Witnessed by: TCM
Pipewort (Eriocaulon buergerianum), of the Eriocaulaceae family. Small tufted marsh herb; native range: wet fields and paddy margins of southern China. Globally recognized as gu jing cao (谷精草) in Chinese. The part used is flower-heads with stalk. Grey-white button-like flower heads on fine wiry stalks, nearly tasteless.
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.
PIPEWORT
IDENTITY
Name
- Common
- pipewort
- Scientific name
- Eriocaulon buergerianum Körn.
- Family
- Eriocaulaceae
Form
- Part used
- flower-heads with stalk
PROPERTIES
Nature
Taste
how the plant declares itself on the tongue
- TCM
- pungent · sweet
Temperature
- TCM
- neutral
Affinity
where in the body it travels
Organs / channels
- TCM
- Liver · Stomach
PRACTICE
Virtue
Actions
- TCM
- disperses wind-heat, clears the Liver and brightens the eyes, dispels superficial visual obstruction
Cautions
- Contraindications
- avoid in eye disorders arising from blood or yin deficiency
- Toxicity
- none noted
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