Properties: Sweet, slightly bitter and slightly acrid, neutral to warm, toxic
Meridans Entered:
Primary: Spleen, Kidney
Traditional Actions/Indications:
- Regulates Blood and Qi
Topical application on unbroken skin:
Bruises, sprains, swelling and muscle aches from trauma
Arthritis, inflammation
Varicose veins
Unbroken chill blains
Insect bites
Hair loss
Dry lips
Acne, eczema
As mouthwash or gargle:
Inflammation of the mouth and throat
Suggested Daily Dosage: Usually used externally on unbroken skin due to toxicity. When used internally it is usually in homeopathic dosages.
Cautions: Toxic if ingested, causing vomiting, dizziness, and heart irregularities. Contact with the plant can cause skin irritations. Not recommended for pregnant women.
Interactions:
Notable Constituents:
- Helenalin
Helenalin inhibits cytochrome P450 enzymes causing acute liver toxicity, accompanied by a decrease cholesterol levels. It also suppresses essential immune functions, such as those mediated by activated CD4+ T-cells which may account for some of its medicinal effects.
Notes:
Most of the information has come from White Rabbit Institute of Healing and Ross (2010) Combining Western Herbs and Chinese Medicine.
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.
