Witnessed by: TCM
Dogbane (Apocynum venetum), of the Apocynaceae family. Erect perennial subshrub of arid alkaline flats; native range: saline riverbanks and deserts of northwestern China and Central Asia. Globally recognized as luo bu ma (罗布麻) in Chinese, and kendir, luobuma leaf in English. The part used is leaf. Narrow lance-shaped grey-green leaves, faintly bitter and cooling, brewed to a pale astringent infusion.
In this cross-tradition database, we analyze how this substance operates across world medicine systems — tracking its traditional tastes, temperatures, tissue affinities, post-digestive effects, and planetary correspondences across Ayurveda, Unani, and Western herbalism.
DOGBANE
IDENTITY
Name
- Common
- dogbane
- Scientific name
- Apocynum venetum L.
- Family
- Apocynaceae
Form
- Part used
- leaf
PROPERTIES
Nature
Taste
how the plant declares itself on the tongue
- TCM
- sweet · bitter
Temperature
- TCM
- cool
Affinity
where in the body it travels
Organs / channels
- TCM
- Liver
PRACTICE
Virtue
Actions
- TCM
- calms the Liver, subdues rising yang, clears heat, promotes urination
Cautions
- Contraindications
- not for deficiency-cold patterns; avoid prolonged high-dose use
- Toxicity
- large or sustained doses may cause nausea and, rarely, cardiac effects
This is the card. Sign in for the full four-tradition entry — the aligned TCM · Ayurveda · Western · Unani reading, actions, dosing and cautions.