Xi Xian Cao (豨莶草) — Sticky Nightshade
Xi Xian Cao is a cold, moistening Chinese herb for Wind-Damp Bi with Heat — the pattern behind hot rheumatoid-type joint pain. It also has hypotensive activity and is used in modern practice for Liver Yang hypertension.
On this page
- Overview
- Properties
- Actions and indications
- Dosage
- Cautions and incompatibilities
- Key formulas
- Treatment at my clinic
- Frequently asked questions
1. Overview
Xi Xian Cao (豨莶草) — Sticky Nightshade (Siegesbeckia orientalis) — is a Chinese herb in the Dispel Wind-Damp Bi category. I prescribe it as part of bespoke pharmaceutical-grade granule formulas from Sun Ten in Taiwan at my clinic in Wokingham, Berkshire and via online herbal consultations.
2. Properties
| Pinyin name | Xi Xian Cao |
|---|---|
| Chinese characters | 豨莶草 |
| Latin name | Siegesbeckia orientalis |
| English name | Sticky Nightshade |
| Nature | Cold |
| Flavour | Bitter |
| Channels entered | Liver, Kidney |
| Category | Dispel Wind-Damp Bi |
3. Actions and indications
Principal actions
- Dispels Wind-Damp
- Frees the collaterals
- Clears Heat and reduces blood pressure
Indications
- Wind-Damp Bi with Heat
- Post-stroke hemiplegia
- Hypertension with Liver Yang
- Skin lesions with Heat and Wind
4. Dosage
9–15g
5. Cautions and incompatibilities
- Reduce in Yin deficiency
- Not for cold-type Bi
6. Key formulas
Xi Xian Cao is used in a range of bespoke prescriptions rather than a fixed classical formula in modern practice. Consult a qualified TCM herbalist for individual prescription.
7. Treatment at my clinic
I prescribe Xi Xian Cao where its indications and TCM pattern match the patient’s presentation, always as part of a tailored formula. Return to the Chinese herbs directory or the Chinese herbal medicine main page.
8. Frequently asked questions
What is Xi Xian Cao used for?
Xi Xian Cao is used to dispel Wind-Damp and free the channels, and to clear Heat — suiting hot, swollen, painful joints of the Wind-Damp Bi type, some presentations after stroke, and, in modern practice, high blood pressure with a Liver Yang pattern.
What are the benefits of Xi Xian Cao?
Its combination of clearing damp-heat from the joints while also having a blood-pressure-lowering action makes it useful where inflammatory joint pain and hypertension occur together.
How is Xi Xian Cao taken?
Typically 9–15g in decoction, within a formula matched to the pattern by a qualified herbalist.
Are there any cautions with Xi Xian Cao?
It is less suitable for cold-type joint pain and is used cautiously in Yin deficiency. It should be prescribed as part of a balanced formula rather than taken alone.
