Properties: Pungent, bitter, sweet, neutral-warm, mildly toxic
Meridans Entered:
Primary: Liver and Heart
Traditional Actions/Indications:
- Calms the Shen
Insomnia, restlessness, emotional distress, excessive worrying, mania-withdrawal (Dian Kuang)
Neurasthenia, visceral agitation (Zang Zao)
- Regulates the Liver and alleviates spasms and pain
Muscle tightness and spasms, lower back pain
Stomach cramps
Dysmenorrhea, pre-menstrual pain
Traumatic injuries
Suggested Daily Dosage: 2-6g in decoction, or soaked in wine. Can be used in doses up to 10g.
Cautions: May cause drowsiness and sedation, so do not drive or operate heavy machinery after use. Avoid during pregnancy and use with caution in those who are weak and have yin deficiency due to its warm, pungent qualities.
Interactions:
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.
