Roots and rhizomesHeat-clearingParidis Rhizoma

Chong Lou (Chinese Manyleaf Paris Rhizome)

Q: What is Chong Lou? Are zao xiu and hedyotis the same?

Official Chong Lou (重楼) is the dried rhizome of Paris polyphylla var. yunnanensis or var. chinensis . The pharmacopoeial name is Paridis Rhizoma , also called Zao Xiu; it is slightly toxic. Hedyotis is sweet-bland and cool: clears heat, resolves toxin, drains dampness and frees lin. The three cannot be interchanged by equal weight. Write Chong Lou. Vacuity cold and pregnancy are contraindicated.

Q: What are the TCM properties and traditional uses of Chong Lou?

According to the Chinese Pharmacopoeia, Chong Lou is bitter and slightly cold, slightly toxic , enters the Liver channel, and acts to clear heat, resolve toxin, reduce swelling and stop pain, cool the Liver and calm fright . It is used for boils and abscesses, swollen painful throat, snake or insect bites, pain from falls, and fright wind with convulsions. Bitter, slightly cold and slightly toxic, it suits heat-toxin sores and swelling—not vacuity cold, or yin sores.

Q: What is the usual dosage? Can it be drunk daily as a toxin tea?

The pharmacopoeial decoction dose is 3–9 g . It is not a four-season “paris-rhizome toxin tea.” Excess carries a risk of poisoning. Boils are an emergency; it does not replace hospital assessment.

Q: How do you choose and store Chong Lou?

Choose nodular flattened cylindrical pieces, a yellow-brown or gray-brown surface with nodes, solid texture, a white or yellow-white cut surface, powdery, a faint odor and a slightly bitter and numbing taste . Moldy, dirty or non-bitter-numbing lots are discarded. Store cool and dry, protected from insects. Buy pharmacopoeial Chong Lou (Zao Xiu); do not replace clearing heat, resolving toxin, reducing swelling and stopping pain, cooling the Liver and calming fright with hedyotis or barbat skullcap by equal weight.

A practical guide to Chong Lou: what it is, how Traditional Chinese Medicine uses it, the classical formulas it appears in, and who should be careful with it.

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Last reviewed Oct 13, 2026

Quick Facts

Latin Name	Paridis Rhizoma
Chinese Name & Pinyin	重樓 · Chong Lou
Medicinal Part	Roots and rhizomes
The herb	Chong Lou is the dried rhizome of Yunnan Paris or Chinese Paris. It is slightly toxic. Zi Hua Di Ding is a different official drug. Use a qualified piece.
Nature and channels	Bitter, slightly cold, slightly toxic. Enters the Liver. Bitter slight cold clears heat, resolves toxin, reduces swelling, relieves pain, cools the Liver, and settles fright.
Pharmacopoeia line	Clears heat and resolves toxin. Reduces swelling and relieves pain. Cools the Liver and settles fright. Used for boils and abscesses, swollen sore throat, venomous snakebite, traumatic pain, and fright-wind with convulsions.
Pattern cues	Boils and abscesses. Swollen sore throat. Venomous snakebite. Fright-wind with convulsions.
In this article	Chong Lou versus Zi Hua Di Ding and Ban Zhi Lian. Resolving toxin versus settling fright. Why it is slightly toxic. Why snakebite needs emergency care. Who must skip it.

What Is Chong Lou?

Chong Lou, also called Qi Ye Yi Zhi Hua (七叶一枝花; Chóng Lóu; Latin: Paridis Rhizoma; English: Paris rhizome), is the dried rhizome of Paris polyphylla Smith var. yunnanensis (Franch.) Hand.-Mazz. or Paris polyphylla var. chinensis. In Chinese medicine it is a heat-clearing, toxin-resolving herb. It is bitter and slightly cold, slightly toxic, enters the Liver channel, and its core actions are to clear heat and resolve toxin, reduce swelling and relieve pain, and cool the Liver and settle fright. The usual decoction dose is 3–9 g. External use is a suitable amount.

