Acupuncture Times Your guide to acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine and TCM — explore acupoints, herbs and formulas, plus the latest acupuncture research news.
Related Articles
Zhi Mu (知母), the rhizome of Anemarrhena, clears heat and drains fire from the Lung and Stomach while also nourishing yin and moistening dryness, making it valuable in both excess and deficiency heat.
Latin / Pharmaceutical Name
Anemarrhena asphodeloides (Rhizoma Anemarrhenae)
Common English Name
Anemarrhena rhizome
Taste
Bitter, sweet
Temperature
Cold
Channels Entered
Lung, Stomach, Kidney
Actions & Functions
- Clears heat and drains fire
- Nourishes yin and moistens dryness
- Generates fluids and relieves thirst
Indications
High fever and thirst; Lung heat cough; yin deficiency with night sweats, bone-steaming fever and afternoon flushes; and wasting-thirsting disorder.
Dosage
6-12 g in decoction.
Common Combinations
With Shi Gao (Bai Hu Tang); with Huang Bai (Zhi Bai Di Huang Wan) for yin-deficiency heat.
Cautions & Contraindications
Cold and moistening; avoid in diarrhoea from Spleen deficiency.
