Single Herb Glossary
Shí Hú 石斛
| Pharmaceutical name | Dendrobii Herba Dendrobium "bushel of stone" |
| Category | Tonify Yin |
| Key Properties | Nourishes ST Yin Expels Heat from Deficiency |
| Properties | Sweet Sl. Salty Bland Sl. Cold |
| Tropism | KD, ST |
| Actions & Indications | 1) Nourishes Yin, Clears Heat, Generates Fluids 2) Enriches KD Yin & Reduces Heat from Deficiency 3) Tonifies KD, Augments Essence, Brightens Vision |
| Dosages | 6-12g |
| Contraindications (TCM) | CI: Early stages of warm pathogen disease, esp. Damp-warmth that has not yet transformed into dry-heat. CI w/ loose stools due to SP Def or w/ a thick, greasy tongue coating |
| Contraindications (Western) | |
| Chemical Composition | Dendrobine, nobilonine, dendramine, dendroxine, dendrine, 6-hyrdroxydendroxine |
| Pharmacological Effects | • Gastrointestinal: administration of diluted solution of Shi Hu associated with increase in gastric acid secretion and intestinal peristalsis; a concentrated solution intestinal peristalsis • Antipyretic and analgesic: dendrobine has antipyretic and analgesic effects, similar to but slightly weaker than phenacetin |
| Herb-Drug Interactions | |
| Classical Formula(s) |
This information is a reference tool for Chinese herbal studies. It is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Please consult a primary health professional if you require health advisory.