Calomel (qing fen)

Calomelas (kwikchloride)

Traditionally attributed effects: was used externally against scabies and sores; contains mercury.

Safety notes

Toxic or risky: only under expert supervision. Deliberately no dosage is given here. Contains mercury, a heavy metal that accumulates in the body and can irreversibly damage the nervous system, kidneys and liver. Products with mercury are not permitted in the EU as a medicine or food supplement. Do not use, not even externally; keep out of the reach of children. Traditional use is no proof of effectiveness; if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication or have a medical condition, consult a doctor or pharmacist.

Cautions by tradition (1)

Chinese materia medica: Mercury: do not use.

Preparation

Powder. Deliberately no dosage is given here.

Use in traditions

Described in the classical Chinese materia medica, in the group 'substances for external use'. Calomel (qing fen) is mercury(I) chloride. In China and Europe it was used into the 20th century as a laxative and against syphilis, causing many cases of mercury poisoning. It is no longer used internally.

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, cold, toxic
Meridians: bladder, kidney, liver

Attributed effects

The book describes external use against scabies, ringworm, lice and syphilitic sores and to stanch bleeding, and internal use for bloody dysentery, abnormal uterine bleeding and thick phlegm.

Preparation and amount

Deliberately no dosage is given here: only under the supervision of a qualified therapist.

Caution: Mercury: do not use.

Ways to prepare herbs: Powder and kitchen

Sources

All herbs from Asia →