- Origin
- North America (tropical), South America
- Sanskrit
- Krishnavijani
- Other names
- Kaladana
Central America and the Caribbean · Herb · № 514
Ipomoea nil
Herb · Central America and the Caribbean
Japanese morning glory
Ipomoea nil
Traditionally attributed effects: strongly laxative, expels worms; for constipation, substitute for jalap root.
Safety notes
Poisonous or risky: only under expert supervision. No dosage is given here on purpose. Traditional use is no proof of effectiveness; if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication or have a medical condition, consult a doctor or pharmacist.
Cautions by tradition (2)
- Ayurvedic materia medica: Poisonous or risky: only under expert supervision. No dosage is given here on purpose.
- Chinese materia medica: Toxic in higher doses and hallucinogenic in large amounts; not during pregnancy or with a weak spleen. Only for short periods.
Preparation
Poisonous or risky: only under expert supervision. No dosage is given here on purpose.
Use in traditions
In Chinese medicine the seeds are known as qian niu zi, 'seeds that make you lead an ox', because according to tradition a farmer traded an ox for the cure they brought. They are used as a strong laxative and diuretic. In Japan the plant is a beloved ornamental known as asagao ('morning face'). Sanskrit name: Krishnavijani.
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.
Ayurvedic materia medica
Attributed effects
Strongly laxative, expels worms; for constipation, substitute for jalap root.
Preparation and amount
Traditionally used forms: tea, powder.
Caution: Poisonous or risky: only under expert supervision. No dosage is given here on purpose.
Chinese materia medica
- Nature and taste
- pungent, bitter, cold
- Meridians
- kidney, lung, large intestine
Attributed effects
The seed (qian niu zi) drains heat and dampness via urine and stool in oedema and constipation, and was used against intestinal worms with food stagnation.
Preparation and amount
Deliberately no dosage is given here: only under the supervision of a qualified therapist.
Caution: Toxic in higher doses and hallucinogenic in large amounts; not during pregnancy or with a weak spleen. Only for short periods.
- Ways to prepare herbs
- Tea (infusion)Powder and kitchen