incorporated into a mixture with other substances. Lead Galena is used in TCM to treat ringworm, skin disorders and ulcers, and is thought to "detoxify" the body. It is crushed and taken orally or used on the skin. Lead tetroxide (Qian Dan) is used to treat anxiety, itching, and malaria.Qian Dan (Minium) , TCM Assistant.Qian Dan : lead elixir : minium, lead oxide , rootdown.us. It is important to note that most lead compounds are extremely toxic. Mercury Cinnabar Despite its toxicity, mercury sulfide (cinnabar) has historically been used in Chinese medicine, where it is called zhūshā (朱砂), and was highly valued in Chinese Alchemy. It was also referred to as dān (丹), meaning all of Chinese alchemy, cinnabar, and the "elixir of immortality". Cinnabar has been used in Traditional Chinese medicine as a sedative for more than 2000 years, and has been shown to have sedative and toxic effects in mice. In addition to being used for insomnia, cinnabar is thought to be effective for cold sores, sore throat, and some skin infections. Corrosive sublimate Mercury(II) chloride (Qing Fen'') is used in TCM to "detoxify" the body, kill intestinal parasites, and as a mild tranquilizer. See also Pharmacognosy Alternative medicine References List Medicine China health-related lists