Paris Root (Chong Lou)
- Chinese
- 重楼
- Pinyin
- Chong Lou
- Latin
- Rhizoma Paridis
Known in TCM as Chong Lou (重楼), this bitter, slightly cold herb enters the Liver. Traditionally, it clears Heat and resolves toxicity; disperses swelling and relieves pain for sores, abscesses, carbuncles, and snakebite, most often applied for carbuncle, snakebite, and epilepsy. Modern research has identified Steroidal among its active constituents.
Part used: Rhizome
Also Known As
Latin: Rhizoma Paridis | Pinyin: Chong Lou | Chinese: 重楼
TCM Properties
- Taste
- bitter
- Temperature
- slightly cold
- Channels
- Liver
Traditional Use
Primary Actions
- Clears Heat and resolves toxicity; disperses swelling and relieves pain for sores, abscesses, carbuncles, and snakebite
- Cools the Liver and settles fright for convulsions and seizure from Liver Wind
Secondary Actions
- Cools the Blood and stops bleeding; historically used for mumps and fracture
Classical References
- Documented across regional Chinese materia medica for centuries as a potent Heat-toxin resolving rhizome, also known by the synonym Zao Xiu
Modern Research
Active Compounds
- Steroidal saponins (polyphyllin family)
Studied Effects
- Cytotoxic and pro-apoptotic effects demonstrated in cancer cell lines for botanical drug preparations derived from this species
- Clinically combined with other agents in Chinese oncology practice for various cancers, including esophageal, laryngeal, liver, and cervical cancer
- Documented toxicity mechanisms and detoxification (processing) methods are an active area of modern pharmaceutical research
PubMed References
Safety & Interactions
Contraindications
- Pregnancy
- Absence of true Heat-toxin pattern
- Weak or Deficient constitution
Cautions
- Slightly toxic; excessive use may cause nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, dizziness, headache, and in severe cases pallor, cramps, or difficulty breathing
- Use only under professional guidance with precise dosing
Conditions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Paris Root (Chong Lou) used for?
Paris Root (Chong Lou) is traditionally used to Clears Heat and resolves toxicity; disperses swelling and relieves pain for sores, abscesses, carbuncles, and snakebite, Cools the Liver and settles fright for convulsions and seizure from Liver Wind. Research has investigated its effects on: Cytotoxic and pro-apoptotic effects demonstrated in cancer cell lines for botanical drug preparations derived from this species; Clinically combined with other agents in Chinese oncology practice for various cancers, including esophageal, laryngeal, liver, and cervical cancer.
What are other names for Paris Root (Chong Lou)?
Paris Root (Chong Lou) is also known as Paris polyphylla, Zao Xiu (synonym), Qi Ye Yi Zhi Hua. In TCM: 重楼 (Chong Lou); Rhizoma Paridis.
Is Paris Root (Chong Lou) safe during pregnancy?
Paris Root (Chong Lou) is not recommended during pregnancy.
What are the contraindications for Paris Root (Chong Lou)?
Paris Root (Chong Lou) should not be used in: Pregnancy; Absence of true Heat-toxin pattern; Weak or Deficient constitution. Consult a qualified practitioner before use.