all-grass of Taiwan Lettuce
Aliases：Xiǎo Shān Luó Bo (literally "Small Mountain Radish"), Lóng Zhā Kǒu (literally "Dragon Chattering Mouth"), Chā Tóu Cǎo (literally "Fork‑Head Grass"), É Zi Cǎo (literally "Moth Grass"), and Dīng Luó Bo (literally "Nail Radish" / "Small Radish"), etc. (These are alternative names for Kǔ Dīng, i.e., Lactuca formosana / Taiwan lettuce.)
Kǔ Dīng is a traditional Chinese medicinal material. It is the dried root or whole herb of Lactuca formosana Maxim., a plant belonging to the family Asteraceae.
Efficacy & Actions
Clears heat, removes toxicity, dispels wind‑dampness, and activates blood circulation.
Indications
It is commonly used for boils, carbuncles, sore throat, scabies and ringworm, hemorrhoids, snake bites, rheumatic arthralgia, and traumatic injuries.
Modern Pharmacology
Modern research has shown that Lactuca formosana (Taiwan lettuce) exhibits anti-inflammatory and antibacterial activities, which are consistent with its traditional effects of clearing heat and removing toxicity. Its active components include flavonoids, phenolic acids, and others.
Ingredients
As a plant belonging to the Asteraceae family, it is speculated to contain sesquiterpene lactones, flavonoids, phenolic acids, and other components.
Usage & Dosage
For oral administration: decoct in water, 15–30 g; or steep in wine. For topical application: appropriate amount, mashed for application; or decoct in water for washing.
Contraindications
Contraindicated in patients with Spleen‑Stomach deficiency‑cold. Contraindicated during pregnancy. This product is slightly toxic and should be used under the guidance of a physician.
Selected Formulas
For treating finger felon (whitlow): Take an appropriate amount of fresh root, mash it, add a small amount of calomel (Qingfen), and apply to the affected area. For treating skin diseases such as tinea and scabies: Mash the fresh herb, mix with lard, and rub on the affected area. For treating chronic appendicitis: Use 60 g of the whole herb of Lactuca formosana (Taiwan lettuce), combined with Honghua (Carthami Flos), Taoren (Persicae Semen), and other herbs. Decoct in water and take orally.
Medicinal Parts
Dried root or whole herb.
Selection & Storage
Store in a cool, dry place, protected from moisture and insects.
