Mu Shu

Name

Mu Shu (Manihot Amylum seu Folium)

Sources

The drug is the starch or leaf of Manihot esculenta Crantz (Family Euphorbiaceae), cultivated in thick soils on hillsides, hilllands or sandy lands, cultivated in Fujian, Taiwan, Guangdong, Guangxi, Hainan and Yunnan of China.

Constituents

The herb and tuber contain hydrocyania acid, saponins, volatile oil.

The Effect of Mu Shu

Property

Bitter, cold, slightly toxic; heart meridian entered.

Actions

The starch is used as anti-inflammatory antitoxic and antipyretic, to expel heat from blood, for the treatment of hydrops. Leaf is used as antioncotic and antitoxic, externally used for carbuncles and sores.

Dosage and Administrations

Proper dosage is for external application, pounded for applying with the fresh.

Cautions

It is for external use only.