Properties: Bitter, pungent, warm, toxic
Meridans Entered:
Primary: Lung, Liver and Spleen
Traditional Actions/Indications:
- Dries Dampness and expels Phlegm
Stubborn (extremely sticky) Phlegm in the Lungs with cough and a distended sensation in the chest
- Disperses Wind-Phlegm in the channels and stops spasms
Wind-Phlegm Obstructing the Channels with dizziness, vertigo, numbness in the limbs, facial paralysis, spasms in the hands and feet, opisthotonis, stroke, seizures or lockjaw
- Reduces swelling and alleviates pain
Topically for Chuang Yung (deep rooted sores, ulcers and carbuncles).
Swelling due to traumatic injury and joint pain secondary to Phlegm
Topically for cervical cancer
Suggested Daily Dosage: 3-10g in decoction.
Cautions: Prohibited for yin deficiency with dry phlegm and the pregnant women.
Appears in 7 formulae listed on this site: (click to display)
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.
