)
11. Consumption, to increase Yin and Semen, Cinnabar with Gold, Silver, Pearl, Red Coral, Iron Bhasma, Mica Bhasma, purified Realgar, Chebulic Myrobalan (Ayurveda)
Other:
12. To prevent Miscarriage, Cinnabar with Lesser Cardamon, Cinnamon, Ginger, Black Pepper, Coriander seed, Raisins, Iron Bhasma (Ayurveda)
13. Syphilis, Chlorophytum with Cinnabar
Externally:
14. Ointment for Syphilitic Ulcers and Buboes, Cinnabar with Calomel, Litharge, Chebulic and Belleric Myroabalans, Galls (Siddha)
15. Eczema, Scabies, Psoriasis:
i. Sublimed Sulphur, Cinnabar (equal parts); apply
ii. Cinnabar made into an ointment with Wax and Oil of Roses. (The Secrets of Alexis, 1615)
16. Sores and Ulcers of the Mouth and Throat, Cinnabar with Realgar and Borneo Camphor topically (TCM)
17. Chronic Periodontitis (Gum inflammation), Talc powder (18), Licorice powder (6), Cinnabar (3), Realgar (1 ½). Powder and mix with 70 grams of Honey. Apply topically daily for 2 weeks, then have a break (TCM)
18. Discharge of pus from the Ears, boils and abscesses, and for 'eating away of the gums', Cinnabar (3 drams), Honey (8 drams), Vinegar (4 drams). Boil until thick, apply topically on lint, or dissolve in Vinegar to be poured into the ears. (Syrian "Book of Medicine", trans. by Wallis Budge, 1913)
Major Formulas:
Su He Xiang Wan
An Gong Niu Huang Wan
Tian Wan Bu Xin Wan
Shi Xiang Fan Sheng Wan
Zhi Bao Dan
Dian She Wan
Zi Xue Dan
Qi Li San
Cautions:
1. Its use is illegal in most developed countries. If it is used it should only be used for severe and obstinate diseases where other medicines have failed.
2. Toxic in overdose or long-term use. Should not be used for more than 2–3 weeks without a break in treatment.
3. Should not be used in very young children or breastfeeding mothers.
4. Not to be heated.
5. Salt is generally contraindicated while taking mercurial medicines. Some older TCM texts stated that meat should not be eaten while taking Cinnabar.
TOXICITY:
Cinnabar has been listed as inert in older versions of Merck manual, meaning it is neither therapeutic nor toxic.
It has been postulated that internal use of Cinnabar may be converted into the highly toxic methylmercury by intestinal bacteria. However, this has been demonstrated to not be the case: Cinnabar is not converted into methylmercury by human intestinal bacteria.
A small percentage of soluble Mercury is liberated when ingested. Although further studies showed that free mercury rapidly recombines with free Sulphur which is also contained in Cinnabar. This also explains why, particularly in Eastern systems, Sulphur is commonly added to compounds with mercurials.
"In summary, cinnabar is chemically inert with a relatively low toxic potential when taken orally".
Main Preparations used:
Washed and Prepared Cinnabar
1. Its use is illegal in most developed countries. If it is used it should only be used for severe and obstinate diseases where other medicines have failed.
2. Toxic in overdose or long-term use. Should not be used for more than 2–3 weeks without a break in treatment.
3. Should not be used in very young children or breastfeeding mothers.
4. Not to be heated.
5. Salt is generally contraindicated while taking mercurial medicines. Some older TCM texts stated that meat should not be eaten while taking Cinnabar.
TOXICITY:
Cinnabar has been listed as inert in older versions of Merck manual, meaning it is neither therapeutic nor toxic.
It has been postulated that internal use of Cinnabar may be converted into the highly toxic methylmercury by intestinal bacteria. However, this has been demonstrated to not be the case: Cinnabar is not converted into methylmercury by human intestinal bacteria.
A small percentage of soluble Mercury is liberated when ingested. Although further studies showed that free mercury rapidly recombines with free Sulphur which is also contained in Cinnabar. This also explains why, particularly in Eastern systems, Sulphur is commonly added to compounds with mercurials.
"In summary, cinnabar is chemically inert with a relatively low toxic potential when taken orally".
Main Preparations used:
Washed and Prepared Cinnabar
Salmon, Seplasium:
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'The best is that which is solid and heavy, which is of a Solar nature replenished with the best Sulphur and Mercury, and therefore that of Hungary is to be chosen'.
'Being ground upon a Marble into an impalpable powder, it is almost an universal Medicine, and may be given from 10 to 30, 40 grains, or a Dram, in any convenient Vehicle, for 40, 50, or 60 days together, taking it always at Bed-time; it may be taken two days together, and sometimes three, and then the next day to purge after it, and so to continue the taking of it till 30, 40, or 50, or more days are taken'. 'It is (thus crude as it is) an excellent Antivenereal, and being taken inwardly it expels the Pox, and all pocky Miasmata out of the whole body and all its juices; it |
sweetens the Blood, takes away all manner of pains or aches in any part, all manner of Pocky Nodes, Tophus, Gums, Scabs, Sores, Ulcers, Swellings, nocturnal Pains, Scrophulous Tumors, kills Worms in Young or Old, cures the Epilepsy (for which it is accounted a Specific) and is excellent for Vertigoes, Apoplexies, Palsies, Lethargies, Caras, and other like Diseases of the Head and Brain'.
'It is an Antidote against the Plague, and all manner of putrefactive and malignant Fevers, and given with a Dose of Mithridate, it eases all manner of Pains and provokes Sweat'. 'It helps womens Fluxes [menstruation], the Dysentery and Spitting of Blood; it fastens the Teeth, and strengthens the Gums'. |