Trichosanthes Root (Tianhuafen)
| Pharmaceutical Name: | Radix Trichosanthis |
| Botanical Name: | Trichosanthes kirilowii Maxim. Trichosanthes japonica Regel. |
| Common Name: | Trichosanthes Root Snakegourd Root |
| Source of Earliest Record: | Shennong Bencao Jing |
| Part Used & Method for Pharmaceutical Preparations: | 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. |
| Properties and Taste: | Bitter, slightly sweet and cold |
| Meridian: | Lung and stomach |
| Functions: | To clear heat and promote the production of body fluids; To reduce swelling and dispel pus |
| Indications and Combinations: | 1. Thirst in febrile diseases. *Use with Glehnia root (Shashen), Ophiopogon root (Maidong) and Reed root (Lugen). 2. Extreme thirst in diabetes. *Use with Pueraria root (Gegen), Schisandra fruit (Wuweizi) and Anemarrhena rhizome (Zhimu). 3. Dry cough due to lung heat. *Use with Mulberry bark (Sangbaipi), Tendrilled fritillary bulb (Chuanbeimu) and Platycodon root (Jiegeng). 4. Boils and carbuncles. *Use with Forsythia fruit (Lianqiao), Dandelion herb (Pugongying), Tendrilled fritillary bulb (Chuanbeimu) and Honeysuckle flower (Jinyinhua). |
| Dosage: | 10-15 g |
| Cautions: | This herb should be used with caution during pregnancy. |