The source is from the root tuber of Stemona sessilifolia (Miq.) Miq. and S. japonica (BI.) Miq., family Stemonaleae. The medicinal material is mainly produced in the areas of Anhui, Jiangsu, Hubei, Shandong and others, dug and collected in both spring and autumn, fibrous root being got rid of, boiled in boiling water for a while and then dried in the sun, which is cut into thick pieces. The raw or the one roasted with honey is used. Medicinal Properties Bitter and sweet in flavor, slightly warm in nature and attributive to the lung meridians. Actions Moisten the lung to arrest cough, and kill worms. Application 1. It is indicated for short-term or prolonged cough, whooping cough and cough due to pulmonary tuberculosis. For cough due to wind and cold, it is combined with Jingjie ( Herba Schizonepetae ), Jiegeng ( Radix Platycodi), etc.; for prolonged cough and deficiency of both qi and yin, combined with Huangqi (RadixAstragali), Shashen (Radix Glehniae ) and Maimendong ( Radix Ophiopogonis) that can enrich qi, nourish yin and moisten the lung; for whooping cough, it can be used alone or combined with Jingjie (Herba Schizonepetae ), Jiegeng (Radix Platycodi ) and Ziwan ( Radix Asteris ); for cough due to pulmonary tuberculosis, combined with Shashen (Radix Glehniae ), Maimendong (Radix Ophiopogonis ) and Chuanbeimu (Butbus Fritillarae Cirrhosae), etc.. At present, it is combined with Huangqin (Radix Scutetlariae ) and Danshen (Radix Salviae Miltiorrhizae) to treat pulmonary tuberculosis. 2. It is indicated for enterobiasis, vaginal trichomoniasis, head louse and scabies. For enterobiasis, it is boiled into thick decoction, with which enema is given to the patients before they sleep; for vaginal trichomoniasis, it can be used alone or combined with Shechuangzi (Fructus Cnidii ), Kushen ( Radix Sophorae Flavescentis ), etc., which are decocted for hip bath with external washing; for head and bodily louse, and scabies, it is prepared into ethyl alcohol extract or decoction for external application. Usage and Dosage 5 - 10 g is used in decoction for oral use. Just right amount is for external use. The one roasted with honey is for prolonged and deficient cough.
