Mirabilites
Chinese: 芒硝
Pinyin: Máng Xiāo
Parts used: The rock crushed as a powder
TCM category: Purgative herbs that drain downward
TCM nature: Cold
Organ affinity: Stomach Large intestine
Scientific name: Natrii Sulfas
Other names: Glauber's salt, Sodium sulfate
Use of mirabilites (Mang Xiao) in TCM
Please note that you should never self-prescribe TCM ingredients. A TCM ingredient is almost never eaten on its own but as part of a formula containing several ingredients that act together. Please consult a professional TCM practitioner, they will be best able to guide you.
Preparation: Crush the rock into powder
Dosage: 3 - 12 grams
Main actions according to TCM*: Purges Stagnation in the Intestines caused by Heat and Dryness, Cools Heat and abates swelling
Primary conditions or symptoms for which mirabilites may be prescribed by TCM doctors*: Constipation Swellings Lumps Appendicitis
Contraindications*: As this substance has a strong descending action, it should not be used during pregnancy, menstruation or post-partum; it should also be avoided by those with Spleen Deficiency and by the elderly.
Common TCM formulas in which mirabilites (Mang Xiao) are used*
Da Huang Mu Dan Pi Tang
Source date: 220 AD
Number of ingredients: 5 herbs
Formula key actions: Clears Stagnant Heat in the intestines. Reduces swelling and disperses lumps.
Conditions targeted*: AppendicitisPelvic inflammatory disease and others
Mang Xiao is a deputy ingredient in Da Huang Mu Dan Pi Tang. This means it helps the king ingredient(s) treat the main pattern or it serves to treat a coexisting pattern.
In Da Huang Mu Dan Pi Tang, Mang Xiao softens the stools and aids in draining Heat downward, thereby unclogging the Intestines.
Da Cheng Qi Tang
Source date: 220 AD
Number of ingredients: 4 herbs
Formula key actions: Purges Heat from the Stomach and Intestines. Relieves constipation.
Conditions targeted*: PancreatisAppendicitis and others
Mang Xiao is a deputy ingredient in Da Cheng Qi Tang. This means it helps the king ingredient(s) treat the main pattern or it serves to treat a coexisting pattern.
In Da Cheng Qi Tang, Mang Xiao has stool-softening properties that helps the key herb (Rhubarb) in its purgative action. Together they moisten Dryness as they drain downward.
Tiao Wei Cheng Qi Tang
Source date: 220 AD
Number of ingredients: 3 herbs
Formula key actions: Removes Heat and Dryness in the Lower Burner. Removes constipation.
Mang Xiao is a deputy ingredient in Tiao Wei Cheng Qi Tang. This means it helps the king ingredient(s) treat the main pattern or it serves to treat a coexisting pattern.
In Tiao Wei Cheng Qi Tang, Mang Xiao helps Da Huang moisten Dryness and drain downward
Key TCM concepts behind mirabilites (Mang Xiao)'s properties
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), mirabilites are plants that belong to the 'Purgative herbs that drain downward' category. The herbs in this category are those whose main purpose is to treat constipation. The fact they're 'purgative' means that they do so by removing Excess Heat in the Intestines and/or Stomach. As such all herbs in this category are Cold in nature, in order to cool the Heat.
Furthermore mirabilites are plants that are Cold in nature. This means that mirabilites typically help people who have too much 'Heat' in their body. Balance between Yin and Yang is a key health concept in TCM. Those who have too much Heat in their body are said to either have a Yang Excess (because Yang is Hot in nature) or a Yin deficiency (Yin is Cold in Nature). Depending on your condition mirabilites can help restore a harmonious balance between Yin and Yang.
Mirabilites also taste Bitter and Salty. The so-called 'Five Phases' theory in Chinese Medicine states that the taste of TCM ingredients is a key determinant of their action in the body. Bitter ingredients like mirabilites tend to have a cleansing action on the body by clearing Heat, drying Dampness and promoting elimination via urination or bowel movements. On the other hand Salty ingredients tend to have a draining effect in the body because they clear accumulations, remove Phlegm and soften hard lumps.
The tastes of ingredients in TCM also determine what Organs and Meridians they target. As such mirabilites are thought to target the Stomach and the Large intestine. In TCM the Stomach is responsible for receiving and ripening ingested food and fluids. It is also tasked with descending the digested elements downwards to the Small Intestine. The Large Intestine on the other hand receives the "impure" parts of the digested food from the Small Intestine, absorbs the remaining fluids and excrete the remainder as feces.