Shi Wei - Pyrrosia Leaves

TCM Materia Medica

Shi Wei TCM Herb Classifications and Usages

The TCM herb "shi wei" which in english is "pyrrosia leaves", is categorized within the "herbs that drain dampness" functional grouping. It is thought to enter the lung and urinary bladder channels and exhibits bitter (ku), cold (han) and sweet (gan) taste/temperature properties.

Dosages and preparations will vary according to each individual and the overall approach of a formula, but generally this herb has the following dosage and/or preparation guidelines:

  • Dosage: 3-9g

Of many possible clinical applications, it may be considered to influence the following issues/symptoms:

  • Promotes urination, drains damp-heat from the bladder - hot, stone, xue lin.
  • Clears heat and stops bleeding - vomiting, uterine bleeding.
  • Clears the lungs, expels phlegm, relieves cough - lung heat, wheezing.

While it may not always be included depending on the manufacturer or herbalist making the formula, shi wei is generally included in the following 2 formulas:

ViewLi Niao Pai Shi Wan (Water Stone Removal Pill)

 Useful for a range of calcifications/stones - kidney stones, bladder stones, ureter stones and when the underlying pathology is appropriate gallstones.  Generally involves collections of damp heat i…

ViewSan Jin Wan (Triple Gold Pills)

Painful/burning or diffulty urination possibly with increased urgency due to damp heat accumulation. Dark or scanty urine. Urinary stones. Urinary tract infection.

As noted above, shi wei is within the herbs that drain dampness functional group. All the herbs in this category are listed below.

(truncated intro "... there are two main types of dampness: accumulation of fluids in the body - edema, congested fluids (respiratory and digestive system). these herbs are good for edema below the wais…)".

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