Properties: Bitter, Sour
Meridans Entered:
Primary: Spleen, Kidneys, Small Intestine
Traditional Actions/Indications:
- Expels Wind and eliminates Dampness, frees channels and invigorates Blood
Wind-Damp Bi, lumbago due to Blood stasis
Complications of diabetes (消渴 Xiao Ke) causing Dampness and Blood Stasis to obstruct the Channels
Suggested Daily Dosage: 9-30g in decoction.
Cautions: Can lower blood sugar so diabetic medications may need to be adjusted accordingly.
Notable Constituents:
- Salacinol
A potent natural α-glucosidase inhibitor, preventing the breakdown of starch and disaccharides to glucose
- Kotalanol
Also a potent natural α-glucosidase inhibitor, preventing the breakdown of starch and disaccharides to glucose
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.
