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 Asparagus root (Tianmendong)
Pharmaceutical Name : Radix Asparagi
Botanical Name : Asparagus cochinchinensis
(Lour.) Merr.
Common Name : Asparagus root
Source of Earliest Record : Shennong Bencao
Jing
Part Used & Method for Pharmaceutical
Preparations : The tuberous roots are dug
in autumn. After the fibrous roots have been
removed, the roots are boiled in hot water
or steamed, and soaked again in clear water.
The roots are then dried in the sun or baked.
Finally, they are cut into slices.
Properties & Taste : Sweet, bitter and
very cold
Meridians : Lung and kidney
Functions :
1. To clear the lungs and descend fire;
2. To nourish the yin and moisten dryness
Indications & Combinations:
1. Flaring up of fire caused by deficient
yin of the lungs and kidneys manifested as
scanty and sticky sputum or cough with bloody
sputum. Asparagus root (Tianmendong) is used
with Ophiopogon root (Maidong) in the formula
Erdong Gao.
2. Consumption of yin and qi by febrile disease
manifested as thirst, shortness of breath
or diabetes. Asparagus root (Tianmendong)
is used with Fresh rehmannia root (Shengdihuang)
and Ginseng (Renshen) in the formula Sancai
Tang.
3. Constipation due to dryness in the intestines.
Asparagus root (Tianmendong) is used with
Chinese angelica root (Danggui) and Cistanche
(Roucongrong).
Dosage: 6-15 g
Cautions & Contraindications:
The herb is contraindicated in cases with
deficiency and cold in the spleen and stomach,
poor appetite or diarrhea. |
