Properties: Bitter, cold, toxic
Meridans Entered:
Primary: Liver, Spleen and Stomach
Traditional Actions/Indications:
- Kills parasites
Roundworms, hookworms, pinworms and vaginal trichomonas infections This is strong and effective and can be used by itself
- Treats tinea topically
As a wash or a powder made into a thick paste with vinegar for tinea
- Treats trichomonas
Externally as a wash or douche for trichomonas vaginitis
Suggested Daily Dosage: 4.5-9g in decoction or externally as a wash.
Cautions: Do not take in an excessive dose or long because of its toxicity. Decoct it long on a slow fire because the curative ingredients are difficult in dissolving.
Notes:
This plant is similar to Neem (Azadirachta indica, in Chinese: Yin Du Ku Lian, 印度苦楝, literally "Indian Chinaberry"; Ning Shu, 宁树 "Peace Tree"; or Yin Du Zi Ding Xiang, 印度紫丁香, "Indian Lilac") which is even more famous for its antihelmintic, antifungal, antibacterial, antiviral and toxic properties. This could make Neem a suitable or even superior substitute if Ku Lian is unavailable. Dharmananda (Ayurvedic Herbal Medicine and its Relation to Chinese Herbal Medicine, Institute for Traditional Medicine Online), considers them to be one and the same plant.
Appears in 2 formulae listed on this site: (click to display)
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.
