Chinese Gentian Root (Long Dan Cao)

龍膽草
Chinese gentian (Longdancao)

Pharmaceutical Name: Radix Gentianae

Botanical Name: 1. Gentiana scabra Bge.; 2. Gentiana triflora Pall.; 3 Gentiana manshurica Kitag.

Common Name: Chinese gentian

Source of Earliest Record: Shennong Bencao Jing

Part Used: The roots, or rhizomes, are gathered in autumn, dried in the sun and cut into pieces.

Natural Properties & Taste: Bitter and cold

Meridians: Liver, gall bladder and stomach

Therapeutic Effects:
1. To clear heat and dry dampness;
2. To reduce fire in the liver

Indications & Combinations:

1. Damp-heat syndrome: a) damp-heat jaundiceChinese gentian (Longdancao) is used with Oriental wormwood (Yinchenhao) and Capejasmine (Zhizi); b) damp-heat leukorrhea manifested as pain and swelling in the genitals and eczemaChinese gentian (Longdancao) is used with Phellodendron bark (Huangbai), Flavescent sophora root (Kushen) and Plantain seed (Cheqianzi).

2. Upward attack of liver fire manifested as headache, distending sensation in the head, red eyes, deafness and pain in the costal regions. Chinese gentian (Longdancao) is used with Scutellaria root (Huangqin), Capejasmine (Zhizi), Bupleurum root (Chaihu) and Clematis stem (Mutong).

3. Fever, spasms and convulsions. Chinese gentian (Longdancao) is used with Uncaria stem (Gouteng) and Ox gallstone (Niuhuang).

Dosage: 3-10 g

Cautions & Contraindications: This herb is contraindicated in cases with weakness and cold in the spleen and stomach.