Tranquilizing Herbs
Xie Cao (Radix Valerianae)
Name
Xie Cao (Valerian Root)
The Effect of Valerian Root
Property
Pungent, bitter, warm; liver and heart meridians entered.
Actions
Induce tranquilization, stop bleeding and alleviate pain.
Indications
Irregular menstruation, traumatic injury, lumbago, neurasthenia, dyspepsia.
Dosage and Administrations
Decoct 3~9 g, or made into powder or soaked in wine. Proper dosage is for external application, pounded into powder for applying.
Cautions
It is contraindicated to weak people with yin deficiency.
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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