This product is the root of the perennial herb Glehnia (Glehnia littoralis Fr. Schmidt ex Miq.) from the Apiaceae family, or the root of Coastal Glehnia Root (Adenophora petiolata subsp. hunanensis) and Whorledleaf Ladybell Root (Adenophora triphylla (Thunb.) A. DC.) from the Platycodon family (both are Fourleaf Ladybell Root). It is mainly produced in Shandong, Hebei, Liaoning, Jiangsu, and other regions. The roots are harvested in summer and autumn, washed, scalded in boiling water, peeled, and then dried. Alternatively, they can be washed and dried directly.

bubble_chart Properties and Meridians

Sweet and slightly bitter, slightly cold. act on lung and stomach channels.

bubble_chart Efficacy

Enriching yin and clearing the lungs, benefiting the stomach and promoting fluid production.

bubble_chart Indications

1. Used for lung heat with dry cough due to lung yin deficiency, dry cough with little phlegm, or chronic cough disease, dry throat, hoarseness, etc. It can nourish lung yin and clear dryness-heat. Often used in combination with Ophiopogon Tuber, Polyghace Seche, Snakegourd Root, Tendrilleaf Fritillary Bulb, etc.
2. Used for stomach yin deficiency or heat damaging stomach yin, insufficient body fluids causing thirst, dry throat, red tongue texture, dull pain in the stomach, epigastric upset, retching, etc. It has the function of nourishing stomach yin, clearing stomach heat, and promoting the production of body fluids. Often paired with Ophiopogon Tuber, Dendrobium, etc.

bubble_chart Documentation

1. Bencao Huiyan: Quoting Lin Zhongxian's medical case: "Treats all yin deficiency fire inflammation, seemingly deficient and seemingly excessive, rebellious qi not descending, clearing qi aspect not ascending, causing irritability, thirst, distension, fullness, and loss of appetite. Use five qian of genuine Glehnia decocted with water and take orally."
2. Bencao Congxin: "Specifically nourishes lung yin, clears lung fire, treats chronic cough and lung atrophy."

bubble_chart Usage and Dosage

Decoct and take orally, 10-15g.

bubble_chart Modern Pharmacology

Glehnia contains alkaloids, volatile oils, and starch, among other components. The ethanol extract has the effects of reducing body temperature and providing analgesia. At low concentrations, the aqueous extract enhances the contraction of isolated toad hearts, but as the concentration increases, it leads to inhibition and eventually ventricular arrest, which is reversible.