Individual Herbs Notebook

Bian Xu

Pharmaceutical: Herba Polygoni Avicularis
Taxonomy: Polygonum avicularis

Other names: Knotweed / Common Knotgrass / Polygonum

Category: Herbs that Drain Dampness



Properties: Bitter, slightly cold

Meridans Entered:
Primary: Bladder


Traditional Actions/Indications:
  1. Drains Damp-Heat from the Urinary Bladder, promotes urination and unblocks painful urinary dysfunction
    Damp-Heat Painful Urinary Dysfunction (Lin Syndrome)
    Damp-Heat jaundice
  2. Expels parasites and stops itching
    Damp lesions with itch including tinea
    Intestinal parasites such as tapeworm, hookworm and pinworm
  3. Kills the Three Worms
    Said in the Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing that it removes the Three Worms. These may refer to difficult to treat metabolic disorders caused by overindulgence and should be accompanied by fasting, meditation and exercise regimes.

Suggested Daily Dosage: 9-15g in decoction.


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