Red ochre product introduction

Red ochre is a red or dark red crystalline substance, the main component of which is mercury sulfide (HgS), containing about 80% mercury. It is mainly derived from red lead ore, a mercury-containing ore that is ubiquitous in nature. Red ochre is widely used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat rheumatism, pain in the muscles and bones, and other symptoms. It is pungent in nature and slightly toxic, and enters the heart and liver meridians. In industry, red ochre is used as the main raw material for red pigments and metallic mercury, and has important application value.

Main active ingredients of red ochre

The main active ingredient of red ochre is mercury sulfide (HgS), also known as cinnabar. Cinnabar is an inorganic compound with chemical components of mercury and sulfur, and its chemical formula is HgS. Mercury in red ochre is one of its main active ingredients and has certain medicinal value and toxicity.

Red ochre contains a high content of mercury, so it is mainly used for external treatment in traditional Chinese medicine. Red ochre has the effects of warming the meridians and activating the collaterals, dispelling cold and relieving pain, and can be used to treat rheumatic pain, muscle and bone pain and other symptoms. It has a pungent and warm, slightly toxic nature, can penetrate the skin, promote local blood circulation, and relieve pain.

The mercury content in red ochre is high, so you need to control the dosage and frequency when using it to avoid excessive use leading to mercury poisoning. Generally speaking, when using red ochre externally, you need to grind it into powder, then mix it with an appropriate amount of vegetable oil, apply it to the affected area, and gently massage until absorbed. Follow the doctor's advice when using it, and avoid long-term and large-area use.

In addition, red ochre is also widely used in industry, mainly as a raw material for red pigment and metallic mercury. Its bright red color makes it important for application in painting, cosmetics and other fields. However, since it contains mercury, protective measures should be taken to avoid contact or inhalation of its dust to avoid health risks.

Application scenarios and dosage of red ochre

Red ochre has a long history of application in traditional Chinese medicine, mainly used for external treatment of various pains and rheumatic pains. The following is a detailed introduction to the application scenarios and usage and dosage of red ochre in traditional Chinese medicine:

  1. Application scenarios:
    Red ochre is often used to treat rheumatic joint pain, muscle and bone pain, traumatic injuries, etc. Its effects of warming the meridians and activating the collaterals, dispelling cold and relieving pain can relieve pain and promote local blood circulation. It is particularly effective for patients with swollen joints and obvious pain.
  2. Usage and dosage:
    When using red ochre externally, you first need to grind it into fine powder, then mix it with an appropriate amount of vegetable oil (such as olive oil, peanut oil, etc.) to make a paste. Generally speaking, take about 5-10 grams of red ochre powder each time, add an appropriate amount of vegetable oil to mix, apply it to the affected area, and then gently massage until absorbed. The frequency of use is generally 2-3 times a day, and last for several days to several weeks.
  3. Notes:
    a. When using red ochre externally, avoid contact with mucous membranes such as eyes and mouth to avoid discomfort or damage.
    b. When using, care should be taken to control the dosage and frequency to avoid excessive use leading to mercury poisoning.
    c. It is forbidden to use for children, pregnant women, breastfeeding women and people who are allergic to red ochre.
    d. When using red ochre, avoid contact with metal products to prevent it from reacting with metal and causing skin irritation or allergies.

In addition to its use in traditional Chinese medicine, red ochre is also widely used in industry and beauty. In industry, red ochre is mainly used as a raw material for red pigment and metallic mercury; in beauty, it has a bright color and is often used in cosmetics and nail polish to add bright colors to the products. However, when used in industry and beauty, protective measures should be taken to avoid contact or inhalation of its dust to avoid health hazards.

Introduction to the plants from which red ochre is derived, its distribution and growth environment

Red ochre is a plant-based resin that is mainly derived from the trunks and barks of plants in the family Meliaceae, including Toxicodendron succedaneum and Rhus chinensis. The following is a detailed description of the plants from which red ochre is derived, their distribution, and their growing environment:

  1. Source plant introduction:
    The source plants of red ochre mainly include the genera of Melia and Toosendan. Melia is an evergreen tree or shrub that can reach a height of more than 10 meters. The bark is gray-brown with longitudinal stripes. There are glands on the bark that secrete red ochre. Toosendan is a deciduous tree or shrub. The bark is usually gray or dark gray, with many branches, and the surface of the bark can also secrete red ochre.
  2. Distribution:
    Plants of the genus Melia are mainly distributed in Southeast Asia, including southern China, India, Thailand, Vietnam, etc., and are commonly found in mountains, hills, river valleys, and areas with lower altitudes. Plants of the genus Toosendan are widely distributed in southern China, Japan, Korea, Vietnam, etc., and grow in mountains, hills, plains, and areas with lower altitudes.
  3. Growth environment:
    Plants of the genus Melia usually prefer warm and humid climates and are not strict about soil. They are commonly found in river valleys, hillsides and forest edges. Plants of the genus Toosendan have strong adaptability to the environment and can grow in different types of soil. They are commonly found in mountains, hills, valleys and riverbanks.
  4. Growth habits:
    The source plants of red ochre have certain growth habits, usually growing rapidly, with dense branches and leaves, and can form large tracts of forest in a short period of time. The glands on its bark can secrete gelatinous resin, which has a certain resistance to the external environment and can protect the plants from damage by the external environment.

In general, the plants from which red ochre is derived are mainly distributed in Southeast Asia, grow in a warm and humid environment, and have strong adaptability and growth ability.

Red ochre harvesting, processing, storage and preservation

The collection, processing, storage and preservation of red ochre are important links to ensure its quality and effectiveness. The following is a detailed description of the collection, processing and storage of red ochre:

  1. Harvesting:
    Red ochre is usually collected from the trunks or barks of plants in the genera of Achyranthes and Toosendan. When harvesting, you first need to select mature plants, then use a knife to cut or peel the bark to make the resin seep out. The collected resin is reddish brown or brown and has a hard texture.
  2. Processing:
    After the red ochre is collected, it needs to go through a series of processing steps. The first is cleaning, cleaning the impurities and dust on the surface of the red ochre. Then it is dried, which can be dried in the sun or naturally in a well-ventilated environment until its surface is dry. The last step is cutting and sorting, cutting the red ochre into appropriate sizes and shapes, and sorting and packaging.
  3. Storage and preservation:
    During storage, red ochre needs to be kept away from direct sunlight and humid environments to avoid affecting its quality and medicinal value. It is generally recommended to store red ochre in a dry and ventilated environment, avoiding high temperatures and humidity. It can be stored in sealed containers or bags to prevent contamination by dust and impurities. In addition, red ochre needs to be kept away from fire sources and flammable materials to ensure safety.
  4. Quality Inspection:
    During storage, check the red ochre regularly to see if there is any mildew or insect damage. If any abnormality is found, the red ochre should be promptly processed or replaced. In addition, the quality of the red ochre should be regularly inspected to ensure that its active ingredients and medicinal value are not affected.

In general, the harvesting, processing, storage and preservation of red ochre need to strictly follow standardized operations to ensure its quality and effectiveness, thereby guaranteeing its medicinal and other application effects.

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