Indications

TCM - used in moxibustion. Consumed orally for various conditions.

Hepatobiliary
• biliary insufficiency
• cholestasis
• cholelithiasis (gallstones)
• jaundice
• biliary dyskinesia

Gynecological
• irregular menstrual cycles
• dysmenorrhea
• menorrhagia
• amenorrhea

Note: Used in moxa to reposition a breeched baby.

Infection
• general infection (other herbs usually employed )

Actions

• Bitter
• Stomachic
• Cholagogue
• Choleretic
• Carminative
• Antimicrobial
• Anthelmintic
• Emmenagogue

Constituents

• Sesquiterpene Lactones
• Essential Oils
• Monoterpenes (Thujone)
• Flavonoids

Posology

• Tincture (1:5 in 25% EtOH): 1-4 ml tid
• Infusion (dried herb): 1-2 tsp tid

Safety

Contraindications: Pregnancy and lactation (uterine stimulant); thujone is teratogenic.

High doses: May lead to nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, paralysis and convulsions; thujone is a neurotoxin.

Long-term use: Avoid use.

Gastritis, peptic ulcers: Stimulation of gastric secretions can irritate inflamed mucous membranes; concomitant ingestion of demulcent herbs can help prevent aggravation.

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