Pyrolusite, Wu Ming Yi 无名异

Wu Ming Yi (TCM)
Chig Thub ཆིག་ཐུབ (Tibetan Medicine)

Nodular form of Pyrolusite most used in TCM
Photo by Parent Géry

Pyrolusite Crystals (not typically used in TCM)
Photo: Rob Lavinsky, iRocks.com (Wikimedia)

Minerological name:
Manganese dioxide (primary ore of manganese, containing 60–63% manganese)

Parts used:

Mineral

Temperature & Taste:

Neutral. Sweet, Salty, Bitter. Slightly toxic

Classifications:

T. External Medicines

Uses:

1. Clears Heat, Relieves Swelling:
-Sores, Boils
-Pemphigus, Erysipelas, Ecthyma (Deep Impetigo)

2. Moves the Blood, Stops Bleeding, Eases Pain:
-Wounds, Swelling of Wounds
-Traumatic Bleeding
-Fracture

3. Externally:
-Wounds, Fractures
-Chronic Ulcers, Anal Fistula
-Pemphigus, Erysipelas
-Toxic Carbuncles, apply a paste made with vinegar
-Trichiasis (ingrown or introversion of eyelashes); smoke from Pyrolusite mixed with vegetable oil.

Dose:

Decoction: 3–9 grams, cooked for 45–60 minutes before adding herbs.

Comment:

1. Wu Ming Yi was originally an Arab medicine first imported into China during the 10th century.
2. Absorption of manganese when ingested is around 3–5%.

Preparation:

1. It is sometimes heated to red hot and quenched in vinegar. This is mostly used externally.

Main Combinations:

1.. Erysipelas, Pyrolusite with juice of Fistular Onion (Allium fisturosum) is applied as a paste.
2. Ecthyma (Deep Impetigo), Pyrolusite with Yellow Lead, mixed with vegetable oil and applied.
3. Swelling of Wounds,
i. Pyrolusite is taken in Wine
ii. Pyrolusite, Myrrh, Frankincense
4. Fracture:
i. Pyrolusite, Musk Melon seed, Frankincense, Myrrh, powdered and taken with Wine.
ii. Pyrolusite, calcined Oyster shell, mixed and applied topically

Major Formulas:

Cautions:

1. Only used for people with Stasis
2. Avoid in Pregnancy.
3. Should not be taken long term.

Toxicity:

Average LD50 of ingested manganese is 400–800mg/kg in mice and rats, making it one of the safer metals.
Prolonged exposure is neurotoxic.