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Centipeda, E Bu Shi Cao 鹅不食草

Sneezewort
E Bu Shi Cao (TCM)
Nakchikni (Unani)
Kshavaka, Chikini, Chikkika (Ayurveda)
Kirtikar, K.R., Basu, B.D., Indian medicinal plants, Plates (1918)

Botanical name:
Centipeda minima (syn. C. elatinoides, C. orbicularis)

Parts used:
Herb (TCM); Seed has been used in Ayurveda

Temperature & Taste:
Warm, dry. Pungent

Classification:
A. Clear Exterior Wind-Cold

Uses:
1. Clears Wind-Cold, Opens Nasal Passage: (TCM, Ayurveda, Unani, Nepal)
-acute blockage of nasal passages
-acute Sinusitis, Rhinitis, Allergic Rhinitis (significant anti-allergy effect)
-Naso-pharyngeal Tumors (Ayurveda)
-Colds and Influenza (with nasal obstruction)
-acute Cough with expectoration
-in Nepal, the juice is inhaled into the nose and taken internally for Cough and Cold.

2. Resists Poison, Disperses Swelling:
-topically applied to Trauma, acute Swellings with pain
-Toothache
-Toxic Swellings
-Malaria (Barefoot Doctors Manual)


DOSE:
Decoction: 6–9 grams (9–15 grams fresh)
Seed in Powder: 1–3 grams
In Nepal, 2–4 teaspoonfuls are reportedly taken for Cold and Coughs.
Fresh herb can be crushed and put up the nose, or applied topically.

Main Combinations:
1. Sinusitis, Nasal obstruction:
i. Centipeda herb, Mint (Bo He), Magnolia flower (Xin Yi Hua)
ii. Centipeda herb, Indigo (Qing Dai), Ligusticum Chuan Xiong used as a snuff
2. Rhinitis:
i. Centipeda herb, Magnolia flower (Xin Yi Hua), Xanthium Cang Er Zi
ii. Centipeda herb powder (30 grams), Glycerine (70 grams). Use as Nose drops. (Barefoot Doctors Manual)
3. Toothache, Centipeda herb (fresh), Long Pepper, Angelica dahurica Bai Zhi (topically)
4. Rheumatoid Arthritis, Centipeda herb, Spatholobus Ji Xue Teng

Major Formulas:
Tong Guan San

Cautions:
Avoid overdose.

TOXICITY:
Overdose causes abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting.

Main Preparations used: