Herbs for Toxin-Counteracting, Parasites-Killing and Itch-Relieving
Zhang Nao
Name
Zhang Nao (Camphor)
The Effect of Zhang Nao
Property
Pungent, hot, slightly toxic; heart and spleen meridians entered.
Actions
Induce resuscitation, kill parasites and alleviate pain.
Indications
Scabies, sores and boils, toothache, dermatophytosis, traumatic injury, abdominal distension.
Dosage and Administrations
Take powder or pills, 0.06~0.15 g. It should not be decocted. Proper dosage is for external application, made ointment, or melted in the wine or pounded into powder for applying.
Cautions
It is contraindicated for qi deficiency and pregnant women. It should be used very carefully for people with skin allergy. It should not be overdose for qi deficiency when taking orally.
Sources and further reading
We cite classical materia medica and modern reference works. This article is health education, not medical advice.
- Shennong Bencao Jing (The Divine Farmer's Materia Medica), Han dynasty.
- Bencao Gangmu (Compendium of Materia Medica), Li Shizhen, 1578.
- Chinese Pharmacopoeia, current edition — identity, quality and safety monographs.
- NCCIH and WHO reference material on traditional medicine safety.
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