- Region
- Asia
- Origin
- Mineral; mined in China and elsewhere
- Traditions
- Chinese medical traditions
Asia · Mineral · № 781
Borax (natriumtetraboraat)
Mineral · Asia
Borax (peng sha)
Borax (natriumtetraboraat)
Traditionally attributed effects: externally for small ulcers in mouth, throat and vagina and for athlete's foot.
Safety notes
In the EU borax is classified as harmful to fertility and the unborn child and can damage the kidneys: do not use internally, not during pregnancy. Traditional use is no proof of effectiveness; if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication or have a medical condition, consult a doctor or pharmacist.
Preparation
Powder. Usually as a decoction, together with other herbs.
Use in traditions
Described in the classical Chinese materia medica, in the group 'substances for external use'. Borax (peng sha) was used externally on sores in the mouth and throat, for example in the powder Bing Peng San. Internally borax is toxic, among other things to reproduction; in the EU it is classified as such.
Applications
Use by tradition
How different herbal traditions describe this herb. Amounts are traditional guidelines checked for obvious errors; they are not medical advice. For poisonous plants no dosage is given on purpose.
Chinese materia medica
- Nature and taste
- sweet, salty, cool
- Meridians
- lung, stomach
Attributed effects
Externally for pain and swelling with open small ulcers, athlete's foot, white, weeping small ulcers in the vagina and small ulcers in mouth and throat. The book also mentions short-term internal use for hot, thick phlegm.
Preparation and amount
Deliberately no dosage is given here: only under the supervision of a qualified therapist.
Combinations
- With borneol and alum as a powder on small ulcers in nose, throat or vagina
- Ways to prepare herbs
- DecoctionPowder and kitchen