State/School

Pacific College Comps, Southern California University of Health Sciences, Yo San University

Pharm Name

Asparagi Radix

Common Name

Chinese Asparagus Root Tuber

Category

Tonify the Yin

Ingredients

Taste

Sweet, Bitter

Pao Zhi

Temperature

Very Cold

Action / Indication

1. Nourishes the Kidney yin and clears Lung heat: for yin deficiency with heat signs in the upper burner, typically dryness of the mouth. Also for dry Lung patterns with such signs as dry mouth and a cough that is either nonproductive or productive of scanty, viscous sputum that may be streaked with blood. 
2. Moistens the Lungs, nourishes the Kidneys, and generates fluids: for Lung and Kidney yin deficiency, especially wasting and thirsting disorder and consumption, with low-grade afternoon fever. Because it enters the Lungs and Kidneys it can be used for upper, middle, and lower burner types of wasting and thirsting disorders. Also for constipation due to dry Intestines. 

Treatment Principles

Nourishes Kidney Yin
Clears Lung Heat and Fire
Moistens the Lungs
Replenishes Fluids

Contraindication

Spleen/Stomach deficiency cold with diarrhea, and cough due to wind-cold.

Dosages

6-15g

Meridians

LU, KD

Tom's Comment

1. Tian Men Dong is a very cold herb and can cause cloying in some patients.
2. Tian Men Dong is used to address Yin Deficiency Fire raging upward. May be appropriate in some menopausal patients.

Source

Formula Type