Single Herb Glossary
Mù Zéi 木賊
| Pharmaceutical name | Equiseti hiemalis Herba scouring rush, shave grass “wood traitor” |
| Category | Cool, Acrid, Release the Exterior |
| Key Properties | Disperses Exterior Wind-Heat Specific for superficial visual obstruction |
| Properties | Sweet Bitter Neutral |
| Tropism | LV, LU, GB |
| Actions & Indications | 1) Disperses Wind Heat, **Clears the Eyes, Reduces Superficial Visual Obstruction 2) Clears Heat & Stops Bleeding (Blood in stool, hemorrhoids) |
| Dosages | 3-9 g |
| Contraindications (TCM) | CI: Urinary frequency, depleted fluids, Qi/Yin/Yang Def, red eyes due to LR Yand Rising and pregnancy |
| Contraindications (Western) | |
| Chemical Composition | Flavones 0.10% (kaempferol, kaempferol-3,7-diglucoside, kaempferol-3-diglucoside, hippochaete, herbacetrin, gossypitrin), succinic acid, ferulic acid, caffic acid, vanillin, palustrine, dimethyl sulfone, thymine |
| Pharmacological Effects | • Antihypertensive: intraperitoneal injection of alcohol extract has prolonged influence in reducing blood pressure in anesthetized cats; antihypertensive effect has positive dose-to-effect relationship • Others: mild anti-inflammatory, diuretic, sedative, and anti platelet actions |
| 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.