Properties: Bitter, sweet, cold
Meridans Entered:
Primary: Liver, Gallbladder and Bladder
Traditional Actions/Indications:
- Clear Heat, drains Dampness, resolves Toxicity and abates Jaundice
Damp-Heat jaundice
Heat stangury with pain
Damp-Heat diarrhoea and dysentery
Red and white vaginal discharge
Fever from external pathogens and malaria (Nue), acute gastritis, swelling of the throat
Red eyes, allergic rhinitis
Suggested Daily Dosage: 10-15g in decoction.
Cautions: It is contraindicated for deficiency-cold.
Notes:
The Ayurvedic and Unani herb most commonly used is Swertia chirata which is not commonly used in Chinese medicine, despite several other species being used. However, it has similar actions and indications to this species and so is included under this entry.
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.
