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E Zhu (莪朮), the rhizome of Curcuma (zedoary), strongly breaks up blood stasis and qi stagnation and reduces abdominal masses and food stagnation; a potent blood-and-qi breaker, the companion to San Leng.
Latin / Pharmaceutical Name
Curcuma phaeocaulis (Rhizoma Curcumae)
Common English Name
Zedoary rhizome
Taste
Bitter, acrid
Temperature
Warm
Channels Entered
Liver, Spleen
Actions & Functions
- Strongly breaks up blood stasis and qi stagnation; relieves pain
- Reduces abdominal masses and food stagnation
Indications
Hardened abdominal masses and severe blood stasis with amenorrhoea; and food stagnation with epigastric and abdominal pain and distension.
Dosage
3-9 g in decoction.
Common Combinations
With San Leng for abdominal masses; with digestives for food stagnation.
Cautions & Contraindications
Strong blood-breaker - contraindicated in pregnancy, heavy menstruation and in deficiency without stasis.
