Cimicifuga refers to the dried rhizomes of Cimicifuga heracleifolia Kom., Cimicifuga dahurica (Turcz.) Maxim., or Cimicifuga foetida L., which are perennial herbs of the Ranunculaceae family. It is mainly produced in Heilongjiang, Liaoning, and Shanxi provinces. Harvested in autumn, it is sun-dried and sliced. It can be used raw or processed with honey.
Properties & Meridians
Taste: Pungent, slightly sweet
Nature: Slightly cold
Meridians: Lung, Spleen, Stomach, Large Intestine
Functions
- Induces sweating and relieves headache
- Clears heat and detoxifies
- Raises Yang Qi
Clinical Applications
- Used for wind-heat headaches and incomplete eruption of measles.
- Treats various diseases caused by heat toxins.
- Used for prolapse conditions due to middle Qi deficiency, such as rectal prolapse, uterine prolapse, and excessive uterine bleeding.
Usage & Dosage
Decoction: 3–10g
- Used raw to raise Yang Qi and treat prolapse.
- Processed with honey to induce sweating and promote measles eruption.
Precautions
Contraindicated in cases where measles has fully erupted, Yin deficiency with excessive fire, hyperactive liver Yang, or conditions of excess in the upper body and deficiency in the lower body. Avoid use in these conditions.