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Bai Wei (白薇), the root of Cynanchum atratum, clears heat and cools the blood, clears lingering deficiency heat, and clears damp-heat from the urinary tract.
Latin / Pharmaceutical Name
Cynanchum atratum (Radix Cynanchi Atrati)
Common English Name
Cynanchum root
Taste
Bitter, salty
Temperature
Cold
Channels Entered
Stomach, Liver, Kidney
Actions & Functions
- Clears heat and cools the blood (including deficiency and postpartum heat)
- Promotes urination and clears damp-heat (hot, painful urination)
- Resolves toxicity (sores, sore throat)
Indications
Lingering or yin-deficiency fever; postpartum fever; hot, painful or bloody urination; and toxic sores and sore throat.
Dosage
4.5-9 g in decoction.
Common Combinations
With Di Gu Pi and Qing Hao for deficiency heat.
Cautions & Contraindications
Avoid in Spleen-Stomach deficiency-cold with loose stools.
