Properties: Sour, astringent, neutral, slightly toxic
Meridans Entered:
Primary: Lung, Large Intestine and Kidney
Traditional Actions/Indications:
- Astringes leakage of Lung Qi
Chronic cough
- Astringes the Intestines
Chronic dysentery and diarrhoea
- Stabilizes the Lower Jiao
Lower Jiao Deficiency with polyuria. spermatorrhea or vaginal discharge
- Alleviates pain
Pain (any kind, especially sinews, bones and epigastrium)
Pain from tumors
Suggested Daily Dosage: 3-9g in decoction.
Cautions: It is contraindicated in case of early stage of cough, diarrhea and dysentery of excess heat, or long term use due to risk of addiction.
This herb is prohibited from use in the UK due being a Class A drug (opium). The astringent functions can be substituted with Wu Wei Zi for the Lungs or Wu Mei for the intestines but the alleviation of pain, while it can be attempted with other herbs, will not contain the same opiate action. If this is required then referral for a prescription may be necessary.
Appears in 2 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.
