Properties: None given
Meridans Entered:
Primary: None given
Traditional Actions/Indications:
- Raises the Spirit
Low mood, fatigue
Suggested Daily Dosage: Traditionally chewed.
Notable Constituents:
- Caffeine
Xanthine alkaloid that acts as a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant. Constitutes 2-3.5% of kola nuts.
- Theobromine
The principle alkaloid in the cacao bean responsible for its bitter taste but also present in trace amounts in tea. It is a xanthine alkaloid that is used as a bronchodilator and as a vasodilator via suppression of the vagus nerve. Despite being almost identical to caffeine, it has much less effect on the central nervous system with practically no stimulant properties. It was formerly used in the treatment of angina pectoris and hypertension. Constitutes 1-2.5% of kola nuts.
- Theophylline
Alkaloid derivative of xanthine that is a phosphodiesterase inhibitor used in therapy for respiratory diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma.
- Epicatechin
Antioxidant polyphenol catechin tannin.
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.
