The source is from the refined product of the mineral Alunite of sulphate, mainly containing potassium aluminium sulfate. The medicinal material is mainly produced in Hubei, Anhui, Zhejiang, and Fujian provinces. The crude or calcined one (the latter called kufan in Chinese) is used for medication.

Medicinal Properties: Sour in flavor, cold in nature and attributive to the lung, liver, spleen, stomach and large intestine meridians.

Actions: Remove toxin and kill parasites, eliminate dampness and relieve itching, stop bleeding and diarrhea, clear away heat and eliminate phlegm.

Application
1. For pyocutaneous disease, scabies and tinea, eczema with itching. In treating malignant sore, equal amount of Mingfan (Alumen) and Huangdan ( Minium ) can be ground into powder for application, such as Erxian San (Powder). In treating pustulosis bullous, equal amount of the calcined one, Kufan, Shusongxiang (Colophonium Praeparata) and Huangdan (Minium) is ground into powder that is mixed with sesame oil and applied to the local area. In treating scabies and tinea, and eczema with itching, it is often used together with Liuhuang (Sulphur) and Xionghuang (Realgar). When taken orally, it is effective in subduing swelling and removing toxin. The drug together with Baifan, Huangla (yellow wax) is taken orally with liquor to treat all syndroms of carbuncle, phlegmon, and malignant boil, such as La Fan Wan (Pill).

2. For haematemesis and bleeding due to trauma, epistaxis, prolonged diarrhea. In treating haematemesis and epistaxis, it is ground together with Hai'ercha ( Catuchu) into powder for external or oral use. In treating the old man's prolonged diarrhea, the calcined one with Weihezi (Fructus Chebulae, roasted) is ground into powder for oral use.

3. It is used for epilepsy. In treating epilepsy due to wind and phlegm, it is used in combination with Baifan, Xicha (Fine tea), such as Huatan Wan (Pill). In treating accumulation of phlegm-heat in the interior manifested as in-sanity, it is prepared with Baifan, Yujin (Radix Curcumae) into pill for oral use, such as in Baijin Wan (Pill).

Usage and Dosage:
For external application, its powder can be applied to the local area or mixed with water for application, The amount should be proper. 0.6 - 1.5 g is used in pills or powder for oral administration.

Notes:
It is contraindicated in those with debility of the stomach or those without damp-heat and phlegmfire.