Peucedanum root (Qianhu)

Pharmaceutical Name : Radix Peucedani

Botanical Name : 1. Peucedanum Praeruptorum Dunn.; 2. Peucedanum decursivum Maxim.

Common Name: Peucedanum root, Hogfennel root

Source of Earliest Record : Mingyi Bielu

Part Used & Method for Pharmaceutical Preparations : The roots are dug in winter or spring, and cleaned and dried in the sun. After the root bark has been removed, the roots are soaked in warm water and cut into slices.

Properties & Taste : Bitter, pungent and slightly cold

Meridian : Lung

Functions:
1. To promote dispersing function of the lungs and clear heat;
2. To resolve phlegm and stop cough

Indications & Combinations:
1. Phlegm-heat accumulating in the lungs manifested as cough with yellow and thick sputum. Peucedanum root (Qianhu) is used with Mulberry bark (Sangbaipi), Trichosanthes fruit (Gualou) and Tendrilled fritillary bulb (Chuanbeimu) in the formula Qianhu San.

2. Cough due to invasion by exogenous pathogenic wind and heat. Peucedanum root (Qianhu) is used with Mentha (Bohe), Arctium fruit (Niubangzi) and Platycodon root (Jiegeng).

Dosage: 6-10 g