Lu Xian Cao鹿衔草
Pyrolae, Herba · Pyrola · Wintergreen Herb
Overview
The whole Pyrola plant, gathered with its thick, leathery, evergreen leaves. Sweet, bitter and warm, it belongs to the small group of wind-damp herbs that also tonify: it eases stiff, aching joints and a weak lower back while supporting Liver and Kidney, so it suits long-standing joint pain in an older or depleted patient rather than an acute, hot flare. Two further uses keep it in the dispensary — it stops bleeding, and it quiets a chronic cough of Lung deficiency.
Nature & Flavor
Sweet, bitter · WarmChannels
Liver · KidneyTypical Dosage
9–15 g in decoctionActions
3 core actions
- Dispels wind-damp, strengthens sinew and boneChronic wind-damp painful obstruction with a sore, weak lower back and knees — pain on a background of deficiency, not an acute hot joint.
- Stops bleedingExcessive uterine bleeding, blood in the stool, nosebleed, and bleeding from wounds.
- Stops coughA chronic, weak, lingering cough of Lung deficiency.
In Formulas
Formulas containing Lu Xian Cao
No published formula lists this herb yet — the library is growing.
Indications & Clinical Uses
- Chronic wind-damp joint pain with a weak, sore lower back and knees
- Excessive uterine bleeding, blood in the stool, nosebleed
- Chronic deficiency cough
Western Medical Keywords
Searchable condition terms
Contraindications
Cautions
Warming and somewhat drying — used with care where there is marked yin deficiency with heat signs, and it is not the herb for a hot, red, acutely swollen joint. Bleeding of any kind needs a diagnosis before it is treated: heavy or unexplained bleeding should be assessed conventionally rather than managed with an astringent herb alone. Our dispensary data flags no toxicity and no allergy risk; as with any long course for chronic joint pain, the practitioner should review it periodically instead of leaving it running indefinitely.
Contraindicated in pregnancy: No specific restriction — practitioner judgment applies
For licensed practitioners’ reference only
References
- Dian Nan Ben Cao《滇南本草》 (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.