Zi Jin Ding紫金锭
Purple Gold Lozenge
Ingredients7 herbs
Indications
Turbid epidemic influences and toxin obstructing the middle burner, with phlegm and stagnation blocking the qi dynamic. Applied externally, it treats hot toxic swellings — carbuncles, boils, bites and undiagnosed inflamed masses.
Clinical Manifestations
- Sudden abdominal pain with vomiting and diarrhoea in hot weather
- Fullness and cramping from turbid food or contaminated water
- Phlegm collapse in children
- Boils and hot swellings (applied topically)
- Insect and animal bites with local swelling (applied topically)
Health Categories
Modern Applications
Common adjustments
- Consciousness is lost with a clenched jaw and cold signs — Su He Xiang Wan is the warm-opening formula built for cold closure; this one addresses the turbid obstruction, not the collapse
- Marked heat with high fever and clouding — the cool-opening group applies instead — An Gong Niu Huang Wan for heat toxin, Zhi Bao Dan where turbid phlegm dominates
- Used topically for a hot swelling — the lozenge is ground with vinegar or cool water into a paste and applied to unbroken skin only; it is not to be swallowed at the topical amount, and not applied over open wounds
Contraindications
Absolutely contraindicated in pregnancy. Contraindicated in deficiency patterns, in the frail elderly, and in anyone already weakened by vomiting and diarrhoea — the purgative herbs it contains are harsh. Not for collapse patterns. It must not be taken repeatedly or over any extended period: it combines mercury, arsenic and two toxic purgatives in one preparation, and the internal amount is correspondingly tiny. Do not use in known liver or kidney impairment. When applied topically it goes on intact skin only, in a thin layer, and any preparation containing realgar should not be used over large areas or for prolonged periods, since arsenic is absorbed through skin. Keep it well out of reach of children.
For licensed practitioners’ reference only — not a self-treatment guide.
Pregnancy
Absolutely contraindicated in pregnancy — this is one of the clearest prohibitions in the chapter. She Xiang musk is a classical abortifacient, and Hong Da Ji are drastic purgatives that can precipitate miscarriage on their own, and Zhu Sha (mercury) with Xiong Huang (arsenic) are both toxic to the fetus. It is not to be used while breastfeeding, and even the topical form should be avoided in pregnancy since realgar is absorbed through the skin.
Related Formulas
References
Source 《丹溪心法附余》 · Ming
- Classical source (public domain) — 《片玉心书》, Ming dynasty; the preparation is also transmitted as 玉枢丹.
2. 《中华人民共和国药典》 (Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China) — composition and dose limits of the modern lozenge.
3. 《方剂学》（全国中医药行业高等教育规划教材）— pattern analysis cross-checked.
4. Pharmacopoeial monographs on 朱砂, 雄黄, 红大戟 and 千金子霜 — toxicity and dose restrictions; CITES Appendix I listing for musk deer.
Professional reference notice. Entries are scholarly references for licensed TCM practitioners and students — not medical advice, and not a recommendation to self-prescribe. Chinese herbal formulas should be used under the guidance of a qualified practitioner. Content is an original editorial compilation by Cura x Cura, cross-checked against the cited references.