Single Herb Glossary
Máng Xiāo 芒硝
| Pharmaceutical name | Natrii Sulfas Natrii sulfas mineral sodium sulfate decahydrate mirabilite, glauber's salt |
| Category | Downward Draining |
| Key Properties | Softens hardened clumping of pathogenic heat in the Intestines |
| Properties | Acrid Bitter Salty Very Cold |
| Tropism | ST, LI |
| Actions & Indications | 1) Purges Accumulation, Guides Out Stagnation (constipation) 2) Clears Heat & Drains Fire (LU/ST Phlegm-Heat, Phlegm Fire) 3) Clears Heat & Reduces Swelling (Topical: throat aphthus) |
| Dosages | 6-18g; added to strained decoction (or warm water), do not decoct |
| Contraindications (TCM) | CI: Pregnancy, Def & Cold of Sp/St; topical use for breast abscess may lead to decrease/termination of lactation |
| Contraindications (Western) | |
| Chemical Composition | Hydrated sodium sulfate (Na2S04+10H20) 96-98%, sodium chloride, magnesium chloride, magnesium sulfate, calcium sulfate |
| Pharmacological Effects | • Laxative: Mang Xiao is an osmotic agent and has marked purgative effect; following oral administration, remains in gastrointestinal system and is not absorbed systemically; as an osmotic agent, increases water content and pressure in the intestines, thus inducing peristalsis and bowel movement; most effective when taken with large amount of water; laxative effect usually achieved within 4 to 6 hours following oral ingestion |
| Herb-Drug Interactions | • This herb antagonizes or is antagonized by Liu Huang (Sulphur) and San Leng (Rhizoma Sparganii) |
| Classical Formula(s) |
Tiao Wei Cheng Qi Tang (Regulate the ST and order the Qi decoction) 調胃承氣湯 (调胃承气汤) Huang Long Tang (Yellow Dragon Decoction) 黃龍湯 Liang Ge San (Cool the Diaphragm powder) 涼膈散 Qing Xin Li Ge Tang (Clear the Heart and Enable the Diaphragm Decoction) 清心利膈湯 Tao He Cheng Qi Tang (Peach Pit Decoction to Order the Qi) 桃核承氣湯 (桃核承气汤) Zeng Ye Cheng Qi Tang (Increase the fluids and Order the Qi decoction) 增液承氣湯 Bie Jia Jian Wan (delete Qiang Lang) (Soft-Shelled Turtle Dec) 鳖甲煎丸 （减蜣螂） Da Cheng Qi Tang (Major Order the Qi Decoction) 大承氣湯 (大承气汤) Da Huang Mu Dan Tang (Rhubarb and Moutan Decoction) 大黄牡丹湯 Fang Feng Tong Sheng San (Saposhnikovia powder that sagely unblocks) 防風通聖散 |
This information is a reference tool for Chinese herbal studies. It is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Please consult a primary health professional if you require health advisory.