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Ge Shan Xiao隔山消

Cynanchi Wilfordii Radix · Wilford Swallowwort Root · Bai Shou Wu

Herbs that Relieve Food Stagnation 消食药《本草纲目》

Overview

The tuberous root of a Cynanchum vine, known regionally as and, in the hills where it is dug, as — the root that pries a blockage loose from across the mountain. Sweet, slightly bitter and neutral, it reduces food stagnation and strengthens the Stomach while also moving qi and easing pain, and it has a traditional use in restoring milk supply after childbirth. The closely related (Cynanchum auriculatum) is dug and sold under the same names in some regions, so a prescription should name the source where the distinction matters. Despite sharing the name, it is not He Shou Wu 何首乌 and shares neither its actions nor its uses.

Nature & Flavor

Sweet, bitter · Neutral

Channels

Spleen · Stomach · Liver

Typical Dosage

6–15 g in decoction
隔山消Photography for this entry is on its way.

Actions

3 core actions

  • Reduces food stagnation, strengthens the StomachA full, distended abdomen after eating, poor appetite, digestion that has slowed; childhood accumulation with a swollen belly.
  • Moves qi, relieves painDistending epigastric and flank pain that shifts with mood and with meals rather than staying in one fixed spot.
  • Restores milkInsufficient milk after childbirth — traditionally combined with tonifying and qi-moving herbs rather than given on its own.

In Formulas

Formulas containing Ge Shan Xiao

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

Indications & Clinical Uses

  • Food stagnation with abdominal distension and poor appetite
    - Distending epigastric and hypochondriac pain from qi stagnation
    - Childhood accumulation with a distended abdomen
    - Insufficient milk after childbirth

Western Medical Keywords

Searchable condition terms

IndigestionBloatingAbdominal painLow milk supply

Contraindications

Cautions

Two things a dispenser needs to know about this root. The name: is not He Shou Wu (He Shou Wu) — they are unrelated plants with different actions, and one must never be substituted for the other on the strength of a shared name. The dose: raw or over-large amounts have been reported to cause salivation, nausea, vomiting and, in more serious cases, cramping, so keep to the stated range, use properly prepared material, and do not extend it into long unsupervised use.

Contraindicated in pregnancy: No classical pregnancy contraindication is recorded, but it moves qi and has been reported to irritate the gut at large doses. Avoid it in pregnancy unless a practitioner prescribes it specifically.

For licensed practitioners’ reference only

References

  1. Bensky, Clavey & Stöger. Chinese Herbal Medicine: Materia Medica, 3rd ed.
    2. 《中华本草》.
    3. 《中药大辞典》.

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.