02.28.09

Rhizoma Arisaematis (Tian Nan Xing) – Expels Phlegm and Relieves Spasm

Posted in Chinese Herbal Medicine, Herbs at 9:57 pm by Dr. Pharm Tao

Scientific name:
Arisaema erubescens (Wall.) Schott, A. heterophyllum Bl, and Pinellia pedatisecta Schott

Family:
Araceae

Parts used:
Rhizome

Actions:
Aqueous infusion or alcohol extract: anticonvulsive effect in mice
Decoction: eliminates phlegm in mice

TCM effects:
Calms the liver-wind
Deprives dampness and eliminates phlegm
Eliminates toxic material
Expels wind-phlegm and relieves spasm

Uses:
Apoplexy
Carbuncles
Chronic phlegm-syndrome with productive cough and chest upset
Distortion of the face
Dizziness
Epilepsy
Hemiplegia
Numbness of extremities
Productive cough with thin expectoration
Skin infections
Snake bite

Dosages:
Appropriate amount for external use
Decoction 6-9g

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02.27.09

Radix Trichosanthis (Tian Hua Fen) – Clears Heat and Anti-Tumor

Posted in Chinese Herbal Medicine, Herbs at 5:35 pm by Dr. Pharm Tao

Scientific name:
Trichosanthes kirilowii Maxim.

Family:
Cucurbitaceae

Parts used:
Root

Actions:
Bacteriostatic
Damages the chorionic syncytial trophoblast
Interrupts pregnancy
Trichosanthin (active component): effective on placental trophocytic tumor

TCM effects:
Clears away lung-heat
Clears away toxic materials
Clears heat
Promotes the production of fluid

Uses:
Abscess
Carbuncles
Cough
Diabetes
Febrile diseases
Induction of labor in the second trimester of pregnancy
Skin infections
Thirst
Trophocytic tumor

Dosages:
Decoction 9-15g
10mg of trichosanthin added in physiological saline 500m IV for drips, once 5-7 days after test, used for trophocytic tumor and labor induction

Contraindication:
Bed rest for 1-2 days after injection
Contraindicated for patients with liver, heart and kidney diseases, severe anemia, and psychosis
IV injection may cause fever and allergic reaction, even allergic shock

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02.25.09

Semen Hyoscyami (Tian Xian Zi) – Stops Pain and Relieves Asthma

Posted in Chinese Herbal Medicine, Herbs at 12:55 pm by Dr. Pharm Tao

Scientific name:
Hyoscyamus niger L.

Family:
Solanaceae

Parts used:
Seed

Actions:
Antisudorific, saliva antisecretory, and mydriatic
Excites the respiratory center
Increases heart rate
Relaxes the smooth muscles

TCM effects:
Anesthetize, alleviates pain
Expels wind
Relieves cough and asthma

Uses:
Bronchial asthma
Chronic bronchitis
Epilepsy
Schizophrenia

Dosages:
Decoction 0.6-1.2g of seeds 1-2g of roots and leaves, divided into 2-3 doses daily

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