Properties: Pungent, bitter, neutral
Meridans Entered:
Primary: Liver
Traditional Actions/Indications:
- Dispels Wind-Dampness, unblocks the channels and collaterals and stops pain
Wind-Damp Bi, numbness in the limbs, difficulty moving the joints and paralysis
General pain, including digestive and trauma induced
Toothache, malaria and abscess
Suggested Daily Dosage: 9-15g in decoction.
Cautions: No longer used as it contains carcinogenic liver and kidney toxic aristolochic acids. However it may be found as an adulterant in other herbs, especially Bai Yin (Solanum lyratum, ironically taken for cancer). In the UK it is prohibited from use under the banned and restricted herbal ingredients list issued by the MHRA.
Traditionally it is contraindicated for yin deficiency with endogenous heat and nephritic patients. It should not be used overdose or for a long time.
Appears in 1 formulae listed on this site: (click to display)
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.
