Rhubarb(Da huang)

The source is from the root and rhizome of Rheum palmatum L.,R.Decoctionuticum Maxim.ex Balf.or.R.officinale Baill.,family Polygonaceae.Medicinals from Rheum palmatum L.,and R.Decoctionuticum Maxim.ex Balf are also called north Radix et Rhizoma Rhei;one from R.oddicinale Baill.are called south Radix et Rhizmoam Rhei.They are collected in the end of autumn or the spring before the plants sprouts.After which the cortex is removed,cut into pieces and it is then dried in the sunshine.The raw steamed or stir-baked with wine,or the charred forms can be utilized for medicine.
Shuiniujiao is the horn of Bubalus bubalis Linnaeus,pertaining to Bovidae.After collected,it is boiled in water.After that,bony structure is removed and it is dried.It is cut into extermely thin slices or pound into crude powder.It is used in raw form or concentrated powder after processed.

Medicinal Properties:Bitter and cold.

Meridian Tropism:Spleen,stomach,large intestine,liver and heart meridians.

Medicinal Efficacies: Remove stagnation by purgation;clear heat and discharge fire;cool blood and remove toxin;active blood and remove blood stasis;clear and purge damp-heat.

Usage and Dosage:3-15g.Just right amount is for external use,and the crude one with stronger purgative action is used for downward discharging.It is later added to decoction or soaked in boiling water for oral use,and decocting too long will weaken the downward action.That prepared with wine has weaker purgative action and is suitable for blood stasis because of its better action of activating blood.The carbonized form is usually used for bleeding syndrome.