Witnessed by: TCM
Dichroa (Dichroa febrifuga), of the Hydrangeaceae family. Shrub of humid forest; native range: shaded moist woodlands of southern China and South-East Asia. Globally recognized as chang shan (常山) in Chinese. The part used is root. Hard yellow woody root, intensely bitter and acrid, nauseating on the tongue.
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.
DICHROA
IDENTITY
Name
- Common
- dichroa
- Scientific name
- Dichroa febrifuga Lour.
- Family
- Hydrangeaceae
Form
- Part used
- root
PROPERTIES
Nature
Taste
how the plant declares itself on the tongue
- TCM
- bitter · pungent
Temperature
- TCM
- cold
Affinity
where in the body it travels
Organs / channels
- TCM
- Lung · Heart · Liver
PRACTICE
Virtue
Actions
- TCM
- expels phlegm, induces vomiting of phlegm from the chest, checks and resolves malarial disorders
Cautions
- Contraindications
- contraindicated in pregnancy, in the weak, and after long illness
- Toxicity
- toxic; readily causes nausea and vomiting, and overdose is harsh
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