Medicinals
cǎo wū / 草乌 / 草烏 / wild aconite [root]
Latin pharmacognostic name: Aconiti Kusnezoffii Radix
Alternate English names:
Alternate Chinese names: 草乌头 cǎo wū tóu
Origin: Plant
Use: medicinal
Category: Interior-warming agents
Properties: Acrid; hot; toxic.
Channel entry: liver, spleen, and lung channels.
Indications:
Tracks down wind and percolates dampness; disperses cold and relieves pain; sweeps phlegm and disperses swelling.
wind-cold-damp impediment (fēng hán shī bì); wind stroke paralysis; lockjaw; head wind; cold pain in the stomach duct and abdomen; phlegm aggregation; qì lumps; cold dysentery; throat impediment (hóu bì);
Dosage & Method:
Oral: Decoct (1.5–6g); use in powders and pills. Topical: Grind to a powder and apply mixed or apply ground with vinegar or wine.
Warning:
Contraindicated in pregnancy. Clashes with
Quality:
Large, firm, farinaceous roots are the best.
Product Area:
Produced in most parts of China, especially Zhèjiāng, Húběi, Húnán, Jiāngsū, ānhuī, and Liáoníng.