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Dichroa [root]
常山 〔常山〕cháng shān
Latin pharmacognostic name: Dichroae Radix
Alternate Chinese names: 恒山 héng shān
Kingdom: Plant
Origin in PRC Pharmacopoeia: Dichroa febrifuga Lour. (PRC Pharmacopoeia)
Origin (other sources): Dichroa febrifuga Lour.*
Use: Medicinal
Category: Ejection agents
Properties: Bitter, acrid; cold; toxic.
Channel entry: Lung, heart, and liver channels.
Indications:
- Ejects phlegm-drool: Phlegm-rheum in the chest.
- Interrupts malaria: malarial disease.
Dosage & Method: Oral: 4.5–9 g in decoctions. It should be used raw for ejection and should be processed with wine to treat malaria. If used to treat malaria, it should be taken half a day or 2 hours before the onset of heat effusion and aversion to cold.
Warnings: Cháng shān should not be consumed in excessive doses and is unsuitable for use in pregnancy or weak health.
Quality: Heavy, hard roots that are shaped like chicken bones and that are pale yellow and shiny on the surface are the best. Roots that are thick and long, brown, insubstantial, and lacking in bitter flavor should not be used.
Product Area: South of the Yangtze, Gānsū, southern Shǎnxī (Shaanxi), and Sìchuān.
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