Dong Chong Xia Cao - Chinese Caterpillar Fungus, Cordyceps
TCM Materia Medica
Dong Chong Xia Cao TCM Herb Classifications and Usages
The TCM herb "dong chong xia cao" which in english is "chinese caterpillar fungus, cordyceps", is categorized within the "herbs that tonify yang" functional grouping. It is thought to enter the kidney and lung channels and exhibits sweet (gan) 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: 4.5-12g
Of many possible clinical applications, it may be considered to influence the following issues/symptoms:
- Strengthen kidney, tonify yang - impotence, sore/weak back.
- Tonify kidney yang, nourish lung yin, transform phlegm, stop cough - chronic cough, wheezing from deficiency, blood-streaked sputum.
- Tonifies yin and yang, safe - can be used long term.
While it may not always be included depending on the manufacturer or herbalist making the formula, dong chong xia cao is generally included in the following 1 formula:
ViewDing Chuan Wan (Calm Wheezing Pills)
Directs the lung qi downward and clears phlegm heat from the lungs. Typically used for the condition of wind cold blocking the exterior with internal accumulation of phlegm heat - which may involve …
As noted above, dong chong xia cao is within the herbs that tonify yang functional group. All the herbs in this category are listed below.
(truncated intro "... symptoms: fear of cold, cold extremities, sore and weak lower back and lower extremities, pale tongue and a deep and weak pulse. impotence, spermatorrhea, watery vaginal discharge, infertility, enuresis, polyuria, wheezing, dayb…)".
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