Heat-Clearing and toxicity-Removing Herbs
Quan Shen: Chinese Herb Guide
Name
Quan Shen (Rhizoma Bistortae)
The Effect of Quan Shen
Property
Bitter, astringent, slightly cold; lung, liver and large intestine meridians entered.
Actions
Clear heat and relieve convulsion, promote diuresis, resolve swelling and dissipate nodulation.
Indications
Scrofula, carbuncle and swelling, tetanus, dysentery with bloody stool, spasm due to calenture.
Dosage and Administrations
Decoct 3~12 g, or made into pill or powder. Proper dosage is for external application, pounded for applying, or decocted for mouthwash or fuming-washing.
Cautions
It is contraindicated for external sores due to yin syndrome. It cann’t be used without excess fire and heat-toxin.
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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