Properties: Pungent, hot, strong toxic
Meridans Entered:
Primary: Liver, Stomach and Kidney
Traditional Actions/Indications:
- Attacks toxin and erodes sores
Topically for sores, carbuncles and scrofula
Dog bites
- Invigorates the Blood, dispels Blood Stasis and disperses clumps
Palpable fixed masses and local distention due to Blood Stasis
Suggested Daily Dosage: 0.03-0.6g as powder or pills after processing.
Cautions: It is contraindicated to weak people and pregnant women. Because of its strong toxicity, it should be used cautiously when taken orally and only in small doses when used as a plaster.
Notable Constituents:
- Cantharidin
Chemotherapeutic agent that prevents cell progression at all phases of the cell cycle.
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.
