Witnessed by: TCM
Sarcandra (Sarcandra glabra), of the Chloranthaceae family. Evergreen understorey shrub of moist woodland; native range: shaded forests of southern China. Globally recognized as zhong jie feng (肿节风) in Chinese, and glabrous sarcandra, coral herb in English. The part used is whole plant. Jointed green stems with glossy toothed leaves, bitter and acrid, faintly aromatic.
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.
SARCANDRA
IDENTITY
Name
- Common
- sarcandra
- Scientific name
- Sarcandra glabra (Thunb.) Nakai
- Family
- Chloranthaceae
Form
- Part used
- whole plant
PROPERTIES
Nature
Taste
how the plant declares itself on the tongue
- TCM
- bitter · pungent
Temperature
- TCM
- neutral
Affinity
where in the body it travels
Organs / channels
- TCM
- Heart · Liver
PRACTICE
Virtue
Actions
- TCM
- clears heat, resolves toxicity, dispels wind, invigorates the blood, and reduces swelling
Cautions
- Contraindications
- avoid in pregnancy
- Toxicity
- large doses may cause nausea and dizziness
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