The source is from the mature seed of Lepidum apetalum Willd., (Nantinglizi) or Descurainia sophia (L.) Webb ex Prantl (Beitinglizi), family Cruciferae. Descurainia sophia (L.) Webb ex Prantl is mainly produced in the areas of Jiangsu and Shandong; Lepidium apetalum Willd. is mainly produced in the areas of Hebei and Liaoning. Before or after the beginning of summer, when the fruits are ripe, the whole plants are cut, dried and then the seeds are collected. The crude one or the one stir-baked slightly is used.

Medicinal Properties: Bitter and pungent in flavor, extreme cold in nature and attributive to the lung and bladder meridians.

Actions: Purge lung-fire, relieve dyspnea, promote diuresis and reduce edema.

Application
1. It is indicated in a case with phlegm-fluid accumulation, cough with excessive sputum, dyspnea and being unable to lie, and general swelling. It especially purges the retention of fluid and phlegm-fire in the lung so as to relieve dyspnea and cough. It is usually combined with Dazao (Fructus Ziziphi Jujube ) to moderate herbal property, such as Tingli Dazao Xiefei Tang (Decoction).
2. It is also used for edema, pleural effusion and ascites, and dysuria. For abdominal edema due to dampness and heat, it is combined with Fangji (Radix Stephaniae Tetrandrae ) , Jiaomu ( Semen Zanthoxyli ), and Dahuang (Radix et Rhizoma Rhei ), that is, Ji Jiao Li Huang Wan (Pill); for syndrome resulting from pathogenic factors accumulating in the thorax with pleural effusion and ascites, combined with Xingren ( Semen Pruni Armeniacae ) , Dahuang ( Radix et Rhizoma Rhei ), and Mangxiao (Natrii Sulfas), such as Da Xianxiong Tang (Decoction).
It is recently used in combination with Fuzi (Radix Aconiti Lateralis Praeparata) and Huangqi (Radix Astragali) to treat pulmonary heart disease and heart failure, which achieves better therapeutic effects.

Usage and Dosage:
3 - 10 g is used in decoction for oral use. 3 - 6 g is used in the powder.