Abrus cantoniensis (Jigucao)

Distribution:
Guangxi, Guangdong, Fujian, Guizhou, Yunnan provinces of China, also in Indochina peninsula.
 
Properties:
Sweet, slightly bitter, cool.
 
Channels (meridians) entered:
Liver, stomach.

Medical functions:
anti-inflammatory
enhances autoimmume system
antibiotic
anti-oxidation, anti-aging
anti-cancer, prevent cancer
antibiotic
anti-inflammatory
arrests pain
protects liver
lowers blood sugar and helps to lessen Diabetes complications
 
Actions & Indications:
Viral Hepatitis
Stomachache,
breast cancer
tuberculosis of lymph glands
bruises and pain from injuries
sprue
 
Dosage:
For decoction: 15 to 25 g. Also can be  in pill or powder form.
External use: smash and apply to affected areas.

Samples of formulae:
For acute hepatitis B

ji gu cao soup:
Ingredients: Abrus cantoniensis (Jigucao) 38 g, bai hua she she cao 15 g, chi xiao dou 38 g, lean pork 110 g, sheng jiang (raw ginger) 3 slices, hong zao 5 pieces, (cut open). Rinse all ingredients. Add water and make into soup.

Toxicity & Cautions:
Use care if the body is weak. The seeds are toxic and should be removed.