Properties: Salty, cold
Meridans Entered:
Primary: Liver and Heart
Traditional Actions/Indications:
- Calms the Liver, anchors Yang and drains Liver Fire
Liver Yang Rising due to Liver Yin Deficiency with dizziness, vertigo, tinnitus and insomnia
- Clears the Liver and improves vision
Blurred vision due to Liver Deficiency Liver Heat with red eyes, photophobia and Superficial Visual Obstruction
- Sedates fright and calms the Spirit
Palpitations, anxiety, insomnia and other problems secondary to Shen disturbance
- Stops bleeding
Bleeding from the Upper Jiao
- Promotes healing and reduces itching of the skin
Eczema and itching (topically as a powder)
- Neutralizes Stomach acid and relieves pain
Peptic ulcers with pain and regurgitation
Suggested Daily Dosage: 15-30g in decoction.
Cautions: Animal products are prohibited from use in the UK under the Medicines Act 1968 ch. 67 which restricts herbalists to the use of plant products only. It is generally substituted with Gou Teng and Xia Ku Cao, or Bai Ji Li.
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.