It is not Zi Hua Di Ding. Tokyo violet is bitter, acrid, and cold. It clears heat, resolves toxin, cools the blood, and reduces swelling. Slight toxicity is not listed. Settling fright is weak. Chong Lou is bitter, slightly cold, and slightly toxic. Reducing swelling, relieving pain, and cooling the Liver to settle fright are more specific. Weak constitution, no excess-fire heat-toxin, yin-pattern external sores, and pregnancy are a poor match. Venomous snakebite needs emergency care. Do not rely on the single item. Fright-wind with convulsions needs a clinic. This is not an anti-cancer tea. Use a qualified source.

It is used most often for three patterns:

Boils and abscesses, swollen sore throat — severe cases need a clinic
Venomous snakebite — emergency care
Traumatic pain, fright-wind with convulsions — fright-wind needs a clinic

Bitter, slightly cold, and slightly toxic, it is not a daily “toxin Paris” tea. Clearing when there is no heat-toxin injures the right qi.

When heat-toxin congests, or Liver heat stirs wind, sores, sore throat, and convulsions are common. Chong Lou is bitter and slightly cold. It clears, reduces swelling, and settles fright, which is why it appears in heat-toxin sore formulas. It is more cold and toxic than it is supporting. Weak constitution with no heat gets worse if more is added.

Chong Lou is not a catch-all heat or toxin rhizome. In a weak constitution, with no heat-toxin, in yin-pattern sores, or in pregnancy, using it alone is a poor match. Whether it belongs in a formula should be decided by a licensed Chinese medicine practitioner after pattern diagnosis, using a qualified product.

Chong Lou: Materia Medica Profile

Identification & Quality Standard

Paridis Rhizoma

Botanical Origin

The dried rhizome of Paris yunnanensis Franch, or Paris polyphylla Sm. (Liliaceae).

Production Regions

Primarily produced in the Chinese provinces of Yunnan, Guizhou, Sichuan.

Quality Requirements

Superior medicinal material is thick, strong, and firm, with a white and powdery fractured surface.

Macroscopic Features

Oblate cylindrical shape, flat and straight, rarely curved, 1~6cm diameter, 4.5~12cm long. Externally yellowish-brown, seldom grayish-brown, relatively flat; few circular knots indistinctly raised. Stem scars are half-spherical or flat oval, irregular arranged; surface is relatively flat or slightly raised. Hard texture, difficult to break; powdery or horn-like when broken. faint odor, bitter taste. Cut surface is white or off-white and powdery.

Producing Regions and Quality Identification

Quality varies based on where it grows, when it is harvested, and how it is processed.

Top Regions: The best quality typically comes from Yunnan, Sichuan, and Guizhou provinces in China.
How to Spot Quality: Premium Chong Lou (Paris Rhizome) has thick, firm roots with a white or light brown cross-section. The smell should be slightly bitter and a bit acrid.
Raw vs. Processed: The raw herb is yellow-brown with dense rings. Once processed, it becomes darker, looser in texture, and milder in scent. Always watch out for lookalike roots; dense rings and a distinct cross-section are key identifiers.

Traditional Properties & Historical Lineage

Nature, Flavour & Channel Tropism

Bitter; Slightly cold; Slightly toxicLiver

1. Historical Records

This herb has a long resume in ancient medical texts:

Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing: Noted for treating convulsions and severe heat trapped in the abdomen.
Ming Yi Bie Lu: Added that it reduces swelling and treats stubborn sores.
Ben Cao Gang Mu: Highlighted its use for malaria, toxic boils, and even snakebites.
De Pei Ben Cao: Mentioned brilliant herbal pairings. For example, mixing it with Jin Yin Hua (Honeysuckle) supercharges its detoxifying power, while pairing it with Fang Feng (Saposhnikovia Root) helps take the edge off its harsh cold nature.

2. Evolution of TCM Understanding

Over centuries, TCM doctors refined how to use this potent herb:

Core Strength: It became a go-to for severe heat-toxins, painful swellings, and inflammation.
Safety Warning: Because it is so cold, doctors learned to warn against using it for people with a "cold and deficient" Spleen and Stomach (often seen as weak digestion or cold limbs), as it can easily damage the body's warming Yang energy.
Flexible Pairings: Practitioners constantly adjust its pairings in formulas to maximize its benefits while minimizing the risk of stomach upset.

Core Efficacies & Traditional Applications

Traditional Functions

Clears heat, resolves toxin, reduces swelling, and relieves pain; slightly extinguishes wind. Apply to sores, abscesses, snakebite, and convulsions from heat-toxin.

