Individual Herbs Notebook

Wu Ju Lou Dou Cai

Pharmaceutical: Herba et radix Aquilegiae
Taxonomy: Aquilegia ecalcarata seu vulgaris

Other names: Spurless Columbine

Category: Herbs that Release the Exterior



Properties: Sweet, neutral

Meridans Entered:
Primary: Lung


Traditional Actions/Indications:
  1. Releases the Exterior and abates fever
    Common cold with headache
  2. Draws out Toxicity and generates flesh
    Putrefying sore, yellow-water sore

Suggested Daily Dosage: 3-6g in decoction, or powdered for external use.


Cautions: Aquilegia seeds and roots contain cardiogenic toxins which can result in shortness of breath, heart problems and cramps. Drying or heating can reduce the toxicity.


Notes:

European columbine (歐洲耬斗菜 Ou Zhou Lou Dou Cai, Aquilegia vulgaris) ais also recognised as a medicinal species with similar indications from Western herbal traditions but there is little written on this species in the Chinese literature.


Does not appear in any formulae listed on this site
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