Traditional Chinese Medicine Healing Herbs(TCMHH)

Blood-Activating Analgesics

Shi Cao (Herba Achilleae)

Shi Cao 蓍草 Herba Achilleae
By the TCMHH editorial team Not medically reviewed How we work Updated 6 Oct 2026
Shi Cao (Herba Achilleae)
Shi Cao (Herba Achilleae)
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Shi Cao

Name

Shi Cao (Alpine Yarrow Herb)

The Effect of Alpine Yarrow Herb

Property

Bitter, sour, neutral; lung, spleen and bladder meridians entered.

Actions

Remove toxicity and promote diuresis, activate blood and alleviate pain.

Indications

Diarrhea, snake and insect bites, sore throat, tonsillitis, morbid leucorrhea due to dampness and heat, heat strangury, acute appendicitis.

Dosage and Administrations

Decoct 5~10 g, or soaked in wine. Proper dosage is for external application, decocted for washing or pounded for applying.

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Sources and further reading

We cite classical materia medica and modern reference works. This article is health education, not medical advice.

  • Shennong Bencao Jing (The Divine Farmer's Materia Medica), Han dynasty.
  • Bencao Gangmu (Compendium of Materia Medica), Li Shizhen, 1578.
  • Chinese Pharmacopoeia, current edition — identity, quality and safety monographs.
  • NCCIH and WHO reference material on traditional medicine safety.

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