Vaccaria Seed
Transcript of Vaccaria Seed
7/27/2019 Vaccaria Seed
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Wang Bu Lui Xing also known as Vaccaria Seed
Typical dose
The typical dosage of vaccaria seed is between 6 and 10 grams, decocted in water for oral use.
What is vaccaria seed? Properties
The vaccaria is an annual plant that grows in China and parts of central and southern Europe. It is also known as the
cowherb or cow soapwort. The plant grows to a height of about two-and-a-half feet, with pink and white
hermaphroditic flowers.
The whole plant is harvested in the summer, then dried in the sun. After being dried, the seeds are removed from their
shells, then dried again. The seeds can be used raw, or after being parched.
In traditional Chinese medicine, vaccaria seeds have bitter and neutral properties, and are associated with the Liver
and Stomach meridians. Their main functions are to invigorate the blood and promote lactation. Typically, vaccaria
seeds are used to treat conditions such as dysmenorrhea or amenorrhea (painful menstruation), along with insufficient
lactation following childbirth, and mastitis. In recent years, some practitioners have used vaccaria seeds in combination
with safflower and other herbs to treat inflammation of the prostate gland. Many acupuncturists also use vaccaria
seeds when performing acupressure or acupuncture to the ear. Externally, vaccaria seeds can be ground into a powder
to help treat some skin conditions.
What can happen if I take too much vaccaria seed? Interactions and precautions
Vaccaria seeds contain many saponins, which usually pass through the body without causing harm, but can be toxic if
consumed in large quantities. Therefore, vaccaria seeds should be used with extreme by women who are pregnant or
breastfeeding. As of this writing, there are no known drug interactions with vaccaria seeds. As always, make sure to
consult with a licensed health care provider before taking vaccaria seed or any other herbal remedy or dietary
supplement.
What forms of vaccaria seed are available?
Whole, dried vaccaria seeds can be found at most herbal shops, Asian markets and specialty stores. Some stores also
sell powdered vaccaria seed.
What can happen if I take too much vaccaria seed? Are there any interactions I should be aware of? What
precautions should I take?
Vaccaria seeds contain chemical compounds called saponins, which usually pass through the body without causing
harm, but can be toxic if consumed in large quantities. Therefore, vaccaria seeds should be used with extreme caution
and only under an expert supervision by women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
As of this writing, there are no known drug interactions with vaccaria seeds. As always, it’s mandatory to consult a
licensed health care provider before taking any other herbal remedy or dietary supplement.
Bibliography
Bensky D, Baralet R. Chinese Herbal Medicine: Formulas & Strategies. Seattle: Eastland Press Inc., 1990.
Cao GF, Lin HQ, Yu Y. Urinary calculi treated by electric stimulation at ear & body acupoints combined with
Chinese herbal drugs: report of 127 cases. Liaoning JTCM 1989;13(6):37-38.
Yuan ZR. Forty-five cases of obesity treated with otopoint plastering and pressing treatments. Journal of
Acupuncture Clinical Application 1999;15(2):37-38.
Diao AY. Treating simple obesity with otopoint plastering and pressing. Shandong Journal of TCM
1999;18(11):522.
Feng SH. Ear-