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Knowledge baseHerbs

Chang Shan常山

Rhizoma DichroaeDichroa Root

  • Toxic

Also known asFeverflower Root

Category
Herbs that expel parasites
Nature
cold
Taste
bitter, pungent
Channels entered
Heart, Liver, Lung
Secondary channels
Gallbladder
Dosage
3–10 g

Usual doses

Dosage
3–10 g
Tincture
2–3 ml

Actions & indications

Stops malarial disorders and kills parasites
This is a special herb for killing the parasites that cause malaria
Induces vomiting to expel Phlegm
  • Phlegm in the chest
  • Tan Yin

Contraindications

  • Use with caution during pregnancy.
  • Use cautiously in weak or debilitated patients, since it can induce vomiting.
  • Avoid excessive dosage.
  • Avoid chicken and scallions while taking this herb.
  • Toxicity may present as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Combinations

Notes

  • It curbs outbreaks of malarial fever and symptoms, an effect tied to its action on Phlegm — as the saying goes, 'without Phlegm there can be no malarial disorder.'
  • Some sources describe it as draining Heat, breaking up accumulations, and promoting the movement of water.
  • It is also applied to scrofula.
  • It is said to drain Heat and disperse accumulations.
  • Used by itself, it can induce vomiting.
  • To avoid vomiting: soak in sake, then sauté, and prepare as a tea.
  • For malaria, it is soaked in grain alcohol and taken daily until symptoms resolve, usually together with Sm. Arecae Bing Lang to counter vomiting.
  • Vomiting is said to occur only when it is combined with Rx. Glycyrrhizae Gan Cao, used unprocessed, or given in excessive doses.
  • It has recently produced notable results in hypertension and other cardiac disorders.
  • Chang Shan and Rx. Bupleuri Chai Hu both treat malarial disorders: Chang Shan unbinds Phlegm, expels water, flushes out Dampness, and transforms accumulations to address the root, whereas Chai Hu only treats malaria when the pathogen resides in the channels and collaterals, is suited only to a gradual onset and resolution, and is unsuitable if used too early or too late — treating only the branch.
  • Dry-fried Dichroa Root, Chao Chang Shan, has a milder, less unpleasant taste and a stronger descending effect.
  • Prepared Dichroa Root, Zhi Chang Shan, harmonizes the Stomach, prevents taste-induced vomiting, and has an enhanced descending action.
  • Wine-fried Dichroa Root, Jiu Chao Chang Shan, has a lessened ability to resolve toxins, is gentler on the gastrointestinal tract, and prevents vomiting.
  • Folium Dichroa, Shu Qi, consists of the plant's tender twigs and leaves. Bitter, acrid, warm, and toxic, with a taste that readily provokes vomiting, it is a more potent but more toxic anti-malarial than Chang Shan; it enters the Heart, Liver, and Lung channels at a dosage of 3-6g and treats cough with rebellious Qi.

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