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Deng Xin Cao灯心草

Junci Medulla · Rush Pith · Juncus Pith

Herbs that Drain Dampness 利水渗湿药《开宝本草》

Overview

The white pith drawn from the stem of the common rush — so light that a full dose is a small handful. Sweet, bland and slightly cold, it opens a downward path for damp-heat through the urine and quietly clears heat fretfulness from the Heart, which is why it appears in gentle prescriptions for restless, night-waking children.

Nature & Flavor

Sweet, bland · Slightly cold

Channels

Heart · Lung · Small Intestine

Typical Dosage

1–3 g in decoction
灯心草Photography for this entry is on its way.

Actions

2 core actions

  • Promotes urination, frees painful urinationScanty, dark, difficult urination and mild damp-heat in the lower burner.
  • Clears Heart heat, eases fretfulnessRestlessness and poor sleep from mild Heart heat; night crying and agitation in small children.

In Formulas

Formulas containing Deng Xin Cao

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

Indications & Clinical Uses

  • Scanty, dark or burning urination
    - Restlessness and difficulty sleeping with mild heat
    - Night crying and agitation in infants and young children

Western Medical Keywords

Searchable condition terms

CystitisInsomniaInfant colicOliguria

Contraindications

Cautions

Gentle, but still cold and diuretic: not for deficiency cold with frequent clear urination or incontinence, and not useful where there is no heat or damp to move. It is extremely light, so weigh rather than measure it by volume.

Contraindicated in pregnancy: Mild; usable in pregnancy at the practitioner's discretion.

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. 《中药学》 (standard materia medica curriculum).

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.