Single Herb Glossary
Qiān Niú Zǐ 牽牛子
| Pharmaceutical name | Pharbitidis Semen Pharbitis nil seed morning glory/cowherd seeds |
| Category | Downward Draining |
| Key Properties | Unblocks and drains, via both the urine and stool, to clear and expel accumulated damp heat in the qi level of the three burners Most moderate |
| Properties | Bitter Acrid Cold Slightly Toxic |
| Tropism | KD, LI, LU, SI |
| Actions & Indications | 1) Drains Water & Promotes Urination (From 3 Jiaos via Urethra & Anus) 2) Drives out Phlegm & Thin Mucus (Damp Heat ST & Intestines) 3) Unblocks Bowels & Removes Accumulation 4) Expels Intestinal Parasites & Reduces Stagnation |
| Dosages | 3-6g. Crush before decocting. Pills or powders: <3g per day |
| Contraindications (TCM) | Pregnancy, St Qi Deficiency Caution with weak patients |
| Contraindications (Western) | |
| Chemical Composition | Pharbitin 2%, pharbitic acid C, D; lysergol, chanoclavine, penniclavine, isopenniclavine, elymoclavine, gibberellin, gibberellin glucoside |
| Pharmacological Effects | • Cathartic: stimulates intestinal peristalsis and promotes bowel movement; must be processed at a low temperature or by soaking in alcohol; ineffective if cooked at a high temperature • Antiparasitic: antiparasitic action against roundworms derived from pigs, according to in vitro studies |
| Herb-Drug Interactions | • This herb antagonizes or is antagonized by Ba Dou (Crotonis Fructus) |
| Classical Formula(s) |
Mu Xiang Bing Lang Wan (Aucklandia and Betel Nut Pill) 木香檳榔丸 Yu Gong San (Yu's Achievement Powder) 禹功散 Zhou Che Wan (Vessel and Vehicle Pill) (deleted qing fen) 舟車丸 （減輕粉） |
This information is a reference tool for Chinese herbal studies. It is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Please consult a primary health professional if you require health advisory.