Knowledge Base/Herbs/Chinese Gentian Root
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清热药 · Heat-clearing

Chinese Gentian Root lóng dǎn · 龙胆

Gentiana scabra (and allied Gentiana species)

Nature and flavour. Bitter, cold; Liver and Gallbladder systems.

Classed as drying Damp and clearing heat, and specifically as draining fire from the Liver and Gallbladder. Traditional texts use it for Damp-heat patterns affecting the lower body and for the red face, bitter taste and irritability described as ascending Liver fire.

性味归经。苦,寒;归肝、胆经。

归类为清热燥湿、泻肝胆火。传统用于下焦湿热,以及肝火上炎所致的面赤、口苦、烦躁等。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. Very bitter and cold — one of the herbs most likely to injure a weak stomach. Nausea, vomiting, abdominal discomfort and diarrhoea are the reactions documented with excessive or prolonged use. Not for long-term use, and not for people with cold, deficient digestion. Safety in pregnancy is not established.

大苦大寒,最易伤胃。过量或久服文献可见恶心、呕吐、胃脘不适与腹泻。不宜长期服用,脾胃虚寒者忌用。妊娠期安全性未确立。

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