Use of Luo Bu Ma (dogbane leaves) in TCM

Please note that you should never self-prescribe TCM ingredients. A TCM ingredient is almost never eaten on its own but as part of a formula containing several ingredients that act together. Please consult a professional TCM practitioner, they will be best able to guide you.

Preparation: Remove impurities, wash and dry.

Dosage: 5 to 10 g

Main actions according to TCM*: Pacifies Liver's hyperactivity and smoothes the Mind. Removes Heat and helps urination.

Primary conditions or symptoms for which Luo Bu Ma may be prescribed by TCM doctors*: Dizziness Palpitations Insomnia Edema Hypertension Neurasthenia Nephritic edema Vertigo Headache Scanty urination

Key TCM concepts behind Luo Bu Ma's properties

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Luo Bu Ma belongs to the 'Herbs that pacify Internal Liver Wind and stop Tremors' category. These herbs are used to treat so-called 'hyperactive Liver Yang'. Concretely this translates into high blood pressure as well as seizures, spasms, convulsions, dizziness and vertigo. These herbs often seem to have a powerful antispasmodic effect on the nervous system.

Furthermore Luo Bu Ma is Cool in nature. This means that Luo Bu Ma tends to help people who have too much 'Heat' in their body, although with less effect than a plant that would be Cold in nature. Balance between Yin and Yang is a key health concept in TCM. Those who have too much Heat in their body are said to either have a Yang Excess (because Yang is Hot in nature) or a Yin deficiency (Yin is Cold in Nature). Depending on your condition Luo Bu Ma can help restore a harmonious balance between Yin and Yang.

Luo Bu Ma also tastes Sweet. The so-called 'Five Phases' theory in Chinese Medicine states that the taste of TCM ingredients is a key determinant of their action in the body. Sweet ingredients like Luo Bu Ma tends to slow down acute reactions and detoxify the body. They also have a tonic effect because they replenish Qi and Blood.

The tastes of ingredients in TCM also determine what Organs and Meridians they target. As such Luo Bu Ma is thought to target the Liver. In TCM the Liver is often referred as the body's "general" because it is in charge of regulating the movements of Qi and the Body Fluids. It also takes a leading role in balancing our emotions.