Tian Hua Fen - Trichosanthes Root
TCM Materia Medica
Tian Hua Fen TCM Herb Classifications and Usages
The TCM herb "tian hua fen" which in english is "trichosanthes root", is categorized within the "herbs that cool and transform phlegm heat" functional grouping. It is thought to enter the lung and stomach 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: 9-15g
Of many possible clinical applications, it may be considered to influence the following issues/symptoms:
- Clears and drains lung heat, transforms phlegm, moistens lung dryness.
- Drains heat, generates fluid (fluids injured) - thirst, irritability, wasting and thirsting disorder, cough, thick sputum.
- Relieves toxicity, expels pus - toxic hot carbuncles, breast abscess.
Tian Hua Fen has some precautions to be considered (see our precautions list).
- Avoid during Pregnancy.
While it may not always be included depending on the manufacturer or herbalist making the formula, tian hua fen is generally included in the following 7 formulas:
ViewBao Ji Wan (Protect and Relieve Pills)
Cramping and/or painful distension of the abdomen. Foul smelling belching or gas with diarrhea due to heat in the intestine. May alleviate some hangover symptoms. Also useful to treat food poisoni…
ViewChai Hu Gui Zhi Gan Jiang Wan (Bupleurum, Cinnamon Twig and Ginger Decoction)
Shaoyang disorder with water accumulation - A modification of xiao chai hu tang with gui zhi and gan jiang to work with mixed pattern cases of "heat above, cold below". Generally for patients with e…
ViewHuang Lian Shang Qing Wan (Coptis Clearance Pill)
Dispels wind heat, clear toxic heat - generally used short-term for inflammatory conditions of the face, mouth, head - sore throat, conjunctivitis, acne, swollen gums. Can be a supportive formula fo…
ViewMai Men Dong Yin Zi Wan (Ophiopogon and Trichosanthes Combination)
Lung and stomach yin deficiency - this is a modified version of Mai Men Dong Tang - fei wei (lung atrophy) syndrome in Chinese Medicine - dry cough from yin fluid damage, generally arises from defici…
ViewSha Shen Mai Dong Wan (Glehnia and Ophiopogonis Decoction)
Important formula for stomach yin deficiency - benefits the stomach and the lungs - a range of digestive issues (gastritis, epigastric pain), possibly with dry throat, thirst and/or cough. Diabetes …
ViewXian Fang Huo Ming Yin Wan (Immortals Formula For Sustaining Life)
Generally for short-term use with early stage heat toxins - sores, carbuncles, boils, styes, acne. Swollen and painful skin lesions with other heat signs (chills/fever). Breast abscesses, mastitis…
ViewYu Quan Wan (Jade Spring Pills)
Xiao Ke (wasting and thirsting syndrome), qi and yin deficiencies of the kidney and spleen most commonly seen in the advanced forms of diabetes type II - excessive thirst, excessive urination, strong…
As noted above, tian hua fen is within the herbs that cool and transform phlegm heat functional group. All the herbs in this category are listed below.
(truncated intro "... used for phlegm-heat and dry-phlegm patterns - coughs, scrofula, goiters (stagnant phlegm-fire in the channel), convulsions. )".
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