Centipeda, E Bu Shi Cao 鹅不食草

Sneezewort
E Bu Shi Cao (TCM)
Nakchikni (Unani)
Kshavaka, Chikini, Chikkika (Ayurveda)
Picture Centipeda minima
Kirtikar, K.R., Basu, B.D., Indian medicinal plants, Plates (1918)

Picture Centipeda minima
(Photo by Mark Marathon) (Wikimedia)

 Picture Centipeda minima closeup
(Photo by Dalgial) (Wikimedia)

Botanical name:


Centipeda minima (syn. C. elatinoides, C. orbicularis)

Parts used:


Herb (TCM); Seed has been used in Ayurveda

Temperature & Taste:


Warm, dry. Pungent

Classification:


A. Clear Exterior Wind-Cold

Uses:


1. Clears Wind-Cold, Opens Nasal Passage: (TCM, Ayurveda, Unani, Nepal)
-acute blockage of nasal passages
-acute Sinusitis, Rhinitis, Allergic Rhinitis (significant anti-allergy effect)
-Naso-pharyngeal Tumors (Ayurveda)
-Colds and Influenza (with nasal obstruction)
-acute Cough with expectoration
-in Nepal, the juice is inhaled into the nose and taken internally for Cough, Cold and Sinusitis.

2. Resists Poison, Disperses Swelling:
-topically applied to Trauma, acute Swellings with pain
-Toothache
-Toxic Swellings
-Malaria (Barefoot Doctors Manual)
-also for Cataracts

3. Clears Wind-Damp, Bneefits the Joints:
-Wind-Damp obstructing the joints
-Joint pain following Trauma


Dose:


Decoction: 6–9 grams (9–15 grams fresh)
Seed in Powder: 1–3 grams
In Nepal, 2–4 teaspoonfuls are reportedly taken for Cold and Coughs.
Fresh herb can be crushed and put up the nose, or applied topically.

Correctives:


As it can irritate the Stomach, herbs to correct this are often combined:
1. Licorice
2. Blettila Bai Ji
3. Fritillaria Bei Mu
4. Cuttlefish bone

Main Combinations:


1. Sinusitis, Nasal obstruction:
i. Centipeda herb, Mint (Bo He), Magnolia flower (Xin Yi Hua)
ii. Centipeda herb, Indigo (Qing Dai), Ligusticum Chuan Xiong used as a snuff
2. Rhinitis:
i. Centipeda herb, Magnolia flower (Xin Yi Hua), Xanthium Cang Er Zi
ii. Centipeda herb powder (30 grams), Glycerine (70 grams). Use as Nose drops. (Barefoot Doctors Manual)
3. Toothache, Centipeda herb (fresh), Long Pepper, Angelica dahurica Bai Zhi (topically)
4. Rheumatoid Arthritis, Centipeda herb, Spatholobus Ji Xue Teng

Major Formulas:


Zhi Jing San
Tong Guan San

Cautions:


1. Avoid overdose.
2. Use cautiously in weak digestion. Avoid use in Gastritis, or Gastroduodenal Ulcers.

Toxicity:


Overdose causes abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting.

Main Preparations used: