Distribution: throughout China, especially Liano Ning, An Hui, Shan Dong, Hu Bei
Characteristics and channel (meridian) relation: bitter, salty, cold. Related to lung, stomach, kidney. Larger amount is toxic to the heart.
Uses: relieves heat, Edema, snake bite, Acute Pharyngitis, toxic sores, swollen and painful throat; promotes urination. Dosage: 5-10 grams.
Chemical ingredients: essential oil: cynanchol and cardiac tonic:atratoside A,B,C,D; atratogenin A,B; glaucogenin C; cyantratoside A,BC,D,E,F; glaucoside C; cynjapogenin A; thevetosied; cynanversicoside A,B,C,D,E; neocynanversicoside.
Modern Research: Cardiac tonic ingredients of bai wei stimulate the heart muscle and improve contraction and slow down heart rate. Bai wei can inhibit pneumococcus. Toxic amount: 30-40 grams.