The source is from the root and rhizome of a perennial plant, Gentiana scabra Bye. or G. triflora Pall., family Gentianaceae. The medicinal material is collected in autumn, dried in the sun. Usually the crude one is cut into segments for medication.

Medicinal Properties:
Bitter in flavor, cold in nature, and attributive to the liver, gallbladder and bladder meridians.

Actions:
Clear away heat and dry dampness and purge sthenic-fire from the liver and gallbladder.

 

Application
1. It is indicated for all syndromes due to dampness-heat of the lower energizer and especially good at damp-heat invasion of the lower energizer manifested as jaundice, brownish urine, pudendal swelling, pruritus vuluae, leukorrhea, and eczema, etc.
2. For headache of liver-fire type marked by conjunctivitis, deafness, hypochondriac pain and bitter taste in the mouth.
3. For wind-syndrome due to the domination of liver meridian-heat with high fever and infantile convulsion, and convulsion of feet and hands.