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Dichroae Radix

Dichroa [root]

常山 〔常山〕 cháng shān

Alternate Chinese names: 恒山 héng shān

Kingdom: Plant

Origin in PRC Pharmacopoeia: Dichroa febrifuga Lour. (PRC Pharmacopoeia)

Origin in unofficial sources: Dichroa febrifuga Lour.*

Use: Medicinal

Category: Ejection agents

Properties: Bitter, acrid; cold; toxic.

Channel entry: Lung, heart, and liver channels.

Actions and indications:

Dosage and 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.

Production area: South of the Yangtze, Gānsū, southern Shǎnxī (Shaanxi), and Sìchuān.

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