Properties: Bitter, cold, toxic
Meridans Entered:
Primary: Large Intestine
Traditional Actions/Indications:
- Moistens the intestines and frees the stool
Intestinal dryness and constipation, habitual constipation
Suggested Daily Dosage: 3-5g of dried berries, or 10-30g in decoction with sugar into a syrup and taken in tablespoon doses until it has the desired effect.
Cautions: May cause stomach cramps. Should not be used long term.
Notable Constituents:
- Anthraquinone
Used in the manufacture of dyes, in the textile and pulp industries, and as a bird repellant.
- Emodin
Anthraquinone with laxative, antibacterial and antiinflammatory effects.
Notes:
Until the 17th century this was the only native purgative in western herbal medicine, known as Spina Cervina. It has generally fallen out of use since the import of rhubarb which is much safer and easier to identify. It is differentiated from black alder and dogberry by the fact it has a greenish juice and four seeds per apiece, instead of only one or two.
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, 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.
