Witnessed by: Western
Calcined magnesia (Periclase), of the oxide mineral family. An extremely light, white, bulky powder (light magnesia) or a dense white powder (heavy magnesia); native range: periclase in contact-metamorphosed dolomitic limestone; the pharmacy article made by calcining the carbonate. Globally recognized as calcined magnesia, burnt magnesia, magnesium oxide, periclase in English. The part used is the calcined oxide, powdered. Dead white and very light, soft and impalpable, almost tasteless with a faint alkaline earthiness, odourless, and — unlike the carbonate — not effervescing with acid.
In this cross-tradition database, we analyze how this substance operates across world medicine systems — tracking its traditional tastes, temperatures, tissue affinities, post-digestive effects, and planetary correspondences across Ayurveda, Unani, and Western herbalism.
CALCINED MAGNESIA
IDENTITY
Name
- Common
- calcined magnesia
- Scientific name
- Periclase (magnesium oxide, MgO)
- Family
- oxide mineral
Form
- Part used
- the calcined oxide, powdered
PROPERTIES
Nature
Taste
how the plant declares itself on the tongue
- Western
- bland (nearly tasteless, faintly alkaline and earthy)
Affinity
where in the body it travels
Organs / channels
- Western
- stomach · bowels
PRACTICE
Virtue
Actions
- Western
- antacid, and the strongest of its tribe for its weight — it neutralises acid without setting free any gas; laxative in the larger dose, and an absorbent and antidote to the mineral acids
Cautions
- Contraindications
- impaired kidney function; long-continued use in place of a diagnosis
- Toxicity
- long or heavy use purges, disturbs the salt balance and may load the blood with magnesium where the kidneys are failing; concretions have followed prolonged use in children
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