Properties: Bitter, sour, cold
Meridans Entered:
Primary: Liver, Stomach, Small and Large Intestines
Traditional Actions/Indications:
- Clears Heat and Drains Dampness
Stomach cramping, heartburn, bloating, abdominal pain
Diarrhea, bloody stools
Constipation
Fever
Restlessness
Dry mouth
Bleeding gums
- Topically to clear Heat from the Skin
Psoriasis, skin infections, acne
Douche for vaginal conditions with malodorous excretions and itching
Suggested Daily Dosage: 3-9g in decoction.
Cautions: Not recommended for long term daily use.
Notable Constituents:
- Berberine
Alkaloid with antibiotic, anti-fungal, antidiarrheal, antilipemic, hypoglycemic and antioxidant properties. It also functions as a potassium channel blocker and an antineoplastic agent, among other things. It is slowly soluble in water.
Notes:
Information is taken from https://www.whiterabbitinstituteofhealing.com/herbs/oregon-grape-root/.
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, has 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.
