Pharmaceutical Name

Radix Pseudostellariae

Botanical Name

Pseudostellaria heterophylla (Miq.) Pax ex Pax et Hoffm.

Common Name

Pseudostellaria root

Source of Earliest Record

Zhongguo Yaoyong Zhiwu Zhi

Part Used & Method for Pharmaceutical Preparations

The tuberous roots of the cultivated pseudostellaris are dug in the period around the Great Heat (twelfth solar term). After the fibrous roots are removed, the roots are dried in the sun.

Properties & Taste

Sweet, slightly bitter and neutral

Meridians

Spleen and lung

Functions

To replenish qi and promote body fluids

Indications & Combinations

1. Deficiency of the spleen manifested as poor appetite and lassitude. Pseudostellaria root (Taizishen) is used with Dioscorea (Shanyao), Hyacinth bean (Biandou), Germinated millet (Guya) and Germinated barley (Maiya). 2. Deficient yin of the lungs manifested as dry cough or cough with scanty sputum. Pseudostellaria root (Taizishen) is used with Glehnia root (Shashen) and Ophiopogon root (Maidong). 3. Deficient yin of the stomach manifested as thirst. Pseudostellaria root (Taizishen) is used with Dendrobium (Shihu) and Trichosanthes root (Tianhuafen). 4. Deficiency of the spleen leading to deficiency of both qi and blood manifested as palpitations, insomnia and sweating. Pseudostellaria root (Taizishen) is used with Wild jujube seed (Suanzaoren) and Schisandra fruit (Wuweizi).

Dosage

10-30 g