Characteristics and Differentiation of Natural and Chemical Sulfur
The use of natural sulfur in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is preferred due to its purity and therapeutic properties. The main differences between natural sulfur and chemical sulfur, also known as industrial sulfur, lie in their sources, composition, and potential impacts on health.
Natural Sulfur
1. Dead volcanic sulfur
2. Active volcanic sulfur
3. Hot spring sulfur
- Irregularly-sized lumps with hard texture
- Stalagmite-like formations
- Chalk-like texture, matte, non-reflective
- Surface with black specks and powdery substance, resembling damp, clumped milk powder
- Rotten egg odor, non-irritating
- Crunchy, chewy texture, akin to the sound of walking on snow in winter
- Soft, pale creamy yellow; slight difference between camera photos and human eyes, perceived as softer by human eyes
- Upon fracture, the surface is matte, relatively flat, and not sharp
- Occasional black specks and impurity particles on the fracture
- Natural crust formed by the solidification of volcanic sulfur flows
- Natural crust with numerous black or colored spot impurities, occasional pores and bubbles
- Start with pea-sized doses, avoid overconsumption
- After a period of microdosing, may result in warmth in the waist and legs, increased appetite, and regular bowel movements
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- Individual tolerance to sulfur varies; some may experience poisoning with a small amount, while others may consume several pounds without issues and even see improvements in their health
- Impurities include zinc, selenium, calcium, thallium, and arsenic, which are the primary effective components for therapeutic purposes
Chemical Sulfur
1. Petroleum refining recovery
2. Natural gas purification recovery
3. Recovery from coal gasification, coking, metallurgy, power plant desulfurization, and waste gas of fertilizer and pesticide plants, with higher toxicity
- Various forms: fully powdered, semi-circular granules (shiny), pearl-like granules (matte), and irregularly-sized lumps
- Lumps with uneven surface, grainy, sharp, needle-like, clustered, reflective, and possessing a broken glass luster
- Stimulating odor, pungent
- Gritty texture, slightly irritating to the throat
- Vivid bright yellow, also available in dull matte, pure, and free of impurities
- After breaking, the fracture of artificial sulfur is uneven, grainy, sharp, needle-like, clustered, reflective, and has a broken glass luster
- No natural crust
- Ineffective with small amounts; after prolonged use of large amounts, may cause redness and pain on the sides of the tongue (symptoms of liver injury and liver fire)
- Main impurity is lead, with additional components such as carbon, iron, nickel, tin, tar, ash, and organic substances
- If it's sulfur recovered from the waste gas of fertilizer and pesticide plants, it may contain more toxic substances.