Traditional Chinese Medicine Healing Herbs(TCMHH)

Tranquilizing Herbs

Xie Cao

缬草 Valerian Root 纈草 Radix Valerianae
By the TCMHH editorial team Not medically reviewed How we work Updated 6 Oct 2026
Xie Cao
Xie Cao
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Xie Cao

Name

Xie Cao (Valerian Root)

The Effect of Xie Cao

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.

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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.

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