Tiankui Zi
The dried tuber of Semiaquilegia adoxoides Makino, a plant from the Ranunculaceae family. Harvested in early summer, washed, dried, and the fine roots removed.
【Character】Irregular short columnar, spindle-shaped, or block-like, slightly curved, 1～3 cm long, 0.5～1 cm in diameter. Surface dark brown to grayish-black, with irregular wrinkles and traces of fine roots or root scars. The top often has remnants of stems and leaves, surrounded by several layers of yellow-brown sheathing scales. Texture soft, easily broken; cross-section shows white cortex and yellow-white or yellow-brown wood with radiating pattern. Slight odor, sweet taste with mild bitter and pungent aftertaste.
【Flavor and Meridian Affinity】Sweet, bitter, cold. Enters liver and stomach meridians.
【Function and Indication】Clears heat and detoxifies, reduces swelling and disperses nodules. Used for carbuncles, furuncles, mastitis, scrofula, and snakebite.
【Usage and Dosage】9～15 g.
【Storage】Keep in a well-ventilated, dry place to prevent insect infestation.
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