Acupuncture Times Your guide to acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine and TCM — explore acupoints, herbs and formulas, plus the latest acupuncture research news.
Related Articles
Bing Pian (冰片), borneol, aromatically opens the orifices to restore consciousness, and clears heat and relieves pain when applied to the throat, eyes, gums and sores; chiefly used in small amounts in pills and topical preparations.
Latin / Pharmaceutical Name
Borneolum (borneol / d-borneol)
Common English Name
Borneol
Taste
Acrid, bitter
Temperature
Cool
Channels Entered
Heart, Spleen, Lung
Actions & Functions
- Opens the orifices and restores consciousness
- Clears heat, relieves pain and promotes healing (throat, mouth, eyes, sores) topically
Indications
Loss of consciousness with heat (used in pills such as An Gong Niu Huang Wan); and sore throat, mouth ulcers, red eyes and non-healing sores (topical).
Dosage
0.03-0.1 g in pills or powder (not decocted); external use as appropriate.
Common Combinations
With She Xiang in resuscitation pills; with Niu Huang for throat and mouth.
Cautions & Contraindications
Contraindicated in pregnancy; for deficiency-cold collapse use aromatic warm openers instead. Use only small amounts.
