Bian Xu, also known as Polygoni avicularis herba or Knotweed, is a slightly cold and bitter herb used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to promote urination, clear damp-heat from the lower burner, and expel parasites. It is primarily employed to treat urinary tract infections, painful urination, and damp-heat diarrhea. With its additional antiparasitic effect, Bian Xu is also used to address itching and skin disorders caused by dampness or parasites.
Functies en voordelen
Promotes Urination & Clears Damp-Heat
Bian Xu is a key herb for treating lin syndrome (painful urinary dysfunction), especially when there is burning urination, urgency, or dark, scanty urine. It is effective against urinary tract infections, cystitis, and other damp-heat conditions of the bladder.
Relieves Itching & Kills Parasites
Used both internally and externally, Bian Xu is effective for damp skin conditions such as eczema, itching, and tinea. It also helps expel intestinal parasites and relieve itching caused by damp-heat or worm infestation.
Verwijdert vochtige warmte uit de onderste Jiao
Besides the urinary system, Bian Xu can be used for diarrhea or dysentery caused by damp-heat in the intestines. It helps reduce inflammation, eliminate turbidity, and restore balance to the lower digestive tract.
Supports Genital Health
Used in cases of genital itching, leucorrhea, or discharge related to damp-heat in the lower burner. It may be included in formulas for pelvic inflammatory conditions or chronic damp-heat syndromes affecting the reproductive organs.
Indicaties
Burning or painful urination, dark urine, and urinary tract infections due to damp-heat.
Itchy skin, rashes, or fungal infections caused by dampness or parasites.
Damp-heat diarrhea or dysentery with foul-smelling stools.
Genital itching or discharge associated with damp-heat in the lower burner.
Parasite-induced discomfort or intestinal itching.
Diagnose van tong en pols in TCM
Tongue: Red with a yellow, greasy coating, reflecting damp-heat in the lower jiao.
Pulse: Slippery and rapid, indicating damp-heat accumulation and inflammation.
Common TCM Patterns Treated by Bian Xu
Bian Xu treats damp-heat in the Bladder, damp-heat diarrhea, and damp-parasitic skin conditions. These patterns often present with painful or frequent urination, genital itching, diarrhea, or skin eruptions caused by heat and moisture trapped in the lower body.
Voorzorgsmaatregelen en contra-indicaties
Not recommended for patients with cold from deficiency or without damp-heat signs.
Should be used cautiously in cases of frequent urination due to Kidney Deficiency.
Long-term use without addressing the root cause of damp-heat may lead to depletion of fluids or imbalance.
Conclusie
Bian Xu is a valuable herb for clearing damp-heat from the lower burner, promoting urination, and treating itching from parasites or damp skin conditions. It is especially effective in urinary tract infections and damp-heat diarrhea, as well as for addressing genital itching and inflammation. Its cooling, draining, and antiparasitic properties make it a go-to herb for damp-heat syndromes affecting the urinary and digestive systems.
