Siegesbeckia (Xixiancao)

Pharmaceutical Name : Herba Siegesbeckiae

Botanical Name: 1. Siegesbeckia pubescens Mak.; 2. Siegesbeckia orientalis L.; 3. Siegesbeckia glabrescens Mak.

Common Name : Siegesbeckia herb

Source of Earliest Record : Xinxiu Bencao

Part Used & Method for Pharmaceutical Preparations : The aerial parts of the herb can be gathered in summer or autumn. They are then cleaned, dried in the sun and cut into small pieces.

Properties & Taste : Bitter and cold

Meridians : Liver and kidney

Functions: 1. To dispel wind and dampness; 2. To clear the meridians; 3. To clear heat and release toxins

Indications & Combinations:

1. Wind-damp obstruction syndrome manifested as rheumatic pain. Siegesbeckia (Xixiancao) can be used singly or with Glorybower leaf (Chouwutong) in the formula Xi Tong Wan.

2. Boils, carbuncles, furuncles, eczema and measles. The herb is used both internally and externally.

3. Hypertension. Siegesbeckia (Xixiancao) can be used singly or with Glorybower leaf (Chouwutong) and Uncaria stem (Gouteng).

Dosage: 10-15 g

Cautions & Contraindications: This herb is contraindicated in cases with deficient blood syndromes.