Large-leaf gentian (qin jiao)

Gentiana macrophylla

Traditionally attributed effects: expels wind and dampness in cold and hot joint pain and cools heat from yin deficiency.

Safety notes

Not with frequent urination and pain from deficiency or diarrhoea from spleen deficiency. Traditional use is no proof of effectiveness; if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication or have a medical condition, consult a doctor or pharmacist.

Preparation

Root. Usually as a decoction, together with other herbs.

Use in traditions

Described in the classical Chinese materia medica, in the group 'herbs that expel wind and dampness'. Qin jiao dispels wind and damp in rheumatic pain, even when heat is present, and is used for persistent low-grade fever. It grows on the slopes of western China and Tibet.

Applications

Use by tradition

How different herbal traditions describe this herb. Amounts are traditional guidelines checked for obvious errors; they are not medical advice. For poisonous plants no dosage is given on purpose.

Chinese materia medica

Nature and taste: pungent, bitter, cool
Meridians: liver, gallbladder, stomach

Attributed effects

For acute and chronic pain and cramp from wind and dampness (cold or hot), 'fever from the bones' from yin deficiency, jaundice and damp heat, and constipation from dryness.

Preparation and amount

Traditional dosage: 3–9 g a day, usually in a decoction.

Combinations

With du huo, sang ji sheng and fang feng for rheumatism
With honeysuckle stem and gardenia for hot joints

Ways to prepare herbs: Decoction
Formulas: Du huo ji sheng tang

Sources

All herbs from Asia →