天花粉
Trichosanthes root (Tianhuafen)
Pharmaceutical Name: Radix Trichosanthis
Botanical Name: 1. Trichosanthes kirilowii Maxim.. 2. Trichosanthes japonica Regel.
Common Name: Trichosanthes root, Snakegourd root
Source of Earliest Record: Shennong Bencao Jing
Part Used: The roots are dug in autumn or winter. After cleaning, the skin is peeled off. Then, the roots are cut into pieces or slices and dried in the sun.
Natural Properties & Taste: Bitter, slightly sweet and cold
Meridians: Lung and stomach
Therapeutic Effects:
1. To clear heat and promote the production of body fluids.
2. To reduce swelling and dispel pus
Indications:
1. Thirst in febrile diseases. Trichosanthes root (Tianhuafen) is used with Glehnia root (Shashen), Ophiopogon root (Maidong) and Reed root (Lugen).
2. Extreme thirst in diabetes. Trichosanthes root (Tianhuafen) is used with Pueraria root (Gegen), Schisandra fruit (Wuweizi) and Anemarrhena rhizome (Zhimu).
3. Dry cough due to lung heat. Trichosanthes root (Tianhuafen) is used with Mulberry bark (Sangbaipi), Tendrilled fritillary bulb (Chuanbeimu) and Platycodon root (Jiegeng).
4. Boils and carbuncles. Trichosanthes root (Tianhuafen) is used with Forsythia fruit (Lianqiao), Dandelion herb (Pugongying), Tendrilled fritillary bulb (Chuanbeimu) and Honeysuckle flower (Jinyinhua).
Dosage: 10-15 g
Cautions & Contrain dications: This herb should be used with caution during pregnancy.
