Rhaponticum root (lou lu)

Rhaponticum uniflorum

Traditionally attributed effects: reduces hot swellings, especially in the breast, and promotes milk flow.

Safety notes

Not during pregnancy or with qi 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.

Cautions by tradition (1)

Chinese materia medica: Always have mastitis with fever assessed.

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 cool heat and detoxify'. Lou lu is used for mastitis, a blocked milk duct and boils. The plant grows on dry grasslands in northern China and Mongolia.

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: bitter, salty, cold
Meridians: stomach, large intestine

Attributed effects

For beginning hot ulcers and inflammations, especially in the breast, and too little breast milk from heat.

Preparation and amount

Traditional dosage: 3–12 g a day, usually in a decoction.

Combinations

With lian qiao and rhubarb for swollen glands
With dandelion and gua lou for mastitis

Caution: Always have mastitis with fever assessed.

Ways to prepare herbs: Decoction

Sources

All herbs from Asia →