What are the effects and functions of Rhizoma Paridis?

Paris polyphylla is a traditional Chinese medicinal herb, whose medicinal part is mainly the rhizome. Its primary functions and effects include clearing heat and detoxifying, reducing swelling and relieving pain, cooling the liver to calm convulsions, anti-tumor effects, and antibacterial actions. Detailed explanations are as follows:

1. Clearing Heat and Detoxifying: Paris polyphylla can eliminate internal heat toxins and is suitable for treating symptoms caused by heat toxicity, such as boils, abscesses, sore throat, and swelling.

2. Reducing Swelling and Relieving Pain: Paris polyphylla is effective in reducing swelling and alleviating pain caused by injuries, contusions, and swelling due to blood stasis.

3. Cooling the Liver and Calming Convulsions: Paris polyphylla has a sedative effect and can be used to treat infantile convulsions, febrile seizures, and similar conditions.

4. Anti-tumor Effects: Modern research indicates that certain components in Paris polyphylla possess anti-cancer properties and can be used as adjunctive therapy for tumors.

5. Antibacterial Action: Paris polyphylla inhibits various bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

In daily use, as a Chinese herbal medicine, Paris polyphylla is slightly cold in nature and mildly toxic. Therefore, it should be used according to the guidance of a TCM practitioner to avoid excessive or prolonged usage. Individuals with cold deficiency syndromes of the spleen and stomach, those with weakness of the spleen and stomach, people suffering from blood deficiency, and pregnant women should use Paris polyphylla cautiously or avoid it altogether.