Pharbitis, Qian Niu Zi Pharbitis, Qian Niu Zi 牵牛子 Morning Glory seed; Pharbitis Seed Qian Niu Zi (TCM) Habul Nil (Arabic) Kalandana (Unani) Kaladana, Kalanjani, Shankhani, (Ayurveda) Ipomoea nil (as Convolvulus Hederacea)Lobel, M. de, Plantarum seu stirpium icones (1581) PharrbitisBotanical Register, vol. 1 (1815) Botanical name: Pharbitis spp. P. nil (syn. Ipomoea nil, I. hederacea, Convolvulus nil, C. hederacea, C. bilobatus) P. purpurea (syn. Convolvulus purpurea) Parts used: SeedWhite and Black seed varieties are known. Traditionally, the Black seeds were considered better to pass water from the Kidneys and the White seed, better for clearing Damp and Phlegm from the Lungs. Today, they are both used synonymously. Temperature & Taste: Warm, dry. Bitter, Pungent. Slightly ToxicConsidered Cold in modern TCM. ‘It is pungent and hot. If it is chewed for a long time, one will feel its strong function. How could it be bitter and cold?’ (Li Gao) Classification: E. Laxative, Purgatives and Cathartics Uses: 1. Opens the Bowels, Purges Water, Promotes Urine:-obstinate constipation in the strong; Constipation from Damp-Heat or Food obstruction-serious Edema, Ascites-in Unani as a purgative in deranged, excess or ill-formed Humors, especially Phlegm or Burnt Bile.2. Clears Phlegm and Damp:-Fluid obstructing the chest with Cough, Wheezing-fullness…

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