Láo Shǔ Chuī Xiāo
Aliases：Yáng Jī Téng (literally "Hungry Goat Vine" — possibly referring to its palatability to livestock), Yáng Jī Téng (literally "Goat Tendon Vine" — an alternative spelling indicating its tough, sinewy stem), Jī Shé Tou Yè (literally "Chicken Tongue Leaf" — named for the leaf shape resembling a chicken's tongue), and Fēng Téng Cǎo (literally "Wind Vine Grass" — named for its wind‑dispelling medicinal effect). (These are all alternative names for Lǎo Shǔ Chuī Xiāo, i.e., the stem, leaf, or root of Sabia yunnanensis / Yunnan Sabia.)
Lǎo Shǔ Chuī Xiāo (Rat Whistle) is a traditional Chinese medicinal material. It is the stem, leaf, or root of Sabia yunnanensis Franch., a plant belonging to the family Sabiaceae. It mostly grows in valleys, beside streams, or in sparse forests at altitudes of 2,000–3,600 meters. It was first recorded in Kunming Minjian Changyong Caoyao (Folk Commonly Used Herbal Medicines of Kunming).
Efficacy & Actions
Dispels wind, relieves pain, removes dampness, and removes toxicity.
Indications
Rheumatic arthralgia: such as rheumatic low back pain, limb paralysis, etc.; stomach pain; skin sores and toxic swellings; and snake bites.
Usage & Dosage
For oral administration: decoct in water, the usual dosage is 9–15 g. For topical application: decoct an appropriate amount in water and wash the affected area.
Contraindications
Because it is slightly toxic, it should be used under the guidance of a physician, and should not be taken in excessive amounts or for prolonged periods. Use with caution in pregnant women and in individuals with a deficiency‑cold constitution.
Selected Formulas
For stomach pain (empirical formula) Take the root of Laochu Chuixiao (a local herb), decoct in water and drink. For skin sores and toxic swellings (empirical formula) Take the stems and leaves of Laochu Chuixiao, decoct in water and wash externally.
Medicinal Parts
Stem, leaf, or root.
