Indications

Major female tonic in TCM for female complaints.

Gynecological
• dysmenorrhea (menstrual pain)
• menstrual irregularity
• amenorrhea
• infertility

Note: traditionally used as a blood tonic; stimulates hematopoesis.
Aside: no benefits seen when used alone to treat hot flashes.

Cardiovascular
• cardiovascular disease
• Buerger's disease
• angina
• stroke
• hypertension

Hepatobiliary
• liver disease
• chronic hepatitis
• cirrhosis

Actions

• Emmenagogue
• Antispasmodic
• Antiinflammatory
• Vasodilator
• Hypotensive
• Antianemic
• Antiplatelet

Constituents

• Volatile Oils
• Phthalides
• Flavonoids
• Phenolic Acids
• Tannins
• Vitamin B12

Posology

• Tincture (1:5 in 45% EtOH): 2-5 ml tid
• Liquid extract (1:2): 2-3 ml tid
• Decoction (dried root): 3-15 g qd

Safety

Contraindications: Pregnancy (uterine stimulant).

Side-effects: Photosensitization (due to furanocoumarins).

Interactions

• Anticoagulants • may interact with coumarins

References

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Barnes J, Anderson LA, Phillipson JD. Herbal Medicines, 3rd ed. London: Pharmaceutical Press, 2007.

Bone K. Principles and Practice of Phytotherapy. Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone, 2000.

Bone K. A Clinical Guide to Blending Liquid Herbs: Herbal Formulations for the Individual Patient. St Louis, MO: Churchill Livingstone, 2003.

Brinker F. The Toxicology of Botanical Medicines, 3rd ed. Sandy, Oregon: Eclectic Medical Publications, 2000.

Felter HW, Lloyd JU. King's American Dispensatory. 1898. http://www.ibiblio.org/herbmed/eclectic/kings/main.html. Accessed: August 19, 2006.

Hoffman D. Medical Herbalism. Rochester, Vermont: Healing Arts Press, 2003.

Weiss RF. Herbal Medicine. Beaconsfield, England: Beaconsfield Publishers Ltd, 1988.

Williamson EM, ed. Major Herbs of Ayurveda. Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone, 2002