The source is the root and rhizome of Cynanchum stauntonii (Decne.) Schltr. ex levl. or C. glaucescens ( Decne. ) Hand. -Mazz., family Asclepiadaceae. The medicinal material is mainly produced in areas of Zhejiang, Anhui, Hunan, and Fujian, etc., dug and collected in autumn, dried in the sun and cut into segments. The crude one or the one roasted with honey is used. Medicinal Properties Pungent and sweet in flavor, slightly warm in nature and attributive to the lung meridian. Actions Descend the adverse-rising qi, resolve phlegm, relieve cough and asthma. Application It is used for cough with excessive sputum, fullness in the chest and dyspnea whether the syndrome is due to cold, heat, exogenous affection or interior injury. For the syndrome that is a bit on cold side, it is combined with Ziwan (Radix Asteris ) and Banxia ( Rhizoma Pinelliae ); for the syndrome that is a bit on heat side, combined with Sangbaipi ( Cortex Mori Radicis ) and Digupi ( Cortex Lycii Radicis); for cough due to exogenous wind and cold, usually combined with Jingjie ( Herba Schizonepetae ), Jiegen ( Radix Platycodi ) and Jupi ( Pericarpium Cirri Tangerinae ). Usage and Dosage 3 - 10 g is used in decoction for oral use.
