Gnaphalium, Shu Qu Cao 鼠曲草

Cudweed
Shu Qu Cao (TCM)
Gandha bha dra (Tibet)
Picture Gnaphalium uliginosum
Dietrich, A.G., Flora regni Borussici (1843)

Picture Gnaphalium affine
(Photo by KENPEI) (Wikimedia)

Botanical name:


Gnaphalium spp.
  1. G. affine (syn. G. multiceps) (TCM, Tibet)
  2. G. uliginosum has been used very similarly in the West.

Parts used:


Whole Herb

Temperature & Taste:


Warm, dry. Sour, Sweet

Uses:


1. Clears Cold Phlegm, Stops Cough:
-Cough, Bronchitis, Asthma with profuse Phlegm
-it clears Cold and disperses Lung Qi

2. Clears Wind-Cold, Resists Poison:
-Wind-Cold type Common Cold and Flu
-Abscess, Boils, Carbuncles, Toxic Sores, Dermatitis (internally and topically)
-Trauma and Bruising (internally and topically)
-Tumors (Tibet)
-Snake Bite (topically)

3. Benefits Kidneys:
-Edema, Nephritis, Kidney disease
-Diabetes
-Lumbago
-pain in the sinews and bones, Rheumatism
-Leukorrhea, Spermatorrea


Dose:


Decoction: 6–15 grams (up to 30 grams has been listed)
Soak in wine for Cold type muscle and joint pain.

Comment:


A number of various species of Gnaphalium have been used in various places. The two above-mentioned species are particularly similar is use but it would seem likely that a number of other species may be used.

Main Combinations:


1. Cough:
i. Decoct 6 grams and add 6 grams of Rock Sugar
ii. decoct with Coltsfoot and Licorice
2. As a wash for skin conditions, decoct with Licorice and apply

Major Formulas:



Cautions:


None noted

Main Preparations used: