State/School

Pacific College Comps

Pharm Name

Sulfur

Common Name

Sulfur

Category

Topical Applications

Ingredients

Taste

Sour, Toxic

Pao Zhi

Temperature

Hot

Action / Indication

1. Resolves toxicity, kills parasites, and stops itching: an important topical substance, especially for scabies, but also for tinea, damp festering sores, ulcers, and recalcitrant yin-flat abscesses. Also alleviates the itching associated with these types of disorders.
2. Tonifies the fire at the gate of vitality and strengthens the yang: taken internally to strengthen the yang fire and reduce yin cold. Used for many types of interior cold yin patterns such as cold and painful lower back and knees or impotence due to Kidney yang deficiency, and asthma due to Spleen and Kidney yang deficiency. Also for constipation or diarrhea in the elderly caused by cold, where this substance helps the Kidney yang to manage the bowels.

Treatment Principles

1. Clears Toxicity
2. Kills Parasites
3. Stops Itching
4. Warms Kidney Yang

Contraindication

Contraindicated during pregnancy, and with yin deficiency heat. Use only short-term with a small dosage. Overdosage (10-20g) can have severe side-effects, ranging from burning nose and reduced appetite to liver failure and death. Mild overdose can be antidoted with 30g of Wu Mei decocted with sugar, or Mung bean soup.

Dosages

1-3g, in pills or powder. Use topically as an ointment, powder, or paste.

Meridians

KD, LI, PC

Tom's Comment

Source

Formula Type