Qian Niu Zi - 牽牛子 - Semen Pharbitidis - Morning Glory Seeds
| Pharmaceutical Latin: | Semen Pharbitidis |
| Common English: | Morning Glory Seeds Pharbitis |
Category
Downward Draining Herbs: Harsh CatharticsProperties
| Taste | Temperature | Entering Meridians | Dosage |
| Bitter Acrid | Cold Slightly Toxic (Toxic) | Kidney Large Intestine Lung Small Intestine | 3-10g Pills and powders: not greater that 3g per day Tincture: 0.5-2ml |
Actions And Indications
| Actions | Indications/Syndromes |
Drives out water through the urine and stool | Edema and ascites from Stagnation of pathogenic water or Dampness Constipation due to Heat accumulation in the Stomach and Intestines Can be used as a stand-alone herb |
Descends Lung Qi and drives out Phlegm and thin mucus (Tan Yin) | Thin mucus obstructing the Lungs with cough, wheezing and a sensation of fullness in the chest and abdomen |
Unblocks the bowels and removes Damp-Heat | Constipation due to accumulation and Stagnation of Damp-Heat or Food Stagnation in the Stomach and Intestines (reduce the dosage) |
Expels intestinal parasites and reduces Stagnation | Tapeworm or roundworm infestation Food Stagnation |
Contraindications, Incompatibilities And Herb/Drug Interactions
| CONTRAINDICATIONS |
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| INCOMPATIBILITIES |
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| HERB/DRUG INTERACTIONS |
Major Combinations
| Rx. Kansui | Cx. Magnoliae | Fr. Foeniculi |
Ascites | Increases the efficacy of Qian Niu Zi Ascites and edema with Qi Stagnation | Swelling and fullness due to stoppage and accumulation of water or thin mucus |
| Lignum Aquilariae | Sm. Descurainiae/Lepidii | Sm. Persicae |
Edema and abdominal distention due to Spleen and Kidney Yang Deficiency | Wheezing, a sensation of fullness in the chest, edema and abdominal distention due to thin mucus obstructing the Lung Qi | Constipation Grind both ingredients into powder and make into pills with honey |
| Sm. Arecae | Fr. Foeniculi | Per. Citri Reticulatae Viride Or Rx. Aucklandiae |
Strongly moves Qi, resolve accumulations and breaks up Stagnation to promote the expulsion of parasite bodies and treats abdominal pain, bloating and constipation due to many types of intestinal parasites, but especially roundworms, tapeworms and hookworms | Drains pathogenic Yin to disperse Cold, reduce swelling, alleviate pain in the treatment of Cold-Damp bulging disorder with scrotal swelling and sensations of dragging pain, constipation,and urinary difficulty due to Deficiency Cold in the Lower Jiao with Qi Stagnation and Water Accumulation | Edema in children |
Rz. Zingiberis Recens | Rx. et Rz. Rhei | Rx. et Rz. Rhei |
Nephritis with edema Liver cirrhosis with ascites | Cough and wheezing | Severe constipation |
Notes
- Its purging action is very potent.
- Overdose can cause nausea, vomiting, hematuria and neurological symptoms.
- Gentler than the other herbs in this category, it may be taken for a longer period.
- For mild edema, it can be powdered and taken alone.
- Qian Niu Zi and Rx. Phytolaccae Shang Lu both forcefully unblock and drain outward through the urethra and anus, treating edema with severe constipation, urinary difficulty and thin mucus. Qian Niu Zi guides out Stagnation, reduces accumulation and kills parasites. It is less toxic than Shang Lu and can be given to adults and children alike for abdominal pain from parasitic accumulation, Food Stagnation and anorexia. Shang Lu is more toxic when taken internally; externally, it can resolve toxicity and reduce swelling.
- Morning Glory Kernels Qian Niu Ren have greater toxicity.
- Dry-fried Morning Glory Seeds Chao Qian Niu Zi are less acrid, less draining and diuretic, and less toxic.