Effects and functions of external application of Glauber's salt

Sodium sulfate is a crystal made from sulfate minerals. Sodium sulfate is a Chinese medicinal material that is widely distributed and has high medicinal value. Glauber's salt can generally be used to treat symptoms such as constipation and edema. Glauber's salt has the effect of clearing heat and reducing swelling, moistening the intestines and promoting bowel movements, and can also help digest food accumulation. Glauber's salt is a traditional Chinese medicine that pregnant women are prohibited from taking, but it can be used by postpartum women. In addition to being boiled into a decoction for oral administration, Glauber's salt can also be used for external application. So, what is the effect of applying Glauber's salt externally? Let’s take a look at it together.

【1】Collection and processing

It can be harvested throughout the year, but is best harvested in autumn and winter because the low temperature allows for easy crystallization. Take naturally produced impure Glauber's salt, commonly known as earth saltpeter, add water to dissolve it, let it stand to allow impurities to precipitate, filter it, heat and concentrate the filtrate, and crystals will precipitate after cooling. Take it out and dry it in the sun, which is commonly known as "saltpeter".

【2】Growth environment

It is mostly produced in alkaline soil areas near the sea, near mineral springs, salt fields and in damp caves. It is distributed in most parts of the country.

【Three】Medicinal material properties

This product is in the shape of prism, rectangle or irregular block and granule. Colorless, transparent or off-white, translucent. It is brittle, easily broken, and has a glassy luster on the cross section. It has a slight smell and tastes salty.

[IV] Usage of external application of Glauber's salt: External application of Glauber's salt can treat the following surgical diseases: subcutaneous hemorrhage, swelling and pain caused by various reasons, as well as phlebitis, mastitis and milk regurgitation. It is forbidden to use if the skin is broken. The effect of external application of Glauber's salt: Specific method: According to the size of the affected area, take an appropriate amount of Glauber's salt to cover the entire area of ​​the patient, with a thickness of 0.25 cm. Stir it evenly with cold water, apply it to the patient, and wrap it with gauze. When the medicine is dry, sprinkle it with cold water to keep it moist at all times. Change the medicine once a day. Generally, the swelling and pain will disappear in 3 days. If a breastfeeding woman wants to stop lactating, she can apply the above method on her breasts and the lactation will stop in about 2 to 3 days.

[5] Precautions for Glauber's Salt: People with weak spleen and stomach and pregnant women should not take it. "Bencao Jing Jizhu" says: Selaginella is the messenger. Fear of wheat and ginger. "Pin Hui Jing Yao" says: Do not take during pregnancy. Glauber's salt is salty and cold, and has the effects of moistening the lungs, softening hard masses, purging heat and relieving constipation, clearing away heat and detoxifying, and reducing swelling. Modern medical research has proved that this product has antiviral and anti-infection effects, and clinically, external use of Glauber's salt will achieve better therapeutic effects. To treat red and swollen eyes, put saltpeter powder on tofu and steam it, then use the juice to apply to the eyes. For blepharitis, steam saltpeter with water, let it stand overnight, and filter. Wash eyes with clear solution. Even if the patient has been ill for a long time, it can be cured. To treat headaches, take 130 grams each of Glauber's salt and rhubarb, grind them into fine powder, and bottle them for later use. When using, take an appropriate amount of the powder each time, mix it with aged vinegar to make a thin paste, and apply it to the temples (bilaterally). Take 2-3 times a day, 1-2 hours each time, for 2-3 consecutive days. It is suitable for wind-heat headache. To treat local nodules after intramuscular injection, take 100 grams each of rhubarb and sodium sulfate, grind them into fine powder, and bottle them for later use. When using, take an appropriate amount of the powder each time, mix it with vinegar to make a thin paste, apply it to the affected area, cover it with a dressing, and secure it with adhesive tape. Change the dressing once a day and apply it continuously for 3 to 5 days. It can clear away heat, detoxify, disperse stagnation and relieve pain. For scabies nodules, take 100g of Glauber's salt, dissolve it in warm water and apply it externally, once a day. The nodules will disappear after 20 days.