Lotus Leaf and Chuanxiong Decoction

Category: Herbal Tea

Herbal Tea Name: Lotus Leaf and Chuanxiong Decoction

Chinese Name: 荷叶川芎汁

Formula

1 fresh lotus leaf, 15 grams of Chuanxiong.

Main Ingredients

How To Make

Select and wash the fresh lotus leaf thoroughly, let it air-dry, then cut it into small pieces or finely chop it. Place it in a clay pot along with the Chuanxiong (which has been cleaned and sliced), add an appropriate amount of water, and simmer over medium heat for 15 minutes. Strain to separate the liquid from the solids, and the preparation is ready.

Efficacy

Dispels wind and transforms dampness; unblocks the meridians and relieves pain. Suitable for rheumatic migraines.

Usage

Take one dose in the morning and one in the evening.

Commentary

Fresh lotus leaf (He-ye) functions as the chief herb; neutral and bitter, astringent in character, it channels into the Liver, Spleen, Stomach meridians, working chiefly to clear summer heat and raise clear yang. Chuanxiong (Chuan-xiong) takes the deputy (minister) role. Pungent-warm in property, it enters the Liver, Gallbladder, Pericardium meridians and works to activate blood, move qi, dispel wind and relieve pain. No dedicated envoy herb appears in this recipe, the actions being balanced among the active ingredients themselves. Taken together these herbs dispel wind and transforms dampness, unblock the meridians and relieve pain, in keeping with the migraine pattern.

Lotus Leaf and Chuanxiong Decoction，From *Proven Tea, Decoction, and Soup Recipes for Common Ailments*,Dispels wind and transforms dampness; unblocks the meridians and relieves pain. Suitable for rheumatic migraines.

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