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Chuan Xin Lian穿心莲

Andrographis Herba · Andrographis · Green Chiretta

Herbs that Clear Heat 清热药《岭南采药录》

Overview

One of the most intensely bitter herbs in the dispensary, and a comparatively recent arrival: it entered mainstream Chinese practice in the twentieth century from southern folk use and is now a standard heat-clearing, toxin-resolving herb for sore throat, hot cough and damp-heat dysentery. Its bitterness is hard on the stomach, so short courses and modest doses are the rule.

Nature & Flavor

Bitter · Cold

Channels

Heart · Lung · Large Intestine · Bladder

Typical Dosage

6–9 g in decoction
穿心莲Photography for this entry is on its way.

Actions

3 core actions

  • Clears heat, resolves toxicitySore swollen throat, mouth ulcers, feverish common cold, hot cough with thick sputum.
  • Dries dampnessDamp-heat dysentery and diarrhea, damp-heat painful urination, damp-heat skin eruptions.
  • Cools blood, reduces swellingHot sores and abscesses, snakebite and insect bites — used internally and as a topical application.

In Formulas

Formulas containing Chuan Xin Lian

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

Indications & Clinical Uses

  • Sore throat, mouth ulcers, feverish cold with heat signs
    - Cough with thick yellow sputum
    - Damp-heat dysentery, diarrhea, painful urination
    - Hot sores, abscesses, snakebite (also applied topically)

Western Medical Keywords

Searchable condition terms

PharyngitisUpper respiratory infectionBacterial dysenteryUrinary tract infectionSkin infection

Contraindications

Cautions

Very bitter and very cold: it injures Stomach qi, so it is wrong for Spleen–Stomach deficiency cold and should not be taken in long courses. Larger doses commonly cause nausea, loss of appetite and stomach discomfort. Hypersensitivity reactions have been reported, mainly with injectable preparations that are not used outside hospitals; stop and seek advice if a rash or swelling appears.

Contraindicated in pregnancy: Avoided in pregnancy — very bitter and cold

For licensed practitioners’ reference only

References

  1. Bensky, Clavey & Stöger. Chinese Herbal Medicine: Materia Medica, 3rd ed.
    2. 《中华人民共和国药典》.
    3. 《中华本草》.

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.