Zhu Sha - Cinnabar
TCM Materia Medica
Zhu Sha TCM Herb Classifications and Usages
The TCM herb "zhu sha" which in english is "cinnabar", is categorized within the "herbs that anchor, settle and calm the spirit" functional grouping. It is thought to enter the heart channels and exhibits cool and sweet (gan) taste/temperature properties.
Dosages and preparations will vary according to each individual and the overall approach of a formula, but generally this herb has the following dosage and/or preparation guidelines:
- Dosage: 0.3-2.7g pill or powder
- Do not heat
Of many possible clinical applications, it may be considered to influence the following issues/symptoms:
- Sedates the heart, calms the spirit - restlessness, palpitations, anxiety, insomnia, convulsion.
- Clears heat, relieves toxicity - carbuncles, sore throat.
Zhu Sha has some precautions to be considered (see our precautions list).
- Mercury Toxicity.
While it may not always be included depending on the manufacturer or herbalist making the formula, zhu sha is generally included in the following 3 formulas:
ViewAn Gong Niu Huang Wan (Calm The Palace Pill With Cattle Gallstone)
Resuscitates, clears heat, calms shen, and expels phelgm - coma arising from stroke, convulsions, loss of consciousness.
ViewHui Chun Wan (Recovery Special Pill)
Most often used for childhood convulsions (possibly with wheezing, nausea, nighttime crying, vomiting, diarrhea, excessive mucus/saliva) or other conditions that involve fever, impaired or loss of …
ViewTian Wang Bu Xin Wan (Emperor of Heavens Special Pill to Tonify the Heart)
Anxiety, insomnia, irritability, night sweats, hot flashes, flushing or sensation of heat in the palms due to deficiency heat. Insomnia, poor memory, poor focus and concentration due to yin deficien…
As noted above, zhu sha is within the herbs that anchor, settle and calm the spirit functional group. All the herbs in this category are listed below.
(truncated intro "... mostly involves the heart and the liver - irritability, insomnia, palpitations, anxiety, insanity. herbs within this group are usually minerals or shells with side effects of injuring the stomach and/or spleen - most often combined with h…)".
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