Properties: Sweet, Neutral
Meridans Entered:
Primary: Stomach, Heart and Liver
Traditional Actions/Indications:
- Invigorates the Blood and Dispels Wind
Hemiplegia from Wind-Stroke
Cramps in the hands and feet
- Clears Heat and resolves Toxicity
Heat in the Heart and chest with fullness and vomiting
Sore and boils
Hair loss
- Aids fasting
Mentioned in the Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing as part of the superior class of animal products which can, with protracted taking, replenish Qi, prevent hunger, lighten the body and resist ageing. This may suggest it was part of supplementing the diet when engaging in an "avoiding grain" (Bigu 辟穀) fasting regime to cultivate life (Yangsheng 養生) and, combined with the absence of an entry for rice, may have suggested a ketogenic diet where carbohydrates were kept to a minimum using sources such as Chinese Yam (Shan Yao), Job's Tears (Yi Yi Ren) and amaranth (Xian Shi) found in foraging quantities.
Suggested Daily Dosage:
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.
