Properties: Bitter, pungent, cool, toxic

Meridans Entered:
Primary: Liver and Heart

1. Dispels Wind and eliminates Dampness
   Stubborn Damp-Heat Bi
   Rheumatoid arthritis
2. Drains water and disperse oedema
   Jaundice
   Glomus accumulation
3. Drains water and disperse oedema
   Jaundice
   Glomus accumulation
4. Resolves Toxicity and kills worms
   Scrofula, toxin swelling of sores
   Tinea capitis, itchy skin
   Poisonous snake bite

Suggested Daily Dosage: 5-12g in decoction, often with licorice to reduce toxicity. Can also be decocted for 1-2 hours and made into syrup, or pounded into powder and taken in tablets 0.5-1.5g per time, three times per day.

Cautions: Closely related to Lei Gong Teng so many of the same contraindications should apply. However, lacking the Triptoline content, this herb is considerably less toxic.

Contraindicated for those with cardiac, hepatic, renal or gastrointestinal problems, arrhythmias or anemia, during pregnancy or lactation and in the debilitated. Should not be used without careful monitoring of blood and liver enzymes.

Although not on the UK Banned and Restricted Herbal Medicines List, it is rarely used outside of China where proper monitoring is possible. Side effects can include immunosuppression, reproductive issues, adverse skin reactions, hematologic and cardiovascular events. External application for longer than half an hour may cause blisters.

• Celastrol
  Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory triterpinoid that potently inhibits lipid peroxidation in mitochondria and inhibits TNF-alpha-induced NF-kappa-B activation, topoisomerase II activity and Hsp90. It may be of use in preventing neuronal degeneration in Alzheimer's Disease.