1. Primary Focus: Clearing Heat and Detoxifying

Traditional Function: Chong Lou (Paris Rhizome) is renowned for clearing intense "heat-toxins" from the body.
Common Signs: It is highly effective for heat-toxin flare-ups, such as painful skin redness and swelling, severe sore throats, and mouth ulcers.
Common Pairings: To boost its detoxifying power, it is frequently paired with other heat-clearing herbs like Jin Yin Hua (Honeysuckle) and Lian Qiao (Forsythia).
When to Avoid: Do not use this herb if you have a "cold and deficient" Spleen and Stomach (often showing up as frequent stomachaches and diarrhea). Its intense cold nature will only make those symptoms worse.

2. Secondary Focus: Reducing Swelling and Relieving Pain

Traditional Function: It works wonders for relieving localized redness, swelling, and pain.
Common Signs: It is traditionally used for local swelling and pain after a physical injury (bruises, sprains) or for toxic skin boils and sores.
Common Pairings: For injuries and swelling, it is often mixed with blood-invigorating herbs like Ru Xiang (Frankincense) and Mo Yao (Myrrh) to enhance pain relief.
When to Avoid: Pregnant and menstruating women should avoid using it without a doctor's guidance, as it affects the body's Qi and blood flow.

3. Common Single-Herb Pairing: Synergy

A classic TCM pairing is Chong Lou (Paris Rhizome) and Jin Yin Hua (Honeysuckle).

The Synergy: Jin Yin Hua (Honeysuckle) excels at clearing whole-body heat and dispersing wind-heat, while Chong Lou (Paris Rhizome) specializes in purging local toxic sores and relieving swelling. Together, they form a powerful combo for treating heat-toxin sores and swollen throats.
Note: Because this is a strong, cold pairing, it should only be used after a professional TCM diagnosis. Do not mix it up on your own.

Modern Research

Modern research offers useful context, but Traditional Chinese Medicine prescribes on whole-pattern diagnosis rather than isolated compounds.

1. Main Chemical Components

Modern science has identified several compounds in Chong Lou (Paris Rhizome), mainly steroidal saponins, flavonoids, and alkaloids. While lab tests show these compounds have some antibacterial and anti-inflammatory action, it is important to note that there are no conclusive human clinical trials proving these extracts can cure diseases in people just yet.

2. Modern Pharmacological Focus

Right now, scientists are highly focused on the steroidal saponins. Animal and petri-dish models suggest these compounds can help calm inflammation. However, this research is still in its basic stages. We need much more data to understand how it safely works in the human body from a Western medical perspective.

3. Limitations of Modern Research

When reading about modern studies, keep a few things in mind:

Lab vs. Real Life: What works in a test tube or on an animal does not automatically translate to human healing.
Extracts vs. Whole Herbs: Highly concentrated lab extracts behave very differently than a traditional boiled herbal tea (decoction).
The TCM Difference: In TCM, the healing power comes from the synergy of the whole plant—and how it's paired with other herbs—not just a single isolated chemical. Always consult a qualified practitioner rather than using lab research to self-medicate.

Comparing Similar Herbs

1. Common Ground

Both Chong Lou (Paris Rhizome) and Jin Yin Hua (Honeysuckle) share three main traits:

They both clear heat and detoxify the body.
They are both traditionally used for heat-toxin sores and sore throats.
They are both cold in nature, meaning people with a weak, cold digestive system must use them cautiously.

2. Core Differences

Nature and Focus: Chong Lou (Paris Rhizome) is cold and bitter, targets the Liver meridian, and focuses on local issues (purging local heat-toxins and stopping pain). Jin Yin Hua (Honeysuckle) is cold and sweet, targets the Lung, Heart, and Stomach meridians, and focuses on the whole body (dispersing systemic wind-heat).
Key Strengths: Chong Lou (Paris Rhizome) is the heavy hitter for local skin boils and traumatic bruising. Jin Yin Hua (Honeysuckle) is better for external colds, fevers, and general sore throats.
Energy Dynamics: Chong Lou (Paris Rhizome) forcefully "purges" stagnation out of localized areas. Jin Yin Hua (Honeysuckle) gently "disperses" heat outward from the whole body.
Safety Limits: Because Chong Lou (Paris Rhizome) invigorates blood, it is strict a no-go for pregnant or menstruating women without supervision. Jin Yin Hua (Honeysuckle) is slightly safer and can be used during pregnancy if directed by a doctor.

