Properties: Slightly Sweet, Pungent, Astringent, Warm
Meridans Entered:
Primary: Kidney, Lung
Traditional Actions/Indications:
- Tonifies Kidney Qi, supports Jing and drains Dampness
Swollen or inflamed reproductive organs (often used for prostatitis)
Frequent urination, increased urination at night (nocturia), trouble starting urination, dribbling and incomplete urination
Low sexual drive, infertility, impotence, sterility
Hair loss associated with male pattern baldness
Low energy, weight gain
- Expels Phelgm and Tonifies Lung Qi
Coughs, flus, bronchitis, wheezing, asthma, catarrh
Suggested Daily Dosage: 160mg twice a day of an extract that has been standardized to contain 85-95% fatty acids and sterols.
Cautions: Can slow blood clotting, so if already using blood clotting medicines, including aspirin and ibuprofen, you could experience increased bruising and bleeding. High amounts of saw palmetto may cause stomach problems.
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, and A+ Medical Encyclopaedia have 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.
