What are the medicinal effects and indications of Dipsacus asper (Chuan Duan)?
Generally, Dipsacus asper (Chuan Duan) has medicinal effects such as hemostasis, anti-inflammation, promoting wound healing, regulating menstruation and relieving pain, and alleviating digestive discomfort. It is primarily used to treat nocturnal emission, traumatic injuries, soreness and pain in the lower back and spine, excessive uterine bleeding (benlou), and habitual miscarriage. Detailed analysis is as follows:
I. Effects
1. Hemostasis: Chuan Duan can be used to treat various types of bleeding symptoms, including nosebleeds, oral bleeding, excessive menstrual flow, gastrointestinal bleeding, and trauma-induced hemorrhage. This effect is related to compounds in Chuan Duan that promote blood vessel contraction and reduce bleeding.
2. Anti-inflammatory: Chuan Duan possesses certain anti-inflammatory properties and can help reduce inflammation and pain, especially in conditions such as fractures, arthritis, and muscle pain.
3. Promotes wound healing: Due to its hemostatic and anti-inflammatory actions, Chuan Duan facilitates wound healing by reducing pain and inflammation, thereby accelerating the recovery of injured tissues.
4. Regulates menstruation and relieves pain: Chuan Duan is also used in treating gynecological disorders, particularly for regulating menstrual cycles and alleviating dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation), helping to balance hormone levels.
5. Relieves digestive discomfort: In some traditional Chinese herbal formulas, Chuan Duan is commonly used to relieve digestive issues such as gastric distension, bloating, and diarrhea.
II. Main Indications
1. Nocturnal emission: Nocturnal emission is a condition of the male reproductive system characterized by involuntary ejaculation without sexual activity. Chuan Duan has an essence-consolidating effect, helping control semen loss and reducing the frequency of nocturnal emissions.
2. Traumatic injuries: Due to its anti-inflammatory and hemostatic properties, Chuan Duan is commonly used to manage external injuries, bruises, sprains, or pain and inflammation caused by fractures.
3. Soreness and pain in the waist and back: Chuan Duan can also be used to relieve low back and spinal pain, particularly pain caused by muscular or joint problems.
4. Excessive uterine bleeding (Benlou): Benlou typically refers to abnormally heavy menstrual bleeding in women. Chuan Duan can help regulate menstrual flow and alleviate associated discomfort.
5. Habitual miscarriage: Habitual miscarriage refers to spontaneous abortion occurring three or more consecutive times. Chuan Duan is often combined with gelatin (Ajiao), Cuscuta seed (Tusizi), and Sangjisheng (Loranthus parasiticus) to treat habitual miscarriage due to liver and kidney deficiency and instability of the Chong and Ren meridians.
Dosage and administration of Chuan Duan may vary depending on individual conditions and should always be used under the guidance of a healthcare professional.