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Chong Wei Zi茺蔚子

Leonuri Fructus · Motherwort Fruit

Herbs that Invigorate the Blood 活血化瘀药Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing 《神农本草经》(as Chong Wei Zi 充蔚子)

Overview

The seed of the same plant that gives us Yi Mu Cao: acrid, sweet and slightly cold, it moves blood and regulates menstruation like the herb, but leans upward into the Liver to clear heat from the eyes. Dry-fried Chong Wei Zi has its shell cracked so the decoction draws better, and its cold, moving edge is softened for weaker patients.

Nature & Flavor

Acrid, sweet · Slightly cold

Channels

Liver · Pericardium

Typical Dosage

5–9 g in decoction
茺蔚子Photography for this entry is on its way.

Actions

2 core actions

  • Invigorates blood, regulates mensesDelayed or blocked periods, clotted painful menstruation, lochial retention after childbirth.
  • Clears Liver heat, brightens the eyesRed, sore, swollen eyes and headache from Liver heat or rising Liver yang; blurred vision with a heat pattern.

In Formulas

Formulas containing Chong Wei Zi

No published formula lists this herb yet — the library is growing.

Indications & Clinical Uses

  • Amenorrhea, delayed or painful periods with clots
    - Incomplete discharge of lochia after childbirth
    - Red painful eyes, Liver-heat headache and dizziness

Western Medical Keywords

Searchable condition terms

DysmenorrheaAmenorrheaConjunctivitisHypertension

Contraindications

Cautions

Keep to the prescribed dose. Overdose has been reported to cause weakness, sweating and dilated pupils, so do not exceed 9 g a day or self-extend a course. Not for patients with Liver-blood deficiency, already dilated pupils, or heavy menstrual bleeding. Its blood-moving action means the treating practitioner should be told about anticoagulants such as warfarin.

Contraindicated in pregnancy: Contraindicated in pregnancy — it moves blood and stimulates the uterus

For licensed practitioners’ reference only

References

  1. Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing《神农本草经》(classical source, public domain).
    2. Bensky, Clavey & Stöger. Chinese Herbal Medicine: Materia Medica, 3rd ed.
    3. 《中华人民共和国药典》.

Professional reference notice. Entries are scholarly references for licensed TCM practitioners and students — not medical advice, and not a recommendation to self-prescribe. Chinese herbal formulas should be used under the guidance of a qualified practitioner. Content is an original editorial compilation by Cura x Cura, cross-checked against the cited references.