Natural Herb Library

Mirabilite

Chinese
芒硝
Pinyin
Mang Xiao
Latin
Natrii Sulfas
Scientific specimen plate of Sodium Sulfate, Natrii Sulfas, showing crude Mang Xiao crystal forms and diagnostic mineral details.
Botanical plate by Kodi .

Known in TCM as Mang Xiao (芒硝), this acrid and bitter and salty, cold herb enters the Stomach and Large Intestine. Traditionally, it purges accumulation and softens hardness ... Mang Xiao is used for severe heat-type constipation, dry hard stool, abdominal fullness, and focal hardness, most often applied for constipation, sore throat, and mouth sores. Modern research has identified Sodium among its active constituents.

Part used: Sodium salt

Also Known As

Sodium Sulfate Glauber's Salt Mirabilitum

Latin: Natrii Sulfas | Pinyin: Mang Xiao | Chinese: 芒硝

TCM Properties

Taste
acrid, bitter, salty
Temperature
cold
Channels
Stomach, Large Intestine

Traditional Use

Primary Actions

  • Purges accumulation and softens hardness ... Mang Xiao is used for severe heat-type constipation, dry hard stool, abdominal fullness, and focal hardness.
  • Draws water into the bowels and moistens dryness ... unlike a stimulant laxative, its saline mineral action is classically valued for softening rather than simply forcing movement.
  • Clears heat and reduces swelling externally ... topical use extends to sore throat, mouth lesions, breast swelling, and inflammatory heat sores.

Secondary Actions

  • This page stays on crude hydrated Mang Xiao crystal material and should remain distinct from the refined Xuan Ming lane and from saltpeter-type mineral confusion.
  • Traditional use often adds Mang Xiao near the end of decoction or dissolves it separately because of its mineral and osmotic nature.

Classic Formulas

  • Da Cheng Qi Tang ... major bowel-heat accumulation with fullness, hardness, and constipation.
  • Tiao Wei Cheng Qi Tang ... bowel heat with dryness and irritability where moistening purgation is needed.
  • External dissolved applications ... classical and later practice for heat swelling, throat pain, and inflammatory local lesions.

Classical References

  • Traditional materia medica consistently place Mang Xiao among the strong heat-purging saline minerals that soften hardness and unblock the bowels.
  • Its topical use for heat swelling and throat or mouth lesions is old and remains one of the practical ways mineral purgatives were repurposed externally.

Modern Research

Active Compounds

  • Sodium sulfate decahydrate
  • Mirabilite-derived sulfate mineral salts
  • Hyperosmotic sulfate chemistry

Studied Effects

  • A 2023 review summarized mirabilite's traditional uses, processing methods, pharmacology, toxicology, and clinical research, providing the clearest modern overview for the Mang Xiao family (PMID 38239194).
  • A multicenter randomized trial found that external mirabilite use helped prevent post-ERCP pancreatitis in children, supporting continued clinical interest in topical drawing applications (PMID 37206074).
  • Mirabilite combined with lactulose improved postoperative gastrointestinal mobility in older abdominal-surgery patients, showing how saline mineral logic remains clinically relevant beyond classical constipation use (PMID 33230937).

PubMed References

Safety & Interactions

Contraindications

  • Pregnancy
  • Diarrhea, dehydration, or marked Spleen-Stomach deficiency cold
  • Intestinal obstruction or severe acute abdominal pain without diagnosis
  • Frailty or unstable electrolytes without supervision

Cautions

  • Mang Xiao is a strong saline purgative and should not be used casually for mild constipation.
  • Overuse can worsen dehydration and electrolyte imbalance.
  • External use does not make the internal purgative route automatically safe.

Drug Interactions

  • Other laxatives or bowel-preparation agents ... additive cathartic and dehydration effects
  • Drugs affected by dehydration or electrolyte loss ... indirect risk from excessive purgation

Conditions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Mirabilite used for?

Mirabilite is traditionally used to Purges accumulation and softens hardness ... Mang Xiao is used for severe heat-type constipation, dry hard stool, abdominal fullness, and focal hardness., Draws water into the bowels and moistens dryness ... unlike a stimulant laxative, its saline mineral action is classically valued for softening rather than simply forcing movement., Clears heat and reduces swelling externally ... topical use extends to sore throat, mouth lesions, breast swelling, and inflammatory heat sores.. Research has investigated its effects on: A 2023 review summarized mirabilite's traditional uses, processing methods, pharmacology, toxicology, and clinical research, providing the clearest modern overview for the Mang Xiao family (PMID 38239194).; A multicenter randomized trial found that external mirabilite use helped prevent post-ERCP pancreatitis in children, supporting continued clinical interest in topical drawing applications (PMID 37206074)..

What are other names for Mirabilite?

Mirabilite is also known as Sodium Sulfate, Glauber's Salt, Mirabilitum. In TCM: 芒硝 (Mang Xiao); Natrii Sulfas.

Is Mirabilite safe during pregnancy?

Mirabilite is not recommended during pregnancy.

What are the contraindications for Mirabilite?

Mirabilite should not be used in: Pregnancy; Diarrhea, dehydration, or marked Spleen-Stomach deficiency cold; Intestinal obstruction or severe acute abdominal pain without diagnosis; Frailty or unstable electrolytes without supervision. Consult a qualified practitioner before use.

Does Mirabilite interact with any medications?

Mirabilite may interact with: Other laxatives or bowel-preparation agents ... additive cathartic and dehydration effects; Drugs affected by dehydration or electrolyte loss ... indirect risk from excessive purgation. Always inform your healthcare provider of any herbal supplements you are taking.