Zao Xiu
English Name: paris rhizome
Pharmaceutical Name: Rhizoma Paridis
Medica Category: Heat-Clearing and Toxin-Eliminating Herbs
Properties: Zao Xiu enters the Liver channel; it is bitter in nature and cool in temperature
What is Zao Xiu?:
The Chinese Herb Zao Xiu (also commonly known as Chong Lou) is the dried root of the plant Paris polyhilla. A relative of Chinese Trillium, this plant is native to the warmer, wet climes of Southeast Asia.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Therapeutic Actions of Zao Xiu:
Zao Xiu enters the Liver channel to clear toxic heat-swellings with redness—for example skin disorders (such as infected sores, carbuncles, and abscesses), scrofula, and tonsilitis.
Zao Xiu is used topically to treat the redness and swelling from snakebite; it will also help relieve the swelling and pain after a traumatic injury.
Zao Xiu calms Liver wind (i.e. has anticonvulsive and antispasmodic actions and is used in China to treat childhood convulsions and seizures).