Cacumen Tamaricis
Aliases：Xī Hé Liǔ (literally "West River Willow"), Chì Chēng Liǔ (literally "Red Tamarisk"), Sān Chūn Liǔ (literally "Three‑Springs Willow"), Guān Yīn Liǔ (literally "Guanyin Willow"), Chuí Sī Liǔ (literally "Drooping‑Silk Willow"), Hóng Liǔ (literally "Red Willow"), Shān Chuān Liǔ (literally "Mountain‑Stream Willow"), Xī Hú Liǔ (literally "West Lake Willow"), and Hóng Jīn Tiáo (literally "Red‑Vein Twig"), etc. (These are all alternative names for Chēng Liǔ, i.e., Chinese Tamarisk / Tamarix chinensis.)
Chēng Liǔ (Chinese Tamarisk) is a traditional Chinese medicinal material. It is the dried, tender branches and leaves of Tamarix chinensis Lour., a plant belonging to the family Tamaricaceae. It prefers to grow on river alluvial land, seashores, beaches, moist saline-alkali soil, and sandy wastelands.
Efficacy & Actions
Induces diaphoresis, promotes eruption of rashes, dispels wind, and eliminates dampness.
Indications
Incomplete measles eruption: This herb is pungent and dispersing, good at relieving the toxicity of measles, and is a key herb for treating incomplete measles eruption. Rheumatic arthralgia: It can dispel wind and dampness, unblock the collaterals, and relieve pain. Rubella with itching: It can be used externally to treat rubella with itching. Common cold with fever: It can be used for wind‑heat type colds.
Modern Pharmacology
Anti‑inflammatory effects: Exhibits significant anti‑inflammatory activity. Hepatoprotective effects: Has protective effects on the liver. Antibacterial effects: Inhibits various pathogenic microorganisms. Antitumor effects: Shows potential antitumor activity. Antipyretic and analgesic effects: Has antipyretic and analgesic effects. Antioxidant effects. Antiviral effects.
Ingredients
Flavonoids: Such as rutin, quercitrin, etc. Volatile oils. Phenolic compounds. Organic acids, resins, daucosterol, etc.
Usage & Dosage
For oral administration: decoct in water, 3–10 g; or take in powder form. For topical application: decoct an appropriate amount in water and use for washing.
Contraindications
Should not be used in cases where the measles rash has already erupted. Contraindicated in patients with weak constitution and profuse sweating. Excessive dosage may cause restlessness and vomiting.
Selected Formulas
For measles with poor eruption (Bencao Gangmu Shiyi, Dusheng San) Take Xiheliu (Tamarix chinensis) leaves, dry in the air and grind into powder. Take 4 qian each time, mix with water and take in one dose. For wind-dampness impediment with pain (empirical formula) Take 30g each of Xiheliu, Huzhanggen (Polygonum cuspidatum root), and Jixueteng (Spatholobus suberectus). Decoct in water and drink. For urticaria with itching (empirical formula) Take an appropriate amount of Xiheliu, decoct in water, and wash the affected area externally.
Medicinal Parts
It is the dried, tender branches and leaves of Tamarix chinensis Lour., a plant belonging to the family Tamaricaceae.
Selection & Storage
Store in dry containers in a well‑ventilated, dry place.
