Cassiope, Gru gu ras sna གྲུ་གུ་རས་སྣ་

Himalayan Heather
Gru gu ras sna (Tibet)
Picture Cassiope fastigiata
Garden, Vol. 28 (1885)

Picture Cassiope fastigiata
Wallich, N., Plantae Asiaticae Rariores, Vol. 3 (1832)

Picture Cassiope fastigiata
(Photo by Ghislain118) (Wikimedia)

Botanical name:


Cassiope fastigiata (syn. Andromeda fastigiata)

Parts used:


Aerial parts

Temperature & Taste:


Cool, dry. Bitter

Classification:




Uses:


1. Clears Heat, Resists Poison:
-Cold, Influenza
-High Fever due to epidemic diseases
-used for Bile disorders
-Herpes (proven effect), Itching
-Leukemia

2. Stops Cough and Wheezing:
-Cough, Asthma (TCM)
-smoke is inhaled to ease respiration

3. Externally:
-used in hot compress and steam therapies
-smoke is applied to ease breathing
-leaf paste is applied to Burns and Frostbite
-leaf paste is applied to burns
-itching and red skin conditions


Dose:



Comment:


Used in ceremonies and incense in Tibet. It is combined with herbs such as Indian Spikenard (Nardostachys), Rhododendron anthopogon and Juniper indica leaf to burn as incense which is believed to dispel ghosts and evil spirits.

Main Combinations:



Major Formulas:



Cautions:


None noted

Main Preparations used: