Deng Xin Cao (Medulla Junci)

This product is a more commonly used traditional Chinese medicine, and it was first published in "Kaibao Materia Medica"《开宝本草》.

Aliases: Deng Cao, Deng Xin.

Source: Juncus decipiens (Buch.) Nakai. Dried stem pith, wild in wetlands and swamp edges, also cultivated.

Origin: Mainly produced in Suzhou, Wuxian, Jiangsu, Yibin, Sichuan, Mianning, Luliang, Fumin, Yunnan, in addition to Zhejiang, Fujian, Guangdong, Guizhou and other provinces.

Harvesting and processing: Harvest the whole grass in autumn, cut the skin longitudinally with a knife, separate the pith from the skin, take out the pith and bundle it into a handful and sun-dry.

Trait identification: the stem pith is slender and cylindrical, like vermicelli. Generally, it is about 50~60cm long, and it can also reach more than one meter. Diameter 2~3mm. The surface is white or light yellowish white, with fine longitudinal grooves, the body is light and does not sink into the water, the quality is very light and soft, and the light pressure is slightly elastic. It is easy to break, white after breaking, no voids, slight smell, and light taste. It is better to have white color, long strips, uniform thickness and elasticity.

Main ingredients: Contains arabinan and xylana.

Pharmacological effects: clear away heat and dampness, diuretic effect.

Preparation: cut into raw sections or mixed with vermilion.

Taste: Bland.

Returning to the meridians: into the heart, the small intestine meridian.

Function: Cleanse the heart and heat, decrease annoyance and remove water.

Indications: Fever (such as fever or heart fire), thirst, poor urination and urinary tract infection, dysuria, astringency and pain when urinating, etc.

Clinical application:

It is mainly used to clear the heart and fire, but the strength is relatively gentle, and it is only suitable for those with mild disease, or as an auxiliary to other heat-clearing and diuretic drugs. Children are irritable and cry at night because of they feel heat in chest (heart), and they can use a wick to tie and decoction in water (the vermilion wick mixed with Zhu Sha is better). Adults who have restless sleep or insomnia due to heart and kidney dyscommunication (excitatory neurosis caused by excessive heart fire and insufficient kidney yin) can use before going to bed with a wick (or with Dan Zhu Ye).

Dosage: 1.5~3g, or 1 bundle for children, 3 bundles for adults.

Prescription examples

· Deng Xin Zhu Ye Tang: Deng Xin Cao 3 wicks, Dan Zhu Ye 9g, decoction in water.

annotations

（1）  The quality of those produced in Sichuan is better, and it is called the Deng Xin locally after peeling off the skin. Those who have not removed the outer skin are called Deng Cao. The wild quality is inferior, the stem is thin, and the pith cannot be peeled.

（2）  Those produced in Guizhou and other places have thin stems and small pith hearts, which cannot be peeled.

（3）  The Deng Xin Cao produced in Suzhou is of the best quality, its outer skin is the raw material for the manufacture of lichen, and the pith of the stem is a by-product.

Case study: Vertigo

Patient is female, 77, fell and hit her head and developed the following symptoms: loss of balance when walking, daily fatigue, memory loss, abnormal sensation in hair and nails.

TCM diagnosis: Qi deficiency and blood stasis

Treatment: Zhen Wu Tang formula with additional herbs (Da Zao 10g，Fou Shou 10g，Yi Yi Ren 10g，Qian Shi 10g，Chen Pi 10g，Dang Shen 10g，Yuan Zhi 10g，Wu Wei Zi 10g，Huang Qi 10g，Dang Gui 10g，Zhi Fu Zhi 15g，Bai Shao 15g，Fu Ling 15g，Sheng Jiang 15g，Bai Zhu 12g) plus Tui Na treatment.

At the follow-up visit one week later, the symptoms were greatly improved and the same treatment is continued.

Disclaimer: All above articles are for reference only. If patients are interested, please consult a professional practitioner Traditional Chinese Medicine for a consultation.