Artemisia, Tshar bong

The name Tshar Bong represents a number of Artemisia species in Tibetan Medicine.
Tibetan texts describe 3 main types:

  • white with a light-colored stalk and strong odor
  • brown with brownish-green stalk and less odour
  • black which is not specified but said to be similar to Yog mo (A. capillaris and A. japonica)

As has been noted by some researchers (such as Kletter), the exact identification and differentiation of Artemisia species can be difficult when they are not viewed throughout their growing season, and especially when the dried herb is viewed.

In addition, there appears to be an overlap in the names of some of the species of Artemisia Mkhan pa also of Tibetan Medicine.

Tshar bong

A generic and loose term for various Artemisia species, a number of species have been given by various sources:
1. Artemisia glauca (Kletter) 
2. Artemisia stricta (Kletter) 
3. Artemisia dracunculus (Kletter) 
4. Artemisia sieversiana (Molvray)
5. Artemisia annua (Qing Hao of TCM) (Molvray)
6. Artemisia absinthium (Molvray)

Tshar bong dkar po

1. Artemisia desertorum (Drungtso) 

Tshar bong smug po

1. Artemisia vulgaris (Mugwort) (Kletter) 
2. Artemisia sericea (Kletter) 
3. Artemisia comaiensis (Wangyal) 
4. Artemisia parviflora (Drungtso) 

Tshar bong nag po

1. Artemisia scoparia (Yin Chen Hao of TCM) (Wangyal) 

Use in Formula

In Tibetan Formulas, Tshar bong is typically used for Throat swelling, inflammation and pain, and Lung diseases.

It is interesting to note that Mugwort was listed by old Western writers for throat swelling and pain.
Wormwood (A. absinthium) or the Chinese Artemisia Yin Chen Hao, although not typically used for Throat diseases, may also be a suitable candidate in such formulas.

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