Shan Hai Luo
StarCodonopsis lanceolata (Siebold & Zucc.) Trautv.
☯ TCM Properties
Clears Lung Heat, nourishes Yin, resolves swelling, removes toxicity, discharges pus, eliminates Phlegm and promotes milk secretion
Traditional Chinese Uses
Shan Hai Luo is the root of Codonopsis lanceolata (Radix Codonopsis Lanceolatae; also called Yang Ru Gen or Si Ye Shen), a sweet, pungent, neutral herb entering the Spleen and Lung channels. It nourishes Yin and clears Lung Heat while resolving toxicity, dispersing swelling, and discharging pus, so a key traditional use is for Heat-toxin abscesses, especially breast abscess (mastitis) and lung abscess with pus, as well as sores and swellings. It also transforms Phlegm to ease cough.
A second well-known action is promoting lactation: it is used, alone or with tonic and channel-freeing herbs, for insufficient breast milk, and it gently supports Spleen and Lung with a demulcent, restorative quality. The root is decocted, often at generous dose. Because it both tonifies and drains toxicity, it is combined to fit the pattern under professional guidance.
Botanical Description
Shan Hai Luo is an obscure Pinyin folk name that does not correspond to any single, authoritatively documented species in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia, Bensky & Gamble, or Flora of China. The phrase literally suggests “mountain-sea spiral/snail,” and the term has been applied variably in regional sources, sometimes to a Codonopsis-like climbing herb and sometimes to unrelated taxa. Because no binomial can be securely established, no morphological description is offered. Entries bearing this name in older Chinese works should be cross-checked against local floras before any therapeutic interpretation. Treat as unidentified pending further evidence.
Dosage
| Form | Amount | Frequency | Duration | Population | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| decoction | 6-15g | Daily | — | — | — |
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using any herbal remedy, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medications.
📝 Notes
Public notes from the community and your own private notes on Shan Hai Luo.
No notes yet.