Lead Powder … Classic Formulas
Qian Fen · Ceruse
Primary Actions
- Kills parasites and dries damp lesions - historical use focused mainly on external treatment of scabies, sores, itching lesions, and wet skin conditions.
- Draws out toxin and promotes tissue closure - older topical practice includes ulcers, chronic sores, and burns where a drying mineral powder was desired.
- Historically settled phlegm and fright in rare internal use - this indication is preserved as a historical record only and is not a modern safety endorsement.
Classic Formulas
- Qian Fen external powders and washes - historical topical strategy for scabies, wet sores, and ulcerated skin.
- Qian Fen with Huang Dan or borneol in old sore formulas - classical mineral-detox styling now interpreted through a strict toxicology lens.
- Historical internal pill traditions are recorded in old texts but are not carried forward here as practical modern recommendations.
Classical Text References
- Traditional materia medica describe Qian Fen as a toxic mineral powder used to kill parasites, dry dampness, remove toxin, and generate flesh.
- Older texts also record internal use for phlegm and fright, but that historical note must be read against modern recognition of lead poisoning risk.
- This record covers ceruse or lead carbonate-type lead powder and should not be conflated with other lead-derived medicinals such as Qian Dan.