檉柳
Tamarisk tops (Chengliu)
Pharmaceutical Name: Cacumen Tamaricis
Botanical Name: Tamarix chinensis Lour.
Source of Earliest Record: Kaibao Bencao
Common Name: Tamarisk tops
Part Used: The leaves are gathered in May and June when the plant flowers, dried in the sun and cut into pieces.
Natural Properties & Taste: Pungent and neutral
Meridians: Lung, stomach and heart
Therapeutic Effects:
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.
