Properties: Bitter, cold, toxic
Meridans Entered:
Primary: Lung, Liver and Stomach
Traditional Actions/Indications:
- Induces vomiting to treat Wind-Phlegm
Windstroke, seizures, epilepsy and painful obstruction of the throat due to a welling up of Phlegm
Ingestion of poisons and toxic substances (take immediately)
- Kills parasites and stops itching
Topically for scabies, tinea, fungus and lice
Suggested Daily Dosage: 0.1-0.15g as powder or pill.
Cautions: It is contraindicated for weak people and pregnant women. Antagonizing to Ren Shen, Sha Shen, Dan Shen, Xuan Shen, Ku Shen, Xi Xin and Bai Shao.
Notes:
Veratrum species are classed as prescription only medicines in the UK under the Banned and restricted herbal ingredients guidance, 2014 and the induction of vomiting is not a permitted mode of treatment. Therefore this herb is included as reference only and a different treatment strategy must be sought. If being considered due to poisoning then referral to A&E is necessary as current first aid guidelines do not encourage the induction of vomiting.
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.
