Properties: Sweet, Bitter, Cooling to Cold
Meridans Entered:
Primary: Spleen, Kidney
Traditional Actions/Indications:
- Tonifies Spleen and Kidney
Allergies
Anemia, Weak immunity, Dulled mental faculties
Poor digestion, Obesity and weight gain
- Tonifies and Builds Qi
Low energy, chronic fatigue syndrome
Depression, Stress
- Clears Heat
Headaches, jaundice, stuck menses
Suggested Daily Dosage: 1-8g per day eaten as food.
Cautions: Due to its cold nature, it is contraindicated for conditions associated with Cold and Dampness in the abdomen such as mucus, yeast or cysts. For these conditions chlorella is preferred.
Notes:
The main mechanism of spirulina is as a highly nutritious substance, consisting of approximately 60% protein and all the essential amino acids.
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.
