Lead Powder
- Chinese
- 铅粉
- Pinyin
- Qian Fen
- Latin
- Ceruse
Known in TCM as Qian Fen (铅粉), this sweet and cold, cold herb enters the Heart and Lung. Traditionally, it kills parasites and dries damp lesions - historical use focused mainly on external treatment of scabies, sores, itching lesions, and wet skin conditions, most often applied for scabies, burns, and abscess. Modern research has identified Basic among its active constituents.
Part used: Ceruse
Also Known As
Latin: Ceruse | Pinyin: Qian Fen | Chinese: 铅粉
TCM Properties
- Taste
- sweet, cold
- Temperature
- cold
- Channels
- Heart, Lung
Traditional Use
Primary Actions
- Kills parasites and dries damp lesions - historical use focused mainly on external treatment of scabies, sores, itching lesions, and wet skin conditions.
- Draws out toxin and promotes tissue closure - older topical practice includes ulcers, chronic sores, and burns where a drying mineral powder was desired.
- Historically settled phlegm and fright in rare internal use - this indication is preserved as a historical record only and is not a modern safety endorsement.
Secondary Actions
- Qian Fen belongs to the high-risk historical mineral cluster where toxicology now matters far more than therapeutic expansion.
- This page is intentionally narrower than many classical descriptions because modern lead toxicology gives no safe basis for casual internal use and only very limited justification for external exposure.
Classic Formulas
- Qian Fen external powders and washes - historical topical strategy for scabies, wet sores, and ulcerated skin.
- Qian Fen with Huang Dan or borneol in old sore formulas - classical mineral-detox styling now interpreted through a strict toxicology lens.
- Historical internal pill traditions are recorded in old texts but are not carried forward here as practical modern recommendations.
Classical References
- Traditional materia medica describe Qian Fen as a toxic mineral powder used to kill parasites, dry dampness, remove toxin, and generate flesh.
- Older texts also record internal use for phlegm and fright, but that historical note must be read against modern recognition of lead poisoning risk.
- This record covers ceruse or lead carbonate-type lead powder and should not be conflated with other lead-derived medicinals such as Qian Dan.
Modern Research
Active Compounds
- Basic lead carbonate and related lead compounds - the toxic heavy-metal basis of historical ceruse preparations
- Absorbable lead ion burden - the clinically relevant toxic exposure pathway rather than a beneficial phytochemical profile
Studied Effects
- Modern literature overwhelmingly treats lead exposure as harmful rather than therapeutic, with neurologic, hematologic, renal, reproductive, and developmental toxicity dominating the evidence base (PMID 27486361).
- A 2008 review of heavy-metal toxicity from traditional Chinese medicines highlighted lead-associated poisoning and encephalopathy as real clinical outcomes, underscoring why historical internal Qian Fen use should not be normalized today (PMID 18690981).
- Current clinical toxicology recognizes no meaningful safe role for ingested lead powder in routine care, so this monograph keeps the modern section intentionally toxicology-centered rather than trying to rescue obsolete indications.
PubMed References
Safety & Interactions
Contraindications
- Any internal self-use
- Pregnancy, breastfeeding, or pediatric exposure
- Large-area, broken-skin, or prolonged external use
Cautions
- Lead is a cumulative toxic heavy metal, and this record should never be interpreted as support for ingesting lead-containing powders, cosmetics, pigments, or folk remedies.
- Historical topical use still carries absorption risk, especially on damaged skin or with repeated exposure.
- Suspected lead exposure or poisoning requires standard medical toxicology evaluation rather than herbal self-management.
Conditions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Lead Powder used for?
Lead Powder is traditionally used to Kills parasites and dries damp lesions - historical use focused mainly on external treatment of scabies, sores, itching lesions, and wet skin conditions., Draws out toxin and promotes tissue closure - older topical practice includes ulcers, chronic sores, and burns where a drying mineral powder was desired., Historically settled phlegm and fright in rare internal use - this indication is preserved as a historical record only and is not a modern safety endorsement.. Research has investigated its effects on: Modern literature overwhelmingly treats lead exposure as harmful rather than therapeutic, with neurologic, hematologic, renal, reproductive, and developmental toxicity dominating the evidence base (PMID 27486361).; A 2008 review of heavy-metal toxicity from traditional Chinese medicines highlighted lead-associated poisoning and encephalopathy as real clinical outcomes, underscoring why historical internal Qian Fen use should not be normalized today (PMID 18690981)..
What are other names for Lead Powder?
Lead Powder is also known as White Lead, Ceruse. In TCM: 铅粉 (Qian Fen); Ceruse.
Is Lead Powder safe during pregnancy?
Lead Powder is not recommended during pregnancy.
What are the contraindications for Lead Powder?
Lead Powder should not be used in: Any internal self-use; Pregnancy, breastfeeding, or pediatric exposure; Large-area, broken-skin, or prolonged external use. Consult a qualified practitioner before use.