Properties: Bitter, warm, toxic
Meridans Entered:
Primary: None given
Traditional Actions/Indications:
- Expels Wind and Dampness
Rheumatism, numbness
- Regulates Qi and Blood, alleviates pain and coughing
Knocks and falls
Irregular menstruation
Cough
Suggested Daily Dosage: 3-6g in decoction.
Notable Constituents:
- Scopolamine
Tropane alkaloid structurally similar to acetylcholine, which antagonizes acetylcholine activity mediated by muscarinic receptors to have anticholinergic, antiemetic and antivertigo properties. Also causes pupil dilation and inability to focus. Can also be used to control the secretion of saliva and gastric acid, to slow gut motility, and prevent vomiting.
- Hyoscyamine / Daturine / Atropine
Blocks the action of acetylcholine at parasympathetic sites in sweat glands, salivary glands, stomach secretions, heart muscle, sinoatrial node, smooth muscle in the gastrointestinal tract, and the central nervous system increasing cardiac output and heart rate, lowering blood pressure and drying secretions.
- Anisodamine
Tropane alkaloid anticholinergic and α1 adrenergic receptor antagonist used in the treatment of acute circulatory shock in China. It is given orally or by injection, as a racemic mixture or as a hydrobromide salt.
Does not appear in any formulae listed on this site
Research Links & References: (click to display)
Research Links:
Reference Notes:
Individual herb information has sourced mainly from TCM Wiki and American Dragon for basic data and then updated manually with my own notes. Zhou, Xie and Yan (2011): Encyclopedia of Traditional Chinese Medicines, Vol. 5, and A+ Medical Encyclopaedia have been used for entries not available from those sources with additional material searched for and filled in where available. Western herbs not appearing in the Chinese literature have used Ross (2010): Combining Western Herbs and Chinese Medicine: A Clinical Materia Medica, White Rabbit Institute of Healing and therapeutika.ch. Choices of which source to use or combine have been my own.
These pages are intended to assist clinicians and are not intended for self-diagnosis or treatment for which a qualified professional should be consulted. Actions and indications are taken from traditional uses and do not necessarily reflect the evidence base which should be researched independently. Dosages are for guidance only and will vary dependening on the potency of the batch and the tolerance of the individual so should be evaluated by a professional based on individual needs.
