Quick Facts
| Latin Name | Speranskiae Herba |
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| Chinese Name & Pinyin | 透骨草 · Tou Gu Cao |
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| Medicinal Part | Whole herbs |
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| Efficacy Category | Wind-damp dispelling |
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| Botanical Origin | The dried whole herb of Speranskia tuberculata (Bunge) Baill. (Euphorbiaceae). |
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| Nature & Flavour | Acrid; Warm |
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| Channels Entered | Liver, Kidney |
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What Is Tou Gu Cao?
Tou Gu Cao (Lobbing Speranskia Herb) is a medicinal herb of Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Primarily produced in the Chinese provinces of Shandong, Henan, Jiangsu, Shanxi, Shaanxi.
Nature & Flavour: Acrid; Warm
Channels Entered: Liver, Kidney
Tou Gu Cao: Materia Medica Profile
Identification & Quality Standard
Speranskiae Herba
Botanical Origin
The dried whole herb of Speranskia tuberculata (Bunge) Baill. (Euphorbiaceae).
Production Regions
Primarily produced in the Chinese provinces of Shandong, Henan, Jiangsu, Shanxi, Shaanxi.
Quality Requirements
Superior material is green, leafy and fruit-bearing.
Macroscopic Features
Whole herb 15~50 cm long; root cone-shaped; stem cylindrical, 1~4 mm diameter, grayish-green, covered with sparse soft hairs; leaves alternate, ovate, 1~3 cm long, serrate; fruits triangular, 4-lobed; texture brittle; slight fragrance; slightly bitter taste.
Traditional TCM Properties
Acrid; WarmLiverKidney
Traditional Functions
Dispels wind-dampness, unblocks collaterals and vessels, disperses stasis and reduces swelling, resolves toxin and stops pain.
How Tou Gu Cao Is Used in TCM
In the Chinese materia medica, Tou Gu Cao is classified among the Wind-damp dispelling herbs.
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.
