- Region
- Asia
- Origin
- East Asia, especially China
- Traditions
- Chinese medical traditions
Asia · Herb · № 779
Cremastra appendiculata (ook Pleione en Tulipa edulis)
Herb · Asia
Cremastra (shan ci gu)
Cremastra appendiculata (ook Pleione en Tulipa edulis)
Traditionally attributed effects: externally for swollen glands, lumps, sores and abscesses.
Safety notes
Toxic or risky: only under expert supervision. Deliberately no dosage is given here. Contains colchicine-like substances: very toxic when taken internally. Do not use it yourself. 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
Pseudobulb. Deliberately no dosage is given here.
Use in traditions
Described in the classical Chinese materia medica, in the group 'substances for external use'. Shan ci gu is used externally and internally for hard swellings, swollen glands and boils. Several species are traded under the same name, including the poisonous Tulipa edulis.
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
- sweet, cold, slightly toxic
- Meridians
- liver, stomach
Attributed effects
Cools heat and 'poison' and dissolves lumps: swollen glands, sores, swellings and carbuncles, preferably externally as a paste.
Preparation and amount
Deliberately no dosage is given here: only under the supervision of a qualified therapist. The book mentions use for tumours and cancer; that is no reason to replace treatment.