Sundance Acupuncture

Herb & Acupuncture Database

(This is my own personal database of teachers, teachings and notes that I use in my practice. I’ve decided to share it freely with anyone who would like to reference it.)

Ding Shu Xiu (Di Dan Tou) - 丁蜀秀 - Herba Elephantopus Scaber

Pharmaceutical Latin:	Herba Elephantopus Scaber
Common English:	Elephantopi

Category

Herbs that Drain Dampness (Diuretics)

Herbs that Clear Heat

Properties

Taste	Temperature	Entering Meridians	Dosage
Sweet Bitter (Acrid)	Cold (Slightly Cold)	Liver Kidney Large Intestine	6-30g Fresh: 60-120g

Actions And Indications

Actions	Indications/Syndromes
Promotes urination and reduces swelling	Edema, edema of the face and limbs, leg Qi, swelling due to nephritis of hydronephrosis Hepatitis, bronchitis, fever and cough with pneumonia Painful swelling
Clears Heat, Eliminates Toxins, Purges Fire	Intestinal bleeding from the rectum during or before a bowel movement, bleeding hemorrhoids
Relieves pain	Headache or migraine headache Wind-Damp Bi

Contraindications, Incompatibilities And Herb/Drug Interactions

CONTRAINDICATIONS

This herb may weaken the Middle Jiao and should be taken with spleen tonics.

INCOMPATIBILITIES

HERB/DRUG INTERACTIONS

Major Combinations

Hb. Ludwigiae Prostratae *Shui Ding Xiang* Hb. Polygoni Avicularis Bian Xu Hb. Dianthi Qu Mai Talcum Hua Shi Rx. Glycyrrhizae Gan Cao Caulis Akebiae Mu Tong Stigma Maydis Yu Mi Xu	Caulis Hyptis Capitatae Mo Gu Xiao Hb. Polygoni Avicularis Bian Xu Hb. Dianthi Qu Mai Sm. Coicis Yi Yi Ren Rx. Astragali Huang Qi Rx. Stephaniae Tetrandrae Han Fang Ji Stigma Maydis Yu Mi Xu	Rx. Ilicis Asprellae Wan Dian Jin Hb. Ludwigiae Prostratae *Shui Ding Xiang* Rx. Vitis Amurensis Shan Pu Tao
Nephritis	Edema	Gout
Hb. Pteris Feng Wei Cao	Hb. Verbenae Ma Bian Cao Rx. Angelicae Dahuricae Bai Zhi Rx, Bupleuri Chai Hu Rx. Glycyrrhizae Gan Cao
Bleeding hemorrhoids	Headache or migraine headache

Notes

It lowers urinary albumin.
It is also reputed to calm the Liver and keep the Lungs clear.
It suppresses the growth of cancer cells.
Stomatitis and pharyngolaryngitis have been treated with it.
The entire plant inhibits a wide range of bacteria.

For educational reference only; not a substitute for care from a qualified practitioner.