Promotes Urination and Treats Dysuria (Lin Zheng)
It is a mild diuretic mainly used for hot painful dribbling disorders or in cases with dark scanty urine usually due to damp heat in the lower jiao.
Clears Heart Heat and Drains Fire
Mostly used for childhood nightmares and sleep disorders and infantile crying. Also for insomnia and restless sleep in adults due to excess heart fire with kidney yin deficiency (Heart and Kidneys not communicating).
Clears Lung Heat
For sore throat due to heat in the Lung
Cools Blood and Stops Bleeding
For bleeding and sores due to heat in the blood
Contraindications and Cautions
Do not use if there is cold or deficiency in the Middle Jiao
Do not use in cases of urinary incontinence
Herb-Drug Interactions
None Noted
Toxicity and Overdose
None Noted
Dosage
1.5–2.5 grams in decoction 12
1.5-4.5 grams in decoction 13
Notes
If charred this herb will cool blood and stop bleeding but if left unprocessed it will regulated water flow and clear heat.
This herb is better for dysuria with burning pain than Zhu Ye but less effective for irritability and insomnia in adults.
It does not clear small intestine heat thru the urine as effectively as Mu Tong. Mu Tong is bitter and cold while Deng Xin Cao is slightly cold, sweet and bland.
Clinical Studies and Research
In a study of 30 cases with chronic nephritis 16 showed complete recovery, 8 had significant improvement, 2 showed slight improvement and 4 had no response. Patients took a decoction of Deng Xin Cao (60grams), and tofu (300 grams) once daily for 30 days. Fu Zhou Yi Yao, 1983;(3):30.
Synthesis and antialgal activity of dihydrophenanthrenes and phenanthrenes II: mimics of naturally occurring compounds in Juncus effusus. J Chem Ecol. 2001 Feb;27(2):257-71.
Antimicrobial DNA-binding photosensitizers from the common rush, Juncus effusus. Photochem Photobiol. 2002 Jul;76(1):51-6.
Only use Chinese herbs or formulas under the direct care and supervision of a licensed Acupuncturist/Herbalist. Some of the substances included on this website are no longer used, and are included for historical reference only.
Herb 8 of 28 in Herbs that Regulate Water and Drain Dampness
