Lycoris, Red Spider Lily, Shi Suan 石蒜 Shorttube LycorisShi Suan (“Stone Garlic”, TCM) Lycoris radiata(Kerner, J.S., Hortus sempervirens, 1795-1830) Lycoris radiata(Herbert, 1822) (Wikimedia) Lycoris radiata(Photo by Kakidai) (Wikimedia) Botanical name: Lycoris spp. L. radiata (syn. Amaryllis radiata) L. chinensis Parts used: Bulb; occasionally the aerial parts Temperature & Taste: Warm, dry. Pungent, Sweet. Slightly Toxic Classification: Uses: 1. Clears Phlegm:-Phlegm obstructing the Lungs, Cough, Asthma-Pleurisy-Scrofula, Nodes and Phlegm masses2. Clears Wind-Damp, Opens Obstructions:-Arthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis-Poliomyelitis (proven effect)-also for Trauma and Bruising-Hemorrhoids, Fistulas3. Clears Damp, Promotes Urine:-Edema, Dysuria-Nephritis-Jaundice4. Resists Poison:-pain and swelling of the Throat-Toxic Sores and Swellings, Furuncles, Abscesses-Food Poisoning-Dysentery-Snake Bite-more recently for several Cancers5. Emetic:-full doses induce vomiting5. Externally:-paste can be applied to Toxic Sores and Swellings-applied to rheumatic joint pain-Ulcers and Fistulas Dose: Decoction: 1–3 gramsThe fresh herb is crushed for topical application Substitute: Cremastra seu Pleione, Shan Ci Gu is similar in effect. Preparation: It can be stir-fried to lessen its toxicity Main Combinations: 1. Food poisoning or excess Phlegm and saliva, take 1.5–3 grams of the fresh bulb and decoct to induce vomiting. (“Commonly used Chinese herbal medicines in Shanghai“)2. Edema, acute Nephritis, make a paste of fresh Lycoris bulb and peeled Castor beans, and apply…

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