Bian Xu - Knotweed, Polygonoum
TCM Materia Medica
Bian Xu TCM Herb Classifications and Usages
The TCM herb "bian xu" which in english is "knotweed, polygonoum", is categorized within the "herbs that drain dampness" functional grouping. It is thought to enter the urinary bladder channels and exhibits bitter (ku) and cold (han) 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 damp-heat in the bladder - promotes urination, damp-heat lin.
- Expels parasites - intestinal parasites.
- Damp skin lesions - itching.
While it may not always be included depending on the manufacturer or herbalist making the formula, bian xu is generally included in the following 2 formulas:
ViewBa Wei Dai Xia Fang (Eight Herb Powder for Vaginal Discharge)
Clearing damp heat in the lower warmer, particularly with underlying blood deficiency - vaginal disharge, vaginal itching, vaginal inflammation along with constipation, possibly anemia, low back pain…
ViewBa Zheng Wan (Eight Herb Powder for Rectification)
Painful urination when it arises from damp heat syndrome - urinary tract infections, leukorrhea, cystitis. Prostatitis when from damp heat.
As noted above, bian xu 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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