Medicinal Part: Dried roots of the plant. Properties: Bitter, sour taste; slightly cold in nature.
Meridians: Enters the Liver (Gan) and Spleen (Pi) meridians. Functions: Nourishes blood, regulates menstruation, restrains yin and stops sweating, softens the liver and alleviates pain, pacifies liver yang.
Indications: Used for blood deficiency with sallow complexion, irregular menstruation, spontaneous sweating, night sweats, lateral costal pain, abdominal pain, limb cramps, headache, and dizziness.
Related Formulation: For treating lateral costal pain in women: Xiang Fu Zi (Cyperus rotundus) 4 liang (240g), 2 bowls of yellow rice vinegar, 1 liang (60g) of salt, cooked until dry; with Rou Gui (Cinnamon) and Yan Hu Suo (Corydalis) (stir-fried), Bai Shao (White Peony) as fine powder. Take 2 qian (6g) each time, decocted in boiling water, taken at any time.
Dosage: 6–15g.
Contraindications: Should not be used with Li Lu (Veratrum). Collection and Processing: Harvest in summer and autumn, wash clean, remove the head, tail, and fine roots, boil in water, then remove the skin or peel before boiling, and dry in the sun.