Tamarisk tops (Chengliu)

Pharmaceutical Name : Cacumen Tamaricis

Botanical Name : Tamarix chinensis Lour.

Source of Earliest Record : Kaibao Bencao

Common Name: Tamarisk tops

Part Used & Method for Pharmaceutical Preparations : The leaves are gathered in May and June when the plant flowers, dried in the sun and cut into pieces.

Properties & Taste: Pungent and neutral

Meridians: Lung, stomach and heart

Functions: To promote sweating and bring the rash to the surface

I ndications & Combinations: Early stage of measles due to attack of wind and cold manifested as measles without a rash. Tamarisk tops (Chengliu) is used with Arctium fruit (Niubangzi) and Cicada slough (Chantui) in the formula Zhuye Liu Bang Tang.

Dosage: 3-10 g

Cautions & Contraindications: This herb is contraindicated in measles with a rash. A large dosage can cause restlessness.