3. One-Sentence Summary

Chong Lou (Paris Rhizome) focuses on purging local heat-toxins and easing swelling/trauma, whereas Jin Yin Hua (Honeysuckle) focuses on dispersing systemic wind-heat from the whole body.

Classical Formulas Containing Chong Lou

Formulas vs. Single Herbs

Synergy is Key: A formula is a balanced team. The healing power comes from how the herbs interact, so a single herb cannot simply replicate a full formula's effects.
Holistic Balance: The exact dosage and combination in a formula affect the entire body. Never try to mix or alter these formulas at home based on internet articles.

Diet & Daily Home Use

1. Home Herbal Meals and Teas

Recipe: Paris Rhizome & Honeysuckle Tea

Ingredients: 3g Chong Lou (Paris Rhizome), 5g Jin Yin Hua (Honeysuckle).
Method: Steep both herbs in boiling water in a covered cup for 10 minutes. You can re-steep it until the flavor fades.
Best for: Occasional, mild sore throats or mouth ulcers caused by internal heat.
Warning: Do not drink this if you have a cold Spleen/Stomach, are pregnant, or are menstruating. Limit to a maximum of 2 times a week. Chong Lou (Paris Rhizome) is a strong medicinal herb, not a daily food ingredient—never casually increase the dose.

2. Decoction and Processing Differences

Raw vs. Processed: Raw Chong Lou (Paris Rhizome) is intensely cold and better for stopping pain, but it can be harsh on the stomach. The processed version is milder and much friendlier for those with weaker digestion.
Brewing: It is very straightforward at home. Just soak it in water with your other herbs and boil. It doesn't need special boiling times.
Extracts: Never swap the raw herb 1:1 with modern herbal extracts, as the concentration levels are totally different. Always follow the label or your doctor's instructions.

3. Dosage and Usage Cycle

Clinical Dose: Usually 3 to 9 grams.
Dietary Dose: For home wellness, keep it under 3 grams to be safe.
Cycle: Do not use it long-term. Stop after 1 week max. If your symptoms haven't improved, stop and see a doctor. Special groups (kids, seniors, pregnant women) must get professional dosing instructions.

Contraindications & Safety Warnings

1. Who Should Avoid It

Weak Digestion: Avoid if you have a cold Spleen/Stomach (frequent diarrhea, cold stomachaches). Its bitter-cold nature will make it worse.
Pregnancy & Nursing: Because it moves blood, it can affect the fetus or baby. Avoid entirely unless prescribed.
Kids & Seniors: Their bodies are more sensitive. Use only under strict medical supervision.
Liver/Kidney Issues: Can add stress to liver/kidney metabolism.
Allergies: Avoid if you are allergic to plants in the Lily family.
Medical Treatments: If you are undergoing chemo or radiation, ask your doctor first to avoid bad interactions.

2. Drug Interactions and Dietary Notes

Medications: Chong Lou (Paris Rhizome) may interact with blood thinners, blood pressure meds, diabetes meds, or sedatives. Always check with your pharmacist or doctor.
Diet: Avoid randomly mixing potent herbs with other medications or supplements without professional guidance.

3. Adverse Reactions and Overdose Risks

Side Effects: Taking too much can cause nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, or diarrhea. Rare allergic reactions include rashes and itching.
Emergency: If you experience severe vomiting, sudden allergic reactions (like breathing trouble), or rapidly worsening symptoms, stop using it immediately and go to the hospital.

Frequently Asked Questions About Chong Lou

What is Chong Lou? Are zao xiu and hedyotis the same?

Official Chong Lou (重楼) is the dried rhizome of Paris polyphylla var. yunnanensis or var. chinensis. The pharmacopoeial name is Paridis Rhizoma, also called Zao Xiu; it is slightly toxic. Hedyotis is sweet-bland and cool: clears heat, resolves toxin, drains dampness and frees lin. The three cannot be interchanged by equal weight. Write Chong Lou. Vacuity cold and pregnancy are contraindicated.

