Properties: Sweet, warm
Meridans Entered:
Primary: Liver, Spleen, Heart, Kidneys, Stomach
Traditional Actions/Indications:
- Tonifies Spleen and Kidneys, transforms Phlegm and Invigorates Blood
Tumours
Inflammatory digestive disorders
Weight loss, diabetes (消渴 Xiao Ke)
- Nourishes Liver and Heart Blood and calms the Shen
Cholesterol and hypertension
Poor mental clarity, poor memory
- Supports Wei Qi
Bacterial and viral infection
Shingles and red itchy skin conditions
Suggested Daily Dosage: 9-12g in decoction.
Cautions: High oxalate content may prevent the absorption of some nutrients and can be toxic in high doses.
Notable Constituents:
- Melanin
Insoluble polymers of tyrosine derivatives found in and causing dark pigmentation in skin, hair, and feathers, providing protection against sunburn. It is the high melanin content that gives Chaga its dark brown appearance. Melanin is generally synthesised in the body and questionable if exogenous supplementation has any benefit.
- Oxalate
Salt or ester of oxalic acid that can bind to calcium leading to the formation of kidney stones. Common in many fruits, vegetables and especially leafy greens, Chaga has one of the highest levels of oxalate known.
Notes:
Information has been taken from Mycomedica.eu and White Rabbit Institute of Healing with dosage being around Dr. Axe's recommended approx 10g.
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, and A+ Medical Encyclopaedia have 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.
