Mang Xiao - Glauber's Salt
TCM Materia Medica
Mang Xiao TCM Herb Classifications and Usages
The TCM herb "mang xiao" which in english is "glauber's salt", is categorized within the "herbs that drain downward" functional grouping. It is thought to enter the large intestine and stomach channels and exhibits acrid, bitter (ku), cold (han) and salty (xian) 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: 3-9g
Of many possible clinical applications, it may be considered to influence the following issues/symptoms:
- Purges accumulations, guides out stagnation - heat in the stomach and intestines with constipation; moistens dryness and softens hardness.
- Clears heat, reduces swelling - red, swollen, painful eyes, mouth, and/or throat; red, swollen skin lesions including breast problems.
Mang Xiao has some precautions to be considered (see our precautions list).
- Avoid during Pregnancy, while nusrsing, during menstruation.
- Avoid in the elderly.
- Avoid in cases of excess heat.
While it may not always be included depending on the manufacturer or herbalist making the formula, mang xiao is generally included in the following 2 formulas:
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A range of gallbladder, liver and related digestive/obstructive issues - clears damp heat from the liver and gall bladder in TCM terms. Symptoms may include gallstones and/or a range of digestive is…
As noted above, mang xiao is within the herbs that drain downward functional group. All the herbs in this category are listed below.
(truncated intro "... purgatives - constipation from interior-heat or interior-cold (both are interior excesses). moist laxatives - often nuts or seeds, lubricates the intestines; mild in nature - elderly or weakness from febrile disease or from child birth. h…)".
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