State/School

California License Exam, Pacific College Comps

Pharm Name

Toosendan Fructus

Common Name

Toosendan Fruit

Category

Regulate the Qi

Ingredients

Taste

Bitter, Slightly Toxic

Pao Zhi

Dry-fried to reduce its bitter cold qualities and to avoid upsetting digestion.

Temperature

Cold

Action / Indication

1. Dredges Liver qi, releases constraint, stops pain, and conducts heat out from below: for a variety of symptoms from Liver constraint, including pain in the chest and ribs, distention and pain from Liver/Stomach disharmony, and bulging disorders. It is most useful for problems involving heat, but because it is very effective, it can also be used for cold conditions with the appropriate combination of herbs.
2. Kills parasites and stops pain: for roundworms and tapeworms. Although this herb is not particularly effective in expelling parasites, it is able to alleviate pain and is therefore used for the abdominal pain associated with an accumulation of parasites. Also used topically in powder form for dermatosis of the scalp.

Treatment Principles

Unblocks Liver Qi Stagnation
Stops Pain
Soothes Liver Qi
Kills Parasites
Kills Fungus

Contraindication

Deficiency cold of the Spleen and Stomach.

Dosages

3-9g, crushed. Use dry-fried to minimize toxicity and for easier digestion. Salt-fry for hernia.

Meridians

UB, LV, SI, ST

Tom's Comment

1. Although Chuan Lian Zi can be used in Cold stagnation, it is primarily used in Qi stagnation with Heat.
2. Chuan Lian Zi is often used to address Liver Channel stagnation pathology, particularly hernia pains.
3. Chuan Lian Zi can also clear damp heat in the lower jiao.

Source

Formula Type