Natrii Sulfas
Source
Monoclinic system of mirabilite, natfii sulfas as its chief component.
Characteristics
Crystals prismatical, square or irregular, varying in size, colourless,
pellucid, fracture irregular when broken, with glassy lustre. Its surface
effloresces readily and is covered with white powder after long exposure
to
the air. Brittle in texture. Salty and bitter in taste, cold in nature,
and attributive to stomach and large intestine channels.
Indication
1. Clear away heat and relax the bowels: For internal heat syndrome with
constipation and abdominal distension, singly used or used together with
Radix et Rhizoma Rhei, Radix Glycyrrhizae (Decoction for Purgation and
Regulating Stomach Energy); used with anthelimintic as purgative.
2. Purge the fire and relieve swelling: For acute appendicitis, used together
with Radix et Rhizoma Rhei and Bulbus AZhi for external application; local
application for conjunctival congestion, sorethroat, infantile thrush,
acute mastitis and dermatitis rhus. Recently, also used for osteoarthfltis
deformans.
Pharmacological
Action
It contains mainly Na2SO4.10 H2 0 which is a potent purgative.
Administration
For single use: 9-15g. For osteoarthritis deformans: 3g bid, 60 days as
one course.
For external use: 10-25% solution, or ground into powder.