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Cura x Cura

Bai Fan白矾

Alumen · Alum · Alumen

Herbs for External Application 外用药《神农本草经》

Overview

A refined mineral — potassium aluminium sulfate — that is sour, astringent and cold. It draws tissue together and dries damp, which is the whole of its clinical logic: it is applied to weeping, itching, ulcerating surfaces and to discharges that will not stop. In this dispensary Bai Fan is supplied for external use only. The calcined form, Ku Fan, is drier still and is the usual choice where a wound or ulcer is wet.

Nature & Flavor

Sour, astringent · Cold

Channels

Lung · Spleen · Liver · Large Intestine

Typical Dosage

0.6–1.5 g
白矾Photography for this entry is on its way.

Actions

3 core actions

  • Dries damp, relieves itchingWeeping eczema, tinea, scabies and damp itching in the groin or between the toes, as a dilute wash.
  • Resolves toxicity, kills parasitesChronic ulcers and infected sores that will not dry; parasitic and fungal skin conditions.
  • Astringes and checks dischargeExternal sitz baths and washes for persistent vaginal discharge and itching; a styptic powder on small surface bleeding.

In Formulas

Formulas containing Bai Fan

Indications & Clinical Uses

  • Weeping, itching eczema and fungal skin conditions, as a wash
    - Chronic non-healing ulcers and damp sores
    - Vaginal itching and discharge, as a sitz bath
    - Minor surface bleeding, as a styptic powder

Western Medical Keywords

Searchable condition terms

EczemaTineaScabiesChronic ulcersVaginal itching

Contraindications

Cautions

External use only. Bai Fan is dispensed here for washes, soaks and powders — it is not to be taken internally, and swallowing it irritates the stomach and gut. Use it diluted, keep it away from the eyes and from large areas of broken skin, and stop if the skin becomes sore or reddened. Do not use over long periods or on infants without practitioner direction.

Contraindicated in pregnancy: Not for internal use at all here; external washes in pregnancy only on a practitioner's direction.

For licensed practitioners’ reference only

References

  1. Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing《神农本草经》(classical source, public domain).
    2. Bensky, Clavey & Stöger. Chinese Herbal Medicine: Materia Medica, 3rd ed.
    3. 《中华人民共和国药典》.

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.