Mirabilite Classic Formulas … Natural Herb Library

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.

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.

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.