Saltpetre in early and medieval Chinese medicine

Abstract

Saltpetre, xiaoshi, was used extensively in early and medieval Chinese medicine for the treatment of a number of common ailments and as a general aid to good health. Until recently it was thought that saltpetre had no biological action except as a diuretic, but recent research suggests that this is not the case. Some of the claims made by Chinese physicians are consistent with current scientific understanding. © 2009 Brill.