Properties: Bitter, Cold
Meridans Entered:
Primary: Large Intestine
Traditional Actions/Indications:
- Drains downward and guides out Stagnation
Heat in the Stomach and Intestines with constipation and abdominal fullness
- Eliminates Excess Heat and drains Summerheat
Summerheat
Suggested Daily Dosage: 1.5-6g in decoction. Start with small doses and increase gradually.
Cautions: It is contraindicated for women during pregnancy, menstruation and lactation because the purgative substances can be transmitted into the milk secretions.
Caution should also be taken with diuretic tablets as it may induce diarrhoea which can deplete potassium levels. Caution should be taken in patients taking warfarin too as diarrhoea may increase its efficacy.
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.
