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Chinese gentian (Longdancao)
Pharmaceutical Name: Radix Gentianae
Botanical Name: 1. Gentiana scabra Bge.;
2. Gentiana triflora Pall.; 3 Gentiana manshurica
Kitag.
Common Name: Chinese gentian
Source of Earliest Record: Shennong Bencao
Jing
Part Used & Method for Pharmaceutical
Preparations: The roots, or rhizomes, are
gathered in autumn, dried in the sun and cut
into pieces.
Properties & Taste: Bitter and cold
Meridians: Liver, gall bladder and stomach
Functions:
1. To clear heat and dry dampness;
2. To reduce fire in the liver
Indications & Combinations:
1. Damp-heat syndrome: a) damp-heat jaundiceChinese
gentian (Longdancao) is used with Oriental
wormwood (Yinchenhao) and Capejasmine (Zhizi);
b) damp-heat leukorrhea manifested as pain
and swelling in the genitals and eczemaChinese
gentian (Longdancao) is used with Phellodendron
bark (Huangbai), Flavescent sophora root (Kushen)
and Plantain seed (Cheqianzi).
2. Upward attack of liver fire manifested
as headache, distending sensation in the head,
red eyes, deafness and pain in the costal
regions. Chinese gentian (Longdancao) is used
with Scutellaria root (Huangqin), Capejasmine
(Zhizi), Bupleurum root (Chaihu) and Clematis
stem (Mutong).
3. Fever, spasms and convulsions. Chinese
gentian (Longdancao) is used with Uncaria
stem (Gouteng) and Ox gallstone (Niuhuang).
Dosage: 3-10 g
Cautions & Contraindications: This herb
is contraindicated in cases with weakness
and cold in the spleen and stomach. |