What are the TCM properties and traditional uses of Chong Lou?

According to the Chinese Pharmacopoeia, Chong Lou is bitter and slightly cold, slightly toxic, enters the Liver channel, and acts to clear heat, resolve toxin, reduce swelling and stop pain, cool the Liver and calm fright. It is used for boils and abscesses, swollen painful throat, snake or insect bites, pain from falls, and fright wind with convulsions. Bitter, slightly cold and slightly toxic, it suits heat-toxin sores and swelling—not vacuity cold, or yin sores.

How do you choose raw versus prepared rhizome? Can hedyotis replace it?

Raw rhizome is stronger for clearing heat and resolving toxin. Hedyotis leans to draining dampness and freeing lin; it cannot replace reducing swelling and stopping pain by equal weight. Commercial paris-rhizome tea is not equal-weight pieces.

What is the usual dosage? Can it be drunk daily as a toxin tea?

The pharmacopoeial decoction dose is 3–9 g. It is not a four-season “paris-rhizome toxin tea.” Excess carries a risk of poisoning. Boils are an emergency; it does not replace hospital assessment.

What are the contraindications? Can it be used in pregnancy?

Contraindicated in vacuity cold patterns, yin sores and pregnancy. Slightly toxic; dose must not be excessive. Stop if nausea or vomiting appears. Boils and fright wind need medical care.

Can Chong Lou clear heat, resolve toxin, reduce swelling and stop pain, cool the Liver and calm fright?

It can help heat-toxin boils and swollen painful throat. It may be used alone or join hedyotis after pattern differentiation. It clears heat, resolves toxin, reduces swelling and stops pain, cools the Liver and calms fright—not a specific for every sore and swelling or every fright wind.

Can Chong Lou be drunk daily as a toxin, swelling or fright tea?

Heat-toxin sores and swelling may enter a short formula; excess carries a risk of poisoning. “Paris rhizome must resolve toxin” does not replace assessment. Clearing heat, resolving toxin, reducing swelling and stopping pain should name 3–9 g.

How do you choose among Chong Lou, hedyotis, barbat skullcap, dandelion and prunella?

Paris rhizome is bitter, slightly cold and slightly toxic: clears heat, resolves toxin, reduces swelling and stops pain, cools the Liver and calms fright—boils and fright wind. Hedyotis is sweet-bland and cool: clears heat, resolves toxin, drains dampness and frees lin—heat lin. Barbat skullcap is acrid-bitter and cold: clears heat, resolves toxin, transforms stasis and promotes urination—boils and edema. Dandelion is bitter-sweet and cold: clears heat, resolves toxin, reduces swelling and disperses nodules—abscesses. Prunella is acrid-bitter and cold: clears the Liver, drains fire, brightens the eyes and disperses nodules—Liver-fire red eyes. Boils favor Chong Lou; heat lin favors hedyotis; edema favors barbat skullcap; abscesses favor dandelion; Liver fire favors prunella. They may be paired after pattern differentiation; vacuity cold forbids large Chong Lou and barbat skullcap, and pregnancy forbids Chong Lou.

Which herbs is Chong Lou combined with? What are the representative formulas?

Boils and abscesses may be used alone or join hedyotis and dandelion. Write Chong Lou 3–9 g; do not replace reducing swelling and stopping pain with hedyotis by equal weight.

How do you choose and store Chong Lou?

Choose nodular flattened cylindrical pieces, a yellow-brown or gray-brown surface with nodes, solid texture, a white or yellow-white cut surface, powdery, a faint odor and a slightly bitter and numbing taste. Moldy, dirty or non-bitter-numbing lots are discarded. Store cool and dry, protected from insects. Buy pharmacopoeial Chong Lou (Zao Xiu); do not replace clearing heat, resolving toxin, reducing swelling and stopping pain, cooling the Liver and calming fright with hedyotis or barbat skullcap by equal weight.

Related Products

Nong's Chong Lou (Paris Rhizome) Single Herb 5:1 Concentrated Granules $136.85

Medical Disclaimer — This article is provided for educational purposes only and describes traditional Chinese medicine concepts. It is not medical advice, and it is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Always consult a qualified practitioner before using any herb, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication or managing a diagnosed condition.