Gelsemium elegans, Gou Wen 鉤吻 Graceful JessamineGou Wen (TCM) Gelsemium elegansFlora Malesiana (1962) Gelsemium elegans(Photo by Toby Y) (Wikimedia) Botanical name: Gelsemium elegansThis is one of only 3 species of Gelsemium and is native to Southeast Asia. Gelsemium sempervirens is native to the US. Parts used: Root, Root-bark, Whole herb. Root is strongest Temperature & Taste: Warm, dry. Pungent, Bitter. Toxic Classification: Uses: Clear Wind-Damp, Eases Pain: Eczema, skin eruptionsNeuralgiaWind-Damp joint pain, Rheumatoid pain Disperses Masses, Resists Toxin: ScrofulaTrauma, BruisingSkin UlcersTumors and Cancer Dose: Today it is primarily restricted to topical use. Substitute: Gelsemium sempervirens, native to the US may be a synonymous herb, but we have separated them due to their different uses. Corrective: Licorice is said to help correct its toxicity Main Combinations: Major Formulas: Cautions: Very toxic. Avoid overdose. ‘When people happen by mistake to eat the leaves mixed with vegetables, they die in the course of half a day.’ (Li Shi Zhen) Not used during Pregnancy, while Breastfeeding, in the very young or elderly, the very weak, or those with Liver or Kidney disease. Toxicity: Very toxic in overdose. It has been responsible for a number of deaths in China. Causes Gastrointestinal, Neurological and Cardio-respiratory toxicity.…

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