xi xian cao

豨莶草·Herba Siegesbeckiae

Siegesbeckia

About xi xian cao

Xi Xian Cao (豨莶草) is siegesbeckia, a plant of the daisy family, recorded as Herba Siegesbeckiae. It is bitter in flavour and cold in temperature, entering the Liver and Kidney channels. The catalogue files it among the herbs that dispel Wind-Damp.

Names

Pinyinxi xian cao
Chinese豨莶草
Latin NameHerba Siegesbeckiae·Siegesbeckiae
English NameSiegesbeckia
Japanesekirenso
Koreanhuiryeomcho

Classification

Category
Dispel Wind Damp
Channels
Kidney, Liver
Flavour
Bitter
Temperature
Cold
Family
Asteraceae
Species
Siegesbeckia Orientalis|Segesbeckia Pubescens|Siegesbeckia Glabrescens
Tags
Chinese Herbs, Common

Actions and indications

Dispels Wind-Damp, strengthens the sinews and unblocks the channels and collaterals

  • Wind-Damp Bi with painful joints
  • Bi with pain, numbness, spasm or paralysis of the joints, trunk and limbs
  • Spasms, numbness and cramps of the limbs, and weak legs
  • Sequelae of Wind-stroke: numb, weak back and legs, facial paralysis and hemiplegia

Clears Heat and calms the Liver

  • Headache and dizziness from rising Liver Yang

Clears and transforms Damp-Heat, resolves toxicity and stops itching

  • Itching sores from Damp-Heat
  • Rashes from Wind-Damp, and other kinds of itching

Treats hypertension

  • Hypertension

Calms the Spirit

  • Poor sleep, irritability, forgetfulness, vertigo and ringing in the ears

Combinations

Dosage

AgeRawGranuleTinctureConcentrateFrequency
Any 9-25g; Malaria: 45g; Tincture: 1-4ml9-25 g—1-4 ml——

Cautions