Zhū Shā (朱砂), known in English as Cinnabar (mineral) (Cinnabaris), is a cool, sweet Chinese herb from the Calm shen category. It enters the Heart channel. Its main action: calms Shen strongly, clears Heart Heat.
| Pinyin | Zhū Shā (Zhu Sha) |
|---|---|
| Chinese | 朱砂 |
| English | Cinnabar (mineral) |
| Botanical name | Cinnabaris |
| Category | Calm shen |
| Nature | Cool |
| Flavour | Sweet |
| Channels | Heart |
| Dosage | 0.1–0.5g (powder only — do not decoct) |
| Cautions | Highly toxic — mercury compound; internal use contraindicated long term; pregnancy; do not heat |
Actions
- Calms Shen strongly, clears Heart Heat
- Clears Heat, resolves toxicity (externally)
Indications
- Heart Fire with anxiety, palpitations, insomnia, mania
- Convulsions
How to remember Zhū Shā
Calm shen herbs are mostly sweet, and most enter the Heart, Liver and Kidney channels.
- You can work these out
- Sweet: like most Calm shen herbs
- Heart channel: from its action “clears Heart Heat”
- Learn by heart
- Cool: Calm shen herbs vary in nature
Formulas containing Zhū Shā
Other Calm shen herbs
Test yourself
What is the nature and flavour of Zhū Shā?
Zhū Shā is cool and sweet.
Which channels does Zhū Shā enter?
Zhū Shā enters the Heart channel.
What are the actions of Zhū Shā?
Calms Shen strongly, clears Heart Heat; Clears Heat, resolves toxicity (externally).
What is Zhū Shā used for?
Heart Fire with anxiety, palpitations, insomnia, mania; convulsions.
Which formulas contain Zhū Shā?
Zhū Shā Ān Shén Wán, Cí Zhū Wán, Ān Gōng Niú Huáng Wán and Zhì Bǎo Dān.
Practise Zhū Shā and the other 290 herbs
Recognise each herb from its picture, recall its nature, flavour, channels and actions, and review it again just before you would forget it.
Try the 5-question herb quizShen Study is a study tool. Doses and cautions are as taught in standard Chinese materia medica texts; they are not prescribing advice.