Juncus, Deng Xin Cao 灯心草

Rush
Deng Xin Cao (TCM)

Juncus effusus
Sturm, J., Krause, E.H.L., Lutz, K.G., Flora von Deutschland
in Abbildungen nach der Natur, Zweite auflage (1900-1907)

Juncus effusus
(Photo by Christian Fischer) (Wikimedia)

Botanical name:
Juncus effusus

Parts used:
Pith

Temperature & Taste:
Slightly Cool, dry. Sweet

Classification:
C. Clears Damp, Promote Urine

Uses:
1. Clears Heat, Promotes Urine:
-hot, painful, dribbling urine
-dark, scanty urine
-Edema from Heat, including that from Nephritis
-Jaundice

2. Drains Heart Fire, Calms the Nerves:
-Sleep disorders in children with irritability, especially with high-colored or scanty urine
-Convulsions and Fright in infants
-Restlessness or Insomnia in adults

DOSE:
Pith: 1.5–4.5 grams
Whole Plant: 15–30 grams (Barefoot Doctors Manual)

Main Combinations:
1. Painful Urination:
i. from Heat, Juncus with Plantain (Che Qian Cao)
ii. with irritability, Juncus with Talcum (Hua Shi)
2. Nephritis with Edema, Juncus with Plantain (Che Qian Cao) and Imperata Bai Mao Gen
3. Irritability and Insomnia from Heart Fire, Juncus with Zizyphus Semen Suan Zao Ren, Poria Fu Ling
4. To drain Heart Fire, Juncus with Akebia Mu Tong

Major Formulas:

Cautions:
Generally safe.
1. Caution in weakness
2. Avoid in cold and weak digestion
3. Not used in Urinary incontinence

Main Preparations used: