Rhizoma Picrorhizae
Source
The rhizome of Picrorhiza scrophulariflora Pennell, family Scrophulariaceae.
Characteristics
Rhizome
slightly curved-terete, 3-12 cm long, 0.3-1.0 cm in diameter, with dull
brown surface. Stem nodes with obvious annular striae and bud scars or
protruded root traces and remnants of scaly petiole bases; epidermis easily
peeled off, light in weight and fragile. Fractured surface brown-yellow,
with several white spotted bundles in annular arrangement. Bitter in taste,
cold in nature, and attributive to heart, liver, stomach and large intestine
channels.
Indication
1. Lower asthenic fever and fever of infantile malnutrition: For the late
stage of febrile disease complicated by yin-deficiency with hectic fever
and
infantile malnutrition with fever, mostly used together with Radix Stellariae,
Cbrtex Lycii Radicis.
2. Clear away heat and toxic materials, deprive dampness: For diarrhea
and dysentery of dampness-heat type, carbuncle, hemorrhoids, conjunctivitis,
etc.
Pharmacological
Action
The extract from its root is antibacterial and cholagogic.
Administration Decoction: 3-9g.