Zhi Mu
Other Names : Anemarrhena, Anemarrhena rhizome, 知母, Rhizoma Anemarrhenae, American Dragon, Know Mother Root
Anemarrhena is a small, ornamental plant native to northern China. A member of the lily family, anemarrhena is a decorative plant, with grasslike leaves and branches and fragrant-smelling flowers that open at night. The root, or rhizome, is used medicinally, and is often dried for use in decoctions.
Special Precautions of Zhi Mu
- Anemarrhena should not be used by patients that have diarrhea or, in traditional Chinese medicine, spleen deficiency.
- Large doses are reported to be toxic and may inhibit heart action.
- Excess amounts may cause a sudden drop in blood pressure.
- Avoid use in patients with known allergy or hypersensitivity reactions to A. asphodeloides or its constituents.
- Make sure to check with a qualified Chinese medicine practitioner before taking anemarrhena or any other herbal remedy.
Benefits and uses of Zhi Mu are
Anemarrhena has been used as a staple of traditional Chinese medicine for centuries; its first recorded use dates back to 200 BC. Internally, it is used for a variety of disorders, including congestive fever, high fever, chronic bronchitis, excessive sweating, dry throat, cough, dizziness, lumbago and pneumonia. Externally, it is used as part of a mouth wash to treat oral ulcers. Extracts of the plant contain compounds called saponins — one of which, asphonin, can be used to effectively treat lower back pain. In traditional Chinese medicine, anemarrhena purges heat, nurtures yin and relaxes tension. It is sometimes mixed with other herbs, such as phellodendron, scrophularia and Chinese foxglove. Other actions :
- anti-inflammatory
- antimicrobial
- antiplatelet
- antidiabetic
- anticancer
- improved learning and memory.
