Qing Fen (Hg₂Cl₂ (Mercurous chloride))

☯ TCM Properties

Category: external_applications

Temperature: cold

Taste: pungent

Meridians: liver, kidney, large_intestine

Functions:

Attacks Toxins and Kills Parasites; Relieves Itching; Removes Putridity and Promotes Tissue Regeneration; Absorbs Dampness and Heals Sores; Drastically Purges and Expels Water Accumulation; Promotes Bowel Movement

Botanical Description

Qing Fen is not a plant but calomel, mercury(I) chloride (Hg2Cl2), a toxic heavy-metal compound. It occurs naturally as the rare mineral calomel but in TCM has historically been prepared by subliming a mixture of mercury, sodium chloride, and alum or sulfate. The refined product is a white, heavy, odorless, tasteless powder or fine flaky crystals that darken on exposure to light through partial disproportionation to elemental mercury and mercury(II) chloride. It is sparingly soluble in water. Historical applications included topical treatment of stubborn skin lesions and as a purgative; modern toxicology recognizes calomel as a source of severe acute and chronic mercury poisoning, and contemporary practice strongly discourages its medicinal use (Wikipedia; NCBI).

Dosage

Form	Amount	Frequency	Duration	Population	Notes
poultice	As needed	Daily	—	—	—

Cultural & Historical Context

Traditional Chinese Uses

Gui Ban (tortoise plastron) is a cold, salty substance used to nourish Yin and anchor Yang, replenish essence and blood, and clear deficiency heat. It is indicated for Liver and Kidney Yin deficiency with ascending Fire — including dizziness, night sweats, afternoon fevers, and the sensation of heat in the palms and soles. It also consolidates bones, supports the marrow, and stops uterine bleeding from deficiency heat, making it important in formulas for exhaustion syndromes.

Traditional American Uses

None Documented

Qing Fen