Realgar
雄黄 · Xióng Huáng
Mineral remedy for snake bites and parasites
What it does
Realgar (an arsenic-sulfide mineral) treats snake bites, insect bites, scab and ringworm, and stubborn skin infections at tiny topical doses. In TCM, internal use is reserved for severe parasites and certain seizure patterns. Arsenic content makes it acutely toxic at standard internal doses. Modern Chinese pharmacopoeia restricts use.
How to take it
Apply tiny amounts of processed realgar powder mixed with vinegar to snake bites or fungal patches. Internal use (0.05–0.1g) only by experienced practitioners.
Avoid self-use. Modern medicine has safer antiparasitics and antifungals
Safety
- Toxic from arsenic content. Severe nervous-system and organ damage possible
- Strictly avoid during pregnancy. Strong abortifacient
- Never heat over an open flame; converts to deadly arsenic trioxide
- Use only practitioner-prescribed processed material in tiny doses
- Talk to your doctor before starting, especially if you take medication
Where it comes from
Realgar (As4S4) is a bright orange-red mineral mined for centuries across China. It was once added to alcohol for the Duanwu (Dragon Boat) festival before the practice was banned for arsenic poisoning. Modern toxicology has tightly controlled its use. Arsenic trioxide (a related compound) is FDA-approved for acute promyelocytic leukemia, sparking interest in the medicinal arsenic family.