✵The TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) herbalism is also known as pharmaceutics of Traditional Chinese Medicine, or Chinese pharmaceutics, is the branch of health science dealing with the preparation, dispensing, and proper utilization of Chinese herbs. It is majorly composed of Introduction of Chinese Medicinals, Classification of Chinese Herbs, Formulas, and Patent medicines.
Classifications of Herbs:Herbs for External Use.
Introduction: Herbs for External Use: an agent or substance herbs that used externally for external disease.
✵Till January 1st, 2024, there are totally [9] kinds of common TCM herbs, [1] kinds of related plant species, [3] kinds of related insect species, [6] kind of minerals, are recorded in this category. These Herbs for External Use are briefly introduced separately:
Sulfur.
Brief Introduction: The Herb Sulfur is obtained from natural sources after purification, used (1).externally as an antiparasitic for treating scabies, and (2).internally to reinforce Yang for the treatment of impotence and chronic asthma. The herb is commonly known as Sulfur, Liú Huánɡ.
Alumen(Alum).
Brief Introduction: The Herb Alumen is a crystalline mineral salt, hydrated potassium aluminum fulfate, used (1).externally to kill parasites, stop discharges and relieve itching in cases of scabies, tinea, neurodermatitis, and eczematous lesions, and (2).internally to dispel wind-phlegm for treating epilepsy and mania. The herb is commonly known as Alumen, Alum, Alunite, white alum, Bái Fán.
Alumen Ustum(Calcined Alumen).
Brief Introduction: The Herb Alumen Ustum is calcined potassium aluminum sulfate, used to stop discharges, promote the healing of ulcers, stop bleeding, and cause cauterization, externally for the treatment of eczema, excessive leukorrhea with pudendal itching, and nasal polyp, and internally as an astringent for chronic diarrhea and bloody stool. The herb is commonly known as Alumen Ustum, Calcined Alumen, Kū Fán.
Calamina(Calamine).
Brief Introduction: The Herb Calamina is calcined and elutriated powder of smithsonite, mainly composed of zinc carbonate(ZnCO3) with a pink tint due to the presence of a small amount of ferric oxide, used externally as an astringent for chronic ulcers, eczema, conjunctivitis, and keratitis. The herb is commonly known as Calamina, Calamine, Lú Gān Shí.
Sal Purpureum(Purple Rocksalt).
Brief Introduction: The Herb Sal Purpureum is mineral salts containing ammonium chloride, used externally for treating nebula and pterygium, and internally for treating cancer of the esophagus. The Sal Purpureum is a purple-colored rocksalt. The herb is commonly known as Sal Purpureum, Purple Rocksalt, Zǐ Náo Shā.
Sal Ammoniacum(Sal Ammoniac).
Brief Introduction: The Herb Sal Ammoniacum is a colorless crystalline mineral salt mainly containing ammonium chloride. The herb is commonly known as Sal Ammoniacum, Sal Ammoniac, Bái Náo Shā.
Fructus Cnidii(Common Cnidium Fruit).
Brief Introduction: The Herb Fructus Cnidii is the dried ripe fruit of Cnidium monnieri (L.) Cuss (family Umbelliferae), used (1).externally as an astringent and antiparasitic for treating eczema, pruritus vulvae, and trichomonas vaginitis, and (2).internally to warm the kidney and promote virility for the treatment of impotence. The herb is commonly known as Fructus Cnidii, Common Cnidium Fruit, Shé Chuánɡ Zǐ.
Nidus Vespae(Wasp's Nest).
Brief Introduction: The Herb Nidus Vespae is the nest of wasps or hornets, Polistes olivaceous (DeGeer)., Polistes japonicus Saussure., Parapolybia varia Fabricius (family Vespidae), used (1).externally for treating tinea, (2).as gargle for treating painful swelling of the gums, and (3).internally for treating convulsions, urticaria, and chronic cough. The herb is commonly known as Nidus Vespae, Wasp's Nest, Fēnɡ Fánɡ.