Heat-Clearing and toxicity-Removing Herbs
Chuan Xin Lian (Common Andrographis Herb)
Name
Chuan Xin Lian (Herba Andrographis)
The Effect of 穿心莲
Property
Bitter, cold; lung, stomach, large intestine, liver and bladder meridians entered.
Actions
Clear heat and dry dampness, purge fire and remove toxicity.
Indications
Diarrhea, dysentery, jaundice, stranguria syndrome and eczema; warm diseases in early stage or pathogen entering qi system, cough due to lung heat; abscess and sores, mouth and tongue ulcer, swollen and sore throat, and insect and snake bite.
Dosage and Administrations
Decoct 3~6 g. Since it is pretty bitter in flavor, its decoction may cause nausea and vomiting easily. So it is often used in pills or tablets. Proper dosage is for topical administration.
Cautions
It is contraindicated to patients with deficiency cold syndrome.
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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