1. Description:
Veratrum nigrum (also known as black false hellebore, Chinese Pinyin: Li Lu, Simplified Chinese: 藜芦, 黑藜芦, 山葱), is a species of perennial flowering and herbaceous plant in genus Veratrum (Melanthiaceae family). Found in shade or partial shade, with wet or moist grounds conditions, (from between 1,200 to 3,000 meters in elevation) and native to Eurasia from France to Korea including Germany, Poland, Russia, China, and Mongolia, the plant can grow up to 100 cm tall. The rhizome and roots of Veratrum nigrum are used as analgesic and emetic in traditional Chinese medicine (CTM) and widely adopted in treating different diseases and health problems, such as stroke and jaundice.
2. Odour, Properties And Channels:
The root of Veratrum nigrum is considered to have pungent, cold and toxic properties and to be associated with the liver, lung and stomach meridians.
3. Uses, Health Benefits of Veratrum Nigrum & Medical Formulas:
3.1 Bringing Up Mucus
Powdered rhizome of Curcuma Wenyujin and veratrum nigrum root is taken orally to bring up mucus and other material from the lungs, bronchi, and trachea.
3.2 Reducing Inflammation, Swelling And Relieving Pain
Powdered veratrum nigrum root can be used externally to treat tooth decay related toothache.
3.3 Skin Health
Ampelopsis japonica root, Veratrum nigrum root and wine are mixed and applied externally to treat painful and repeated lumps of pus.
3.4 Stroke
Veratrum nigrum root and radix sileris are processed into powder and taken to treat stroke.
3.5 Jaundice
Powdered Veratrum nigrum (heated) is taken orally with water to treat jaundice.
4. Contraindication, Side-effects & Cautions:
Administration with caution for pregnant women and the infirm.
The Ben Cao Medical Book (also known as Compendium of Materia Medica or Ben Cao Gang Mu; Chinese: 本草纲目) is the most famous and comprehensive medical book ever written in the history of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Compiled and written by Li Shi-zhen (1518~1593), a medical expert of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) over 27 years.
The Ben Cao Medical Book records and describes all the plants, animals, minerals, and other objects that were believed to have medicinal properties in TCM. The book reflects the pharmaceutical achievements and developments of East Asia before the 16th century. On the basis of his predecessors’ achievements in the pharmacological studies, Li contributed further by supplementing and rectifying many past mistakes and misconception in relate to nature of many medicinal substances and causes of various illnesses. Charles Darwin, originator of the biological theory of evolution, regards the book as the “ancient Chinese encyclopedia”.
Disclaimer: The Ben Cao Medical Book is translated by ChinaAbout.net . The information on this website is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional and is not intended as medical advice. It is intended as a sharing of CTM knowledge and information from the research and experience from the author Li Shi-zhen. Kindly be alert that the CTM knowledge and ancient formulas given above are likely NOT medically proven and may contain misconceptions.