Properties: Bitter, Cold, Toxic
Meridans Entered:
Primary: Large Intestine, Lung, and Kidney
Traditional Actions/Indications:
- Drives out water through the urine and stool
Edema and ascites from Stagnation of pathogenic water or Dampness
Constipation due to Heat accumulation in the Stomach and Intestines
Can be used as a stand-alone herb
- Descends Lung Qi and drives out Phlegm and thin mucus (Tan Yin)
Thin mucus obstructing the Lungs with cough, wheezing and a sensation of fullness in the chest and abdomen
- Unblocks the bowels and removes Damp-Heat
Constipation due to accumulation and Stagnation of Damp-Heat or Food Stagnation in the Stomach and Intestines (reduce the dosage)
- Expels intestinal parasites and reduces Stagnation
Tapeworm or roundworm infestation Food Stagnation
Suggested Daily Dosage: 3-9g in decoction, 1.5-3g in powders or pills.
Cautions: It is contraindicated to pregnancy, and incompatible with Ba Dou.
Appears in 6 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, 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.
