Asparagus root
(Tianmendong)
Asparagus cochinchinensis (Lour.) Merr. Video by Dương Dung
Pharmaceutical Name: Radix Asparagi
Botanical Name: Asparagus
cochinchinensis (Lour.) Merr.
Common Name: Asparagus root.
Source of Earliest Record: Shennong
Bencao Jing.
Part Used & Method for Pharmaceutical
Preparations: The tuberous roots are dug in autumn. After the fibrous roots
have been removed, the roots are boiled in hot water or steamed, and soaked
again in clear water. The roots are then dried in the sun or baked. Finally,
they are cut into slices.
Properties & Taste: Sweet, bitter
and very cold.
Meridians: Lung and kidney.
Functions: 1. To clear the lungs and
descend fire; 2. To nourish the yin and moisten dryness
Indications & Combinations:
1. Flaring up of fire caused by deficient yin
of the lungs and kidneys manifested as scanty and sticky sputum or cough with
bloody sputum: Asparagus root (Tianmendong) is used with Ophiopogon root
(Maidong) in the formula Erdong Gao.
2. Consumption of yin and qi by febrile
disease manifested as thirst, shortness of breath or diabetes: Asparagus
root (Tianmendong) is used with Fresh rehmannia root (Shengdihuang) and Ginseng
(Renshen) in the formula Sancai Tang.
3. Constipation due to dryness in the
intestines: Asparagus root (Tianmendong) is used with Chinese angelica root
(Danggui) and Cistanche (Roucongrong).
Dosage: 6-15 g
Cautions & Contraindications: The
herb is contraindicated in cases with deficiency and cold in the spleen and
stomach, poor appetite or diarrhea.
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