Achene of Great Burdock — Classic Formulas
Niu Bang Zi · Fructus Arctii Lappae
Primary Actions
- Disperses Wind-Heat and benefits the throat — used for sore throat, tonsillitis, fever, and cough from Wind-Heat invasion
- Clears Heat and relieves toxicity — used for carbuncles, mumps, toxic swellings, and parotid gland inflammation
- Vents rashes — promotes full expression of measles and febrile rashes in early-stage incomplete eruption
- Moistens the Intestines and facilitates bowel movements — used for constipation with dry, difficult-to-pass stools
Classic Formulas
- Yin Qiao San (银翘散) — Honeysuckle and Forsythia Powder; treats Wind-Heat exterior pattern with sore throat, fever, and headache
- Xiao Feng San (消风散) — Eliminate Wind Powder; treats Wind-Heat skin rashes, itching, and urticaria
Classical Text References
- Ben Cao Gang Mu (Compendium of Materia Medica, Li Shizhen, 1596) — recorded actions for dispersing Wind-Heat and relieving throat toxicity
- Wen Bing Tiao Bian (Systematic Differentiation of Warm Diseases, Wu Jutong, 1798) — key ingredient in Yin Qiao San formula for Wind-Heat febrile diseases