Liu Yue Xue

Use of Liu Yue Xue (snowrose) in TCM

Please note that you should never self-prescribe TCM ingredients. A TCM ingredient is almost never eaten on its own but as part of a formula containing several ingredients that act together. Please consult a professional TCM practitioner, they will be best able to guide you.

Preparation: Collects the whole plants, remove impurities and dry

Dosage: 10-15g

Main actions according to TCM*: Expels Wind. Opens the Channels and promotes diuresis. Clears Toxic-Heat and reduces swelling.

Primary conditions or symptoms for which Liu Yue Xue may be prescribed by TCM doctors*: Edema Dysentery Scrofula Leukorrhea Toothache Sore throat Eye swelling Eye pain Carbuncles Leg pain due to rheumatism Waist pain due to rheumatism

Key TCM concepts behind Liu Yue Xue's properties

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Liu Yue Xue belongs to the 'Herbs that clear Heat and relieve Toxicity' category. Herbs in this category are used to clear inflammatory and infectious conditions, referred to as 'Internal Heat' in TCM. This is why most of the herbs in this category will have both antibacterial and antiviral properties. In TCM one has too much 'Internal Heat' in their body as a result of a deficiency of 'Yin' (which is Cold in nature, see our explanation on Yin and Yang) or, more commonly, an Excess of Yang (Hot in nature). Herbs that clear Heat and relieve Toxicity treat the latter while, at the same time, removing infectious toxins from the body. As such they tend to be Cold or Neutral in nature.

As suggested by its category Liu Yue Xue is Cold in nature. This means that Liu Yue Xue typically helps people who have too much 'Heat' in their body. Balance between Yin and Yang is a key health concept in TCM. Those who have too much Heat in their body are said to either have a Yang Excess (because Yang is Hot in nature) or a Yin deficiency (Yin is Cold in Nature). Depending on your condition Liu Yue Xue can help restore a harmonious balance between Yin and Yang.

Liu Yue Xue also tastes Bitter and Pungent. The so-called 'Five Phases' theory in Chinese Medicine states that the taste of TCM ingredients is a key determinant of their action in the body. Bitter ingredients like Liu Yue Xue tends to have a cleansing action on the body by clearing Heat, drying Dampness and promoting elimination via urination or bowel movements. On the other hand Pungent ingredients tend to promote the circulations of Qi and Body Fluids. That's why for instance someone tends to sweat a lot when they eat spicy/pungent food.

The tastes of ingredients in TCM also determine what Organs and Meridians they target. As such Liu Yue Xue is thought to target the Spleen and the Liver. In TCM the Spleen assists with digestion, Blood coagulation and Fluids metabolism in the body. The Liver on the other hand is often referred as the body's "general" because it is in charge of regulating the movements of Qi and the Body Fluids. It also takes a leading role in balancing our emotions.