Properties: Bitter, cold, strongly toxic
Meridans Entered:
Primary: Liver and Spleen
Traditional Actions/Indications:
- Unblocks the channels and collaterals, disperses clumps, cools Blood Heat to reduce swelling and alleviates pain
Abscess, sores and Yin type ulcers
Swelling and pain due to trauma
Very stubborn Wind-Damp Bi with pain, paresthesias, numbness and spasms
Tumors
Phlegm-Damp Obstructs Heart
Liver and Kidney Deficiencies
Wind-Cold-Damp Bi
Liver and Gallbladder Qi Stagnation Stomach Qi Stagnation
Suggested Daily Dosage: Processed and made into pills or powders, 0.3-0.6g daily.
Cautions: Do not use unprocessed, overuse or use for a long time orally. Do not apply on large region externally. It is prohibited for the pregnant and weak.
This herb is prohibited from use in the UK under the banned and restricted herbal ingredients list issued by the MHRA.
Does not appear in any formulae listed on this site
Research Links & References: (click to display)
Research Links:
Reference Notes:
Individual herb information has sourced mainly from TCM Wiki and American Dragon for basic data and then updated manually with my own notes. Zhou, Xie and Yan (2011): Encyclopedia of Traditional Chinese Medicines, Vol. 5, has been used for entries not available from those sources with additional material searched for and filled in where available. Western herbs not appearing in the Chinese literature have used Ross (2010): Combining Western Herbs and Chinese Medicine: A Clinical Materia Medica, White Rabbit Institute of Healing and therapeutika.ch. Choices of which source to use or combine have been my own.
These pages are intended to assist clinicians and are not intended for self-diagnosis or treatment for which a qualified professional should be consulted. Actions and indications are taken from traditional uses and do not necessarily reflect the evidence base which should be researched independently. Dosages are for guidance only and will vary dependening on the potency of the batch and the tolerance of the individual so should be evaluated by a professional based on individual needs.