Blood-Activating Analgesics
Shi Cao: Chinese Herb Guide

Name
Shi Cao (Alpine Yarrow Herb)
The Effect of Shi Cao
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.
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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