Ci Wu Jia刺五加
Radix et Caulis Acanthopanacis SenticosiSpiny Acanthopanacis
Also known asEleuthrococcus Ginseng · Eleuthero · Siberian Ginseng
- Category
- Herbs that tonify Qi
- Nature
- warm
- Taste
- pungent, slightly bitter
- Channels entered
- Spleen, Heart, Kidney
- Dosage
- 9–30 g
Actions & indications
- Tonifies the Spleen and Stomach Qi to aid transformation and transportation and warms the Kidneys to aid Yang in warming the Spleen
- Weak lower back and legs
- A sense of heaviness with anorexia
- Fatigue
- Augments the Heart Qi and calms the *Shen*
- Heart Qi Deficiency with Insomnia with many dreams, poor concentration and mild depression
- Invigorates the Blood and unblocks the collaterals
- Problems due to poor peripheral circulation with Blood Stasis signs
Contraindications
- It stimulates adrenalin production.
- It potentiates the effect of Phenobarbital.
- It potentiates the effects of antibiotics.
- Combining this herb with digoxin can raise serum digoxin levels.
Combinations
- Ji Xue Tang
- Hong Hua
Sluggish peripheral circulation
General fatigue and poor appetite
Lower back and knee pain arising from Kidney Yang Deficiency
Notes
- Being fairly mild in action, this herb can be combined with other tonics to strengthen its effects.
- It is being used more and more for Deficiency symptoms — general weakness, malaise, poor appetite, headache, insomnia, inappropriate laughter, frustration, fearfulness and impotence.
- This herb is typically taken on its own, in prepared form.