- Region
- Asia
- Origin
- Borneo and Sumatra; nowadays often synthetic
- Traditions
- Chinese medical traditions
Asia · Other · № 770
Dryobalanops aromatica (borneol)
Other · Asia
Borneol (bing pian)
Dryobalanops aromatica (borneol)
Traditionally attributed effects: opens the sense orifices, cools heat and relieves pain; mainly external.
Safety notes
The book describes this remedy for unconsciousness, coma and stroke; these are always medical emergencies (112). Not during pregnancy or with qi or blood deficiency; not for long periods. 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
Crystals. Usually as a decoction, together with other herbs.
Use in traditions
Described in the classical Chinese materia medica, in the group 'aromatic substances that open the sense orifices'. Bing pian, 'ice flakes', is the crystalline substance from the resin of the Borneo camphor tree. It is used in very small amounts to restore consciousness and externally for sores and sore throat; it is found in many Chinese patent remedies.
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
- pungent, bitter, slightly cold
- Meridians
- heart, lung, spleen
Attributed effects
The book describes use for unconsciousness and convulsions from very high fever, and externally for a swollen, painful throat, vaginal inflammation, small skin ulcers and sensitivity to light.
Preparation and amount
Deliberately no dosage is given here: only under the supervision of a qualified therapist. A common ingredient of Chinese pain balms and throat powders, often with borax and alum.
- Ways to prepare herbs
- DecoctionSalve and balmPowder and kitchen
- Formulas
- An gong niu huang wanQi li san