Witnessed by: TCM
Cremastra (Cremastra appendiculata), of the Orchidaceae family. Terrestrial orchid of damp woodland; native range: shaded forest floors and moist slopes of China, Japan, Korea and the Himalaya. Globally recognized as shan ci gu (山慈菇) in Chinese. The part used is pseudobulb (corm). Small conical greyish-brown corm, sticky and mucilaginous when fresh, with a bitter acrid bite.
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.
CREMASTRA
IDENTITY
Name
- Common
- cremastra
- Scientific name
- Cremastra appendiculata (D.Don) Makino
- Family
- Orchidaceae
Form
- Part used
- pseudobulb (corm)
PROPERTIES
Nature
Taste
how the plant declares itself on the tongue
- TCM
- sweet · pungent (bitter undertone)
Temperature
- TCM
- cool
Affinity
where in the body it travels
Organs / channels
- TCM
- Liver · Spleen
PRACTICE
Virtue
Actions
- TCM
- clears heat, resolves fire toxicity, reduces swellings, dissipates nodules and masses
Cautions
- Contraindications
- avoid in yin-type sores that are already open and in the debilitated
- Toxicity
- slightly toxic; may irritate at high dose
- Sourcing status
- cites-ii
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