Pseudostellaria root (Taizishen)

Pharmaceutical Name : Radix Pseudostellariae

Botanical Name : Pseudostellaria heterophylla (Miq.) Pax ex Pax et Hoffm.

Common Name : Pseudostellaria root

Source of Earliest Record : Zhongguo Yaoyong Zhiwu Zhi

Part Used & Method for Pharmaceutical Preparations : The tuberous roots of the cultivated pseudostellaris are dug in the period around the Great Heat (twelfth solar term). After the fibrous roots are removed, the roots are dried in the sun.

Properties & Taste : Sweet, slightly bitter and neutral

Meridians: Spleen and lung

Functions : To replenish qi and promote body fluids

Indications & Combinations:

1. Deficiency of the spleen manifested as poor appetite and lassitude. Pseudostellaria root (Taizishen) is used with Dioscorea (Shanyao), Hyacinth bean (Biandou), Germinated millet (Guya) and Germinated barley (Maiya).

2. Deficient yin of the lungs manifested as dry cough or cough with scanty sputum. Pseudostellaria root (Taizishen) is used with Glehnia root (Shashen) and Ophiopogon root (Maidong).

3. Deficient yin of the stomach manifested as thirst. Pseudostellaria root (Taizishen) is used with Dendrobium (Shihu) and Trichosanthes root (Tianhuafen).

4. Deficiency of the spleen leading to deficiency of both qi and blood manifested as palpitations, insomnia and sweating. Pseudostellaria root (Taizishen) is used with Wild jujube seed (Suanzaoren) and Schisandra fruit (Wuweizi).

Dosage: 10-30 g