Nature: sour, toxic, warm

Enters: Kidney, Large Intestine

Topical Actions: Kills parasites; eases itching; relieves toxicity.

Topical Indications:

• Scabies, eczema, ringworm, Yin furuncles, damp festering sores, ulcers, carbuncles, itching, acne.
• Used as powder or paste. Also available in soap form (e.g., Thylox) for acne.
Hong-Yen Hsu (Oriental Materia Medica): Dissolves corneous skin, can cause hair to fall out.

Internal Actions:  Tonifies kidney Yang (strengthens Ming Men fire); promotes bowel movement.

Internal Indications:

• Yang deficiency, internal cold: asthma, impotence, painful lower back and knees
• Cold: constipation, especially in the elderly (works by helping the Yang to pass the stool and also by irritating the wall of the gut by forming sulfides – more pronounced effect when there is an abundance of fatty substances in the gut).
Hong-Yen Hsu (Oriental Materia Medica): Antifungal, purgative.

Internal Dose: 1-6g (pills and powders)