Properties: Sour, pungent, cold

Meridans Entered:
Primary: Lung , Large Intestine and Kidney

1. Astringes Lung Qi and stops cough
   Chronic cough due to Lung Qi Deficiency
2. Astringes the Intestines and stops diarrhea
   Chronic diarrhea, dysenteric disorders, chronic hemafecia and rectal prolapse
3. Astringes sweat, astringes the Kidneys and stops bleeding
   Nocturnal emissions, spermatorrhea, excessive sweating and bleeding
4. Descends Fire (relieves Fire toxicity), absorbs moisture (clears Dampness) and reduces swellings
   Topically as a powder or wash for sores, dermatosis, toxic swellings and Damp, ulcerated skin
   Scar tissue
5. Cools Deficiency Fire
   Lung Yin Deficiency and Deficiency Fire with chronic cough with Blood or Blood-streaked sputum
6. Stops bleeding
   Various bleeding disorders such as uterine bleeding, hematochezia, bleeding gums, hematuria, and epistaxis

Suggested Daily Dosage: 3-9g in decoction.

Cautions: Use with caution for diarrhea or dysentery of damp-heat type.

Due to the gallnuts being created by aphids infesting the bark of Rhus chinensis, the Chinese sumac tree, this is considered an animal product and so prohibited under the Medicines Act 1968 ch. 67. The sour astringent qualities of Wu Wei Zi and similarity shape, texture and function of Rou Dou Kou make this combination the best substitute from the Chinese pharmacopoeia. Regular Sumac from the Middle East is also sour and contains high levels of tannins so might make a suitable substitute.