Single Herb Glossary
Shé Chuáng Zǐ 蛇床子
| Pharmaceutical name | Cnidii Fructus cnidium seed "snake's bed seeds" |
| Category | Substances for Topical Applications |
| Key Properties | Strongly Warms KD Yang, Dries Damp Kill Parasites, Stop Itching. Tropism: Lower Jiao She Chuang Zi & Bai Bu = Dui Yao (External Medicine) |
| Properties | Acrid, Bitter Warm Sl. Toxic |
| Tropism | KD |
| Actions & Indications | 1) Dries Dampness, Kills Parasites, & Stops Itching 2) Disperses Cold, Dispels Wind, & Dries Damp (fungal infect) 3) Warms Kidneys & Fortifies Yang (Internal : impotence, infertility) |
| Dosages | 3-9g in decoctions (Dry fried: Internal use) |
| Contraindications (TCM) | CI: Kid Yin Def with Heat signs, in excess Heat or in Damp-Heat in lower Jiao |
| Contraindications (Western) | |
| Chemical Composition | L-pinene, L-camphene, bornyl acetate, borylosovalerate, osthol, bergapten, β-eudesmol, columbianetin, columbianadin, archangelicin, edultin, isopimpinelline, o-isovalerylcolumbianetin, anthotoxol |
| Pharmacological Effects | • Endocrinologic: subcutaneous injection of alcohol extract daily for 32 days lengthened latent period and shortened estrus period in mice; furthermore, increased the weight of the uterus, ovaries, and testicles • Antibiotic: inhibitory effect against Trichomonas vaginalis and dermatophytes |
| 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.