Xī Xiān Cǎo (豨莶草), known in English as Siegesbeckia herb (Siegesbeckia pubescens), is a cold, bitter Chinese herb from the Expel wind-damp category. It enters the Liver and Kidney channels. Its main action: expels Wind-Damp, unblocks channels.
| Pinyin | Xī Xiān Cǎo (Xi Xian Cao) |
|---|---|
| Chinese | 豨莶草 |
| English | Siegesbeckia herb |
| Botanical name | Siegesbeckia pubescens |
| Category | Expel wind-damp |
| Nature | Cold |
| Flavour | Bitter |
| Channels | Liver, Kidney |
| Dosage | 9–12g |
| Cautions | Qi and Blood deficiency without Wind-Damp |
Actions
- Expels Wind-Damp, unblocks channels
- Clears Heat, resolves toxicity
- Lowers blood pressure (modern)
Indications
- Wind-Damp Bi with Heat
- Hypertension
- Carbuncles
How to remember Xī Xiān Cǎo
Expel wind-damp herbs are mostly bitter, and most enter the Liver and Kidney channels.
- You can work these out
- Bitter, Liver and Kidney channels: like most Expel wind-damp herbs
- Learn by heart
- Cold: Expel wind-damp herbs vary in nature
Other Expel wind-damp herbs
- Dú Huó
- Qiāng Huó
- Wēi Líng Xiān
- Fáng Jǐ
- Mù Guā
- Sāng Jì Shēng
- Wǔ Jiā Pí
- Luò Shí Téng
- Qín Jiāo
- Hǎi Tóng Pí
- Sāng Zhī
- Gǒu Jǐ
- Bái Huā Shé
- Cǎo Wū
- Hǎi Fēng Téng
- Chuān Wū
Test yourself
What is the nature and flavour of Xī Xiān Cǎo?
Xī Xiān Cǎo is cold and bitter.
Which channels does Xī Xiān Cǎo enter?
Xī Xiān Cǎo enters the Liver and Kidney channels.
What are the actions of Xī Xiān Cǎo?
Expels Wind-Damp, unblocks channels; Clears Heat, resolves toxicity; Lowers blood pressure (modern).
What is Xī Xiān Cǎo used for?
Wind-Damp Bi with Heat; hypertension; carbuncles.
Practise Xī Xiān Cǎo and the other 290 herbs
Recognise each herb from its picture, recall its nature, flavour, channels and actions, and review it again just before you would forget it.
Try the 5-question herb quizShen Study is a study tool. Doses and cautions are as taught in standard Chinese materia medica texts; they are not prescribing advice.