Taxilli Herba
Aliases：Niao、Yumu、Wantong、Sangshangjisheng、Jixie、Jishengshu、Niaomu
Sangjisheng (Taxilli Herba) is a Chinese medicinal herb that dispels wind‑dampness. It is the dried stem with leaves of Taxillus chinensis (DC.) Danser (family Loranthaceae).
Efficacy & Actions
Dispel wind-dampness, tonify the liver and kidney, strengthen the sinews and bones, calm the fetus.
Indications
It is mainly used for rheumatic bi pain (arthralgia), soreness and weakness of the lower back and knees, weakness of the sinews and bones, flooding and spotting with profuse menstruation, gestational bleeding, restless fetus (threatened miscarriage), and dizziness with vertigo.
Modern Pharmacology
This product has certain analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and lipid-lowering effects, among others.
Ingredients
This product mainly contains flavonoids (such as avicularin, quercetin, hyperoside, quercitrin, etc.) and volatile oils (such as benzoyl, benzadiene, ar-curcumene, eucalyptol, etc.).
Usage & Dosage
Internal use: 9–15 g in decoction.
Contraindications
Incompatibility with Western medications: Sangjisheng (Taxilli Herba) contains quercetin. When used concurrently with Western medicines containing various metal ions, such as aluminum hydroxide preparations, calcium preparations, and ferrous preparations, it may form chelates, thereby affecting absorption.
Selected Formulas
1. For chronic impediment (bi) involving the liver and kidney with lower back/knee weakness This herb dispels wind‑dampness and also excels at supplementing the liver and kidney, as well as strengthening sinews and bones. It is especially suitable for long‑standing bi‑pain that has injured the liver and kidney, manifesting as soreness and weakness of the lower back and knees, and debility of sinews and bones. It is often combined with Duhuo (Angelicae Pubescentis Radix), Duzhong (Eucommiae Cortex), Niuxi (Achyranthis Bidentatae Radix), and Guixin (Cinnamomi Cortex) – as in Duhuo Jisheng Tang (Pubescent Angelica and Mulberry Mistletoe Decoction) from Qianjin Fang (Essential Prescriptions Worth a Thousand Gold). 2. For gynecological and pregnancy disorders due to liver‑kidney deficiency Indicated for menorrhagia, metrorrhagia, vaginal bleeding during pregnancy, and threatened miscarriage (fetal irritability) caused by deficiency of the liver and kidney. Often combined with Ejiao (Asini Corii Colla), Xuduan (Dipsaci Radix), Danggui (Angelicae Sinensis Radix), and Xiangfu (Cyperi Rhizoma) – as in Sangjisheng San (Taxillus Powder) from Zhengzhi Zhunsheng (Standards for Diagnosis and Treatment). Alternatively, combined with Ejiao, Xuduan, and Tusizi (Cuscutae Semen) – as in Shoutai Wan (Fetus‑Longevitizing Pill) from Yixue Zhongzhong Canxi Lu (Records of Integrating Chinese and Western Medicine).
Daily Consumption
Classic Recipes Sangjisheng, Lotus Seed and Egg Sweet Soup: 30–40g Sangjisheng, 40g lotus seeds, 8–10 red dates, 2–4 eggs. Add water and boil for 45 minutes, then add sugar and boil for another 15 minutes. Eucommia and Sangjisheng Stewed with Pork Tail: 10g Sangjisheng, 10g Eucommia bark, 1 pork tail, 100g lean pork. Stew for 1 hour. Simpler Method Sangjisheng and Red Date Tea: 10g Sangjisheng. Steep in boiling water or boil for 10 minutes. Drink as tea. Key Precautions Dosage: 10–20g per day for dietary use; for medicinal use follow a physician’s prescription (usually 9–15g). Contraindication: Not suitable for damp‑heat arthralgia (characterized by red, swollen, hot, painful joints). Pregnancy: Use only under the guidance of a TCM practitioner; do not self‑administer. Drug interaction: Contains quercetin; avoid taking together with Western medicines containing metal ions (e.g., calcium tablets, iron supplements).
Medicinal Parts
dried stem and branch with leaves
Selection & Storage
Store in a well-ventilated, dry place, protected from insects.