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Bing Pian冰片

Borneolum · Borneol · Borneol Camphor

Herbs that Open the Orifices 开窍药《新修本草》

Overview

Bing Pian is the crystalline, camphor-scented material obtained from the resin of Dryobalanops and Blumea species or produced synthetically, and it is among the most penetrating aromatics in the materia medica. Acrid, bitter and cool, entering the Heart, Spleen and Lung channels, it is valued for rousing a clouded spirit and for cooling, pain-easing work on the mouth, throat, eyes and skin. In this dispensary it is stocked for external use only: internal use belongs to manufactured pills and powders given in very small amounts under specialist supervision, never to home decoction.

Nature & Flavor

Acrid, bitter · Slightly cold

Channels

Heart · Spleen · Lung

Typical Dosage

0.15–0.3 g
冰片Photography for this entry is on its way.

Actions

3 core actions

  • Opens the orifices, rouses the spiritThe classical use in heat-type clouding of consciousness, where it forms part of prepared pills such as An Gong Niu Huang Wan — a specialist internal application, not a dispensary preparation.
  • Clears heat, relieves painApplied topically to mouth and tongue ulcers, swollen painful gums, sore throat and red painful eyes, usually blended into a cooling powder base.
  • Disperses swelling, helps sores closeWorked into powders and salves for slow-healing sores, burns and inflamed skin; the cool, slightly numbing sensation on contact is characteristic.

In Formulas

Formulas containing Bing Pian

Indications & Clinical Uses

  • Mouth and tongue ulcers, swollen painful gums and throat (topical)
    - Red, swollen, painful eyes (prepared ophthalmic products only)
    - Burns, slow-healing sores and inflamed skin lesions (topical)
    - Heat-pattern clouding of the spirit — internal use, in prepared pills, under specialist care

Western Medical Keywords

Searchable condition terms

Aphthous ulcersSore throatConjunctivitisBurnsTopical analgesia

Contraindications

Cautions

External use only in this dispensary. Do not decoct it and do not swallow the raw material; internal use is confined to manufactured pills and powders prescribed by a qualified practitioner in very small amounts. It is strongly aromatic and dispersing, so it is unsuitable where qi and blood are depleted, and it should not be spread over large open wounds or broadly over broken skin. Keep it away from infants and young children unless a practitioner directs otherwise, and stop at once if the skin becomes red, itchy or blistered.

Contraindicated in pregnancy: Avoid in pregnancy — its strongly aromatic, moving nature is traditionally contraindicated, topical use included.

For licensed practitioners’ reference only

References

  1. Xin Xiu Ben Cao《新修本草》(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.