Pyrolusite, Wu Ming Yi ๆ ๅๅผ
Wu Ming Yi (TCM)
Chig Thub เฝเฝฒเฝเผเฝเฝดเฝ (Tibetan Medicine)
Nodular form of Pyrolusite most used in TCM
Photo by Parent Gรฉry
Pyrolusite Crystals (not typically used in TCM)
Photo: Rob Lavinsky, iRocks.com (Wikimedia)
Minerological name:
Manganese dioxide (primary ore of manganese, containing 60โ63% manganese)
Parts used:
Mineral
Temperature & Taste:
Neutral. Sweet, Salty, Bitter. Slightly toxic
Classifications:
Uses:
1. Clears Heat, Relieves Swelling:
-Sores, Boils
-Pemphigus, Erysipelas, Ecthyma (Deep Impetigo)
2. Moves the Blood, Stops Bleeding, Eases Pain:
-Wounds, Swelling of Wounds
-Traumatic Bleeding
-Fracture
3. Externally:
-Wounds, Fractures
-Chronic Ulcers, Anal Fistula
-Pemphigus, Erysipelas
-Toxic Carbuncles, apply a paste made with vinegar
-Trichiasis (ingrown or introversion of eyelashes); smoke from Pyrolusite mixed with vegetable oil.
Dose:
Decoction: 3โ9 grams, cooked for 45โ60 minutes before adding herbs.
Comment:
1. Wu Ming Yi was originally an Arab medicine first imported into China during the 10th century.
2. Absorption of manganese when ingested is around 3โ5%.
Preparation:
1. It is sometimes heated to red hot and quenched in vinegar. This is mostly used externally.
Main Combinations:
1.. Erysipelas, Pyrolusite with juice of Fistular Onion (Allium fisturosum) is applied as a paste.
2. Ecthyma (Deep Impetigo), Pyrolusite with Yellow Lead, mixed with vegetable oil and applied.
3. Swelling of Wounds,
i. Pyrolusite is taken in Wine
ii. Pyrolusite, Myrrh, Frankincense
4. Fracture:
i. Pyrolusite, Musk Melon seed, Frankincense, Myrrh, powdered and taken with Wine.
ii. Pyrolusite, calcined Oyster shell, mixed and applied topically
Major Formulas:
Cautions:
1. Only used for people with Stasis
2. Avoid in Pregnancy.
3. Should not be taken long term.
Toxicity:
1. Average LD50 of ingested manganese is 400โ800mg/kg in mice and rats, making it one of the safer metals.
2. Prolonged exposure is neurotoxic.
