Single Herb Glossary
Yīng Sù Ké 罌粟殼
| Pharmaceutical name | Papaveris Pericarpium opium poppy husk “small-mouthed jar, grain crop, husk” |
| Category | Obsolete and Prohibited Substances |
| Key Properties | Contains Lung Qi To Treat Cough due to Deficiency Binds Up Intestines when Deficiency Prolongs Diarrhea or Causes Rectal Prolapse Secures KD Essence, Stops Pain |
| Properties | Sour Astringent Neutral Toxic |
| Tropism | KD, LI, LU |
| Actions & Indications | 1) Contains Leakage Of Lung Qi 2) Binds Up Intestines 3) Stabilizes Lower Burner 4) Alleviates Pain |
| Dosages | 3-6g |
| Contraindications (TCM) | Acute dysenteric disorder or acute cough. Do not use during Pregnancy & Lactation, or small children. Herb is toxic & addictive. Do not give more than the recommended dose, & do not give for long periods of time. |
| Contraindications (Western) | |
| Chemical Composition | Morphine, codeine, thebaine, narcotine, papaverine, narcotoline, sedoheptulose, D-mannoheptulose, myoinositol, erythritol |
| Pharmacological Effects | • Analgesic: morphine is one of the strongest analgesic substances to relieve all types of pain - visceral, somatic and cutaneous; it is the standard by which all other analgesic medications are measured for dosing and conversion; morphine relieves pain by raising the threshold of pain perception and reducing discomfort; in other words, a patient on morphine may still be aware of the presence of pain but will not be distressed by it • Antitussive: morphine and codeine have marked antitussive functions; however, morphine is not ideal antitussive agent because of its side effects and adverse reactions, such as developing of tolerance, constipation, and respiratory depression • Respiratory: respiratory depression and respiratory failure are major complications of use of morphine and opioid medications; in fact, patients may begin to experience respiratory difficulties prior to achieving analgesia; respiratory depression occurs because medications cause decreased sensitivity of respiratory center to carbon dioxide • CNS suppressant: associated with sedation and drowsiness; not an effective hypnotic agent, as sleep is shallow and subject may be easily awakened • Gastrointestinal: morphine and codeine may both cause constipation by delaying gastric emptying time, decreasing propulsive peristaltic movement of the intestines and reducing secretion of digestive fluids; furthermore, may cause nausea and vomiting by stimulating chemoreceptor zone • Others: opioids may also cause paradoxical excitation, changes in endocrine system, alteration of body temperature, release of histamine, and allergic reactions |
| Herb-Drug Interactions | • Depressant effect: phenothiazines, monoamine oxidase inhibitors, and tricyclic antidepressants may exaggerate and prolong depressant effect of Ying Su Ke |
| 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.