Properties: Bitter, acrid, cold, toxic
Meridans Entered:
Primary: None given
Traditional Actions/Indications:
- Clears Heat and resolves Toxicity, dissipate stasis and disperse swelling
Swelling toxin of sore and welling abscess
Insect bites
Fish bone stuck in throat
Suggested Daily Dosage: Pounded and applied externally.
Cautions: Poisonous after ingestion. Symptoms include vomiting, abdominal pain, rapid pulse, cold sweat, diarrhea, irregular breathing, rising body temperature, lethargy, collapse, etc. In severe cases, convulsions, paralysis and death occur.
Notable Constituents:
- Lycorine
Alkaloid responsible for the toxicity of narcissus species found mainly in the bulbs but also in all parts of the plant. It has been researched for antibacterial, antiviral, or anti-inflammatory effects and possible anticancer properties for which derivatives with lower toxicity are being researched as potential anti-cancer agents in humans.
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.
