Bai Ji Li - Caltrop Fruit, Puncture Vine Fruit
TCM Materia Medica
Bai Ji Li TCM Herb Classifications and Usages
The TCM herb "bai ji li" which in english is 
"caltrop fruit, puncture vine fruit", is categorized within the "herbs that extinguish wind and stop tremors" functional grouping. It is thought to enter the liver and lung channels and exhibits acrid, bitter (ku) and warm (wen) 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: 6-12g
Of many possible clinical applications, it may be considered to influence the following issues/symptoms:
- Calms the liver, anchors the yang - headache, vertigo due to liver yang rising.
- Expels wind-heat, brightens the eyes - red, painful, swelling of the eye.
- Promotes the smooth flow of qi - chest/flank pain and distention, insufficient lactation.
- Expels wind - stops itching.
Bai Ji Li may potentially be used, in coordination with a well tailored formula (in most cases), to influence the following conditions: headache and/or vertigo
While it may not always be included depending on the manufacturer or herbalist making the formula, bai ji li is generally included in the following 2 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…
ViewDan Gui Yin Zi (Tangkuei Decoction)
Exterior wind skin conditions with underlying blood deficiency - eczema (particularly dry and flaky), hives (urticaria), neurodermatitis, psoriasis, dry skin, itchy skin that is generally worse at…
As noted above, bai ji li is within the herbs that extinguish wind and stop tremors functional group. All the herbs in this category are listed below.
(truncated intro "... for internal wind. results from liver and kidney imbalances - yin deficiency, ascendant liver yang, blood deficiency, high fevers. symptoms: headache, dizziness, blurred vision, tinnitus, irritability, vomiting, palpitations with anxiety…)".
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