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| DISCLAIMER: These pages are presented solely as a source of INFORMATION and ENTERTAINMENT and to provide stern warnings against use where appropriate. No claims are made for the efficacy of any herb nor for any historical herbal treatment. In no way can the information provided here take the place of the standard, legal, medical practice of any country. Additionally, some of these plants are extremely toxic and should be used only by licensed professionals who have the means to process them properly into appropriate pharmaceuticals. One final note: many plants were used for a wide range of illnesses in the past, but be aware that many of the historical uses have proven to be ineffective for the problems to which they were applied. |
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A perennial shrub native to northern provinces of China, but can now be found growing wild in northern Europe and as an ornamental in many gardens around the world. The root is brown and carrot-like; the flowers are yellow.
First mentioned medically by the Chinese about 200 A.D. Because of its yellow flowers, the ancient Doctrine of Signatures assigned it to the treatment of liver and gallbladder problems.
MEDICINAL USES:
Pungent, bitter, cool, tonic (liver and circulatory systems), antiviral, febrifuge, diaphoretic, antiseptic, analgesic, CNS depressant, anti-inflammatory, sedative; affects nervous, digestive, and circulatory systems, also pericardium.Has been used for malaria, blackwater fever, uterine and rectal prolapse, herpes simplex, hemorrhoids, liver insufficiency (associated with emotional problems), menstrual problems, abdominal bloating, pressure in chest, chills, indigestion, nausea, vertigo, flu, tuberculosis.In Chinese medicine is considered a regulator of chi and moodiness; has been used to treat yang deficiency, organ prolapse, as a mood elevator, for hepatitis, liver disorders, and eruptive diseases. Has been combined with wine for fevers, with vinegar for sluggish circulation, with tortoise blood for malaria; also combinations of BAI SHAO YAO, CHUAN XIONG, Goldenseal and Dandelion for liver function.Although not used in Ayurvedic medicine, the same results are said to be achieved with a combination of Turmeric and Barberry root.Has been used more recently to treat stress, PMS, spasmodic dysmenorrhea, fevers, depression, inflammatory skin conditions, and tumors.Has been used to relieve the side effects of steroid use (insomnia, high blood pressure, irritability, inflammatory skin conditions).
DOSE: TRADITIONAL DOSAGES FOR PROFESSIONAL NOTE ONLY