Properties: Sweet, neutral
Meridans Entered:
Primary: Spleen and Large Intestine
Traditional Actions/Indications:
- Strengthens the Spleen and soothes the Stomach and Spleen, moistens dryness and induces urination
Malnutrition, diarrhoea, abdominal distention
Gestational disorders
Traumatic bleeding
Sores and boils
Suggested Daily Dosage: 30-90g in decoction.
Cautions: Do not take too much.
Notable Constituents:
- Genistein
Isoflavone described as an angiogenesis inhibitor and a phytoestrogen. It plays a role in prevention of atherosclerosis and as an inhibitor of estrogen dependent cancers.
- Lecithin
A phospholipid with a polar choline found in phosphoester linkage to diacylglycerol. It is commonly used as a food additive, as an emulsifier to blend fats and water, and marketed as a supplement to benefit the gut mucosal lining and helping with disorders such as ulceration and potentially improving gut microbial diversity. However, it could have the opposite effect in some individuals, increasing inflammation and disrupting the microbial environment (Panyod et al., 2024).
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.
