Properties: Bitter, pungent, neutral, toxic
Meridans Entered:
Primary: Liver and Kidney
Traditional Actions/Indications:
- Contract the uterus, stop bleeding and alleviate pain
Migraine
Metrorrhagia
Suggested Daily Dosage: Not generally used today due to the toxicity.
Cautions: Avoid using during pregnancy as uterine contractions may induce abortion. Avoid during during period of dilation.
Highly toxic causing hallucinations, irrational behaviour, convulsions and even death. Other symptoms include strong uterine contractions, nausea, seizures, and unconsciousness.
In the UK the MHRA considers ergot fungus a prescription only medicine.
Notable Constituents:
- Ergotamine
Used in medicines like Cafergot to prevent headaches and migraines and treat post-partum haemorrhage by selectively binding to serotonin receptors causing vasoconstriction. Ergotamine is also used to synthesize Lysergic Acid (LSD).
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.
