Fu Ping - Duckweed, Spirodela
TCM Materia Medica
Fu Ping TCM Herb Classifications and Usages
The TCM herb "fu ping" which in english is "duckweed, spirodela", is categorized within the "herbs that release the exterior wind heat" functional grouping. It is thought to enter the lung and urinary bladder channels and exhibits acrid 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: 3-6g
Of many possible clinical applications, it may be considered to influence the following issues/symptoms:
- Expels exterior heat - headaches, body ache, strong diaphoretic (rare in cool and acrid herbs), may be used alone.
- Unblocks muscle level, vents rashes - accelerates rash at early stage.
- Expels water, reduces swelling - hot superficial edema in the upper body accompanied by urinary difficulty.
Fu Ping has some precautions to be considered (see our precautions list).
- Avoid in cases with profuse sweating.
- Avoid in cases of exterior deficiency.
Our clinical staff have made the following notes, regarding fu ping:
- Does not help with coughs - helps lungs only with fluid metabolism.
- Burning this herb drives mosquitoes away.
As noted above, fu ping is within the herbs that release the exterior wind heat functional group. All the herbs in this category are listed below.
(truncated intro "... many are acrid and warm severe fever with mild chills and sore throat. some are good for venting rashes or wind-heat eye problems. )".
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