Iron Scale
- Chinese
- 生铁落
- Pinyin
- Sheng Tie Luo
- Latin
- Frusta Ferri
Known in TCM as Sheng Tie Luo (生铁落), this pungent, cool herb enters the Liver and Heart. Traditionally, it calms the Liver and relieves convulsion - Sheng Tie Luo belongs to the heavy mineral substances used for fright, epilepsy, agitation, and internal stirring patterns, most often applied for anxiety, insomnia, and palpitations. Modern research has identified Mixed among its active constituents.
Part used: Iron
Also Known As
Latin: Frusta Ferri | Pinyin: Sheng Tie Luo | Chinese: 生铁落
TCM Properties
- Taste
- pungent
- Temperature
- cool
- Channels
- Liver, Heart
Traditional Use
Primary Actions
- Calms the Liver and relieves convulsion - Sheng Tie Luo belongs to the heavy mineral substances used for fright, epilepsy, agitation, and internal stirring patterns.
- Settles the spirit and suppresses mania - classical formula use centers on phlegm-fire disturbing the Heart with delirium, insomnia, panic, or rage.
- Resolves toxin externally - powdered iron-scale family materials are also described for boils, ulcers, and inflamed sores.
Secondary Actions
- This is not an iron supplement page. Sheng Tie Luo refers to the scale-like iron oxide material that falls from red-hot iron during forging and is used in a classical heavy-settling medicinal context.
- Later references often treat Sheng Tie Luo and Tie Xie as the same iron-scale family, which is why the next iron-powder entry is preserved as a form distinction rather than a radically different medicine.
Classic Formulas
- Sheng Tie Luo Yin - the best-known formula context for mania, insomnia, fright, and phlegm-fire disturbing the spirit.
- Heavy-settling pairings with Dan Nan Xing, Bei Mu, Shi Chang Pu, and Yuan Zhi - classical logic when phlegm and fire cloud the Heart orifices.
- External powdering or paste use for sores - a narrower traditional track that survives mainly in reference compilations.
Classical References
- Classical and later herb references describe Sheng Tie Luo as the iron scale that falls from heated iron and use it to settle fright, calm the spirit, and treat epilepsy or mania.
- The celebrated formula Sheng Tie Luo Yin keeps the herb clinically anchored to phlegm-fire agitation rather than to blood-building or modern nutritional iron use.
- Because the identity is industrial and mineral, quality and contamination concerns are intrinsic to the entry.
Modern Research
Active Compounds
- Mixed iron oxides dominated by magnetite-like material - the core mineral basis of Sheng Tie Luo
- Ferric and ferrous oxidation products - variable according to source and forging conditions
- Trace mineral and heavy-metal impurities - central quality-control issue in crude mineral medicinals
Studied Effects
- Direct indexed modern research on Sheng Tie Luo as a standalone medicinal is extremely sparse, and most current discussion centers on formula heritage, processing, and contaminant control rather than on herb-specific clinical trials.
- The classical calming and anti-mania reputation remains much stronger than the modern evidence base.
- Because the material is industrially derived, toxicology and sourcing now matter at least as much as historical indication lists.
Safety & Interactions
Contraindications
- Liver deficiency without excess agitation or fright
- Pregnancy without qualified supervision
- Unscreened industrial or craft-source iron material
Cautions
- This heavy mineral byproduct can contain unwanted impurities and should not be sourced casually.
- Modern oral iron supplements are not equivalent to Sheng Tie Luo and should not be conflated with it.
- Severe insomnia, delirium, seizures, or mania require standard medical care rather than unsupervised use of a classical iron-scale herb.
Conditions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Iron Scale used for?
Iron Scale is traditionally used to Calms the Liver and relieves convulsion - Sheng Tie Luo belongs to the heavy mineral substances used for fright, epilepsy, agitation, and internal stirring patterns., Settles the spirit and suppresses mania - classical formula use centers on phlegm-fire disturbing the Heart with delirium, insomnia, panic, or rage., Resolves toxin externally - powdered iron-scale family materials are also described for boils, ulcers, and inflamed sores.. Research has investigated its effects on: Direct indexed modern research on Sheng Tie Luo as a standalone medicinal is extremely sparse, and most current discussion centers on formula heritage, processing, and contaminant control rather than on herb-specific clinical trials.; The classical calming and anti-mania reputation remains much stronger than the modern evidence base..
What are other names for Iron Scale?
Iron Scale is also known as Tie Xie, Iron Filings. In TCM: 生铁落 (Sheng Tie Luo); Frusta Ferri.
Is Iron Scale safe during pregnancy?
The safety of Iron Scale during pregnancy has not been established. Consult a qualified healthcare provider before use.
What are the contraindications for Iron Scale?
Iron Scale should not be used in: Liver deficiency without excess agitation or fright; Pregnancy without qualified supervision; Unscreened industrial or craft-source iron material. Consult a qualified practitioner before use.