Individual Herbs Notebook

Tou Gu Cao

Pharmaceutical: Caulis Speranskiae seu Impatientis
Taxonomy: Speranskia tuberculata seu Impatiens balsamina

Other names: Garden Balsam Stem

Category: Herbs that Dispel Wind-Dampness



Properties: Pungent, bitter, warm, slightly toxic

Meridans Entered:
Primary: Liver and Kidney


Traditional Actions/Indications:
  1. Invigorates Blood circulation, breaks up Blood Stasis, reduces swelling and generates flesh
    External and traumatic injuries with bruising, swelling, inflammation and pain
  2. Clears Heat, eliminates toxins, cools the Blood and relieves pain
    Toxic sores, burns, carbuncles and swellings (topical)
  3. Drains Damp-Heat
    Acute jaundice
    Hepatitis
  4. Dispels Wind and Dampness and relaxes the muscles and sinews
    Arthritis and arthralgia
    Muscle and bone contracture
    Beriberi due to Cold-Dampness
    Tinea

Suggested Daily Dosage: 9-15g in decoction. Often used in external washes and soaks.


Cautions: It is contraindicated to pregnant women.


Appears in 4 formulae listed on this site: (click to display)
Research Links & References: (click to display)