Edema-Alleviating Diuretics
Lou Gu (Mole Cricket)

Name
Lou Gu (Mole Cricket)
The Effect of Lou Gu
Property
Salty, cold, slightly toxic; bladder, small intestine and large intestine meridians entered.
Actions
Promote diuresis, clear damp-heat and relax the bowels.
Indications
Edema, difficulty in urination, scrofula, sores and boils, urolithiasis.
Dosage and Administrations
Decoct 3~4.5 g, or made into powder, 1~2 g. Proper dosage is for external application, pounded into powder for applying.
Cautions
It is contraindicated to weak people and pregnant women.
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.
Spotted an error or a better source? Tell us — corrections are logged on our editorial policy page.
Did this article help you?
Your answer shapes what gets rewritten next.
Keep readingRelated entries
Ze Qi (Herba Euphorbiae Helioscopiae)
Sun Euphorbia Herb: promote diuresis, eliminate phlegm, kill parasites and remove toxicity.
Ze Qi: Chinese Herb Guide
Ze Qi (Sun Euphorbia Herb) Acrid, bitter, slightly cold, toxic; large intestine, small intestine, spleen and lung channels
Mole Cricket: Chinese Herb Guide
Lou Gu (Mole Cricket) Salty, cold, slightly toxic; bladder, small intestine and large intestine channels
Ji Cai: Chinese Herb Guide
Ji Cai: promote diuresis, harmonize the spleen, stop bleeding and improve vision.
Something this article did not cover?
Ask us directly. We reply within two days, and good questions become public articles.
Ask a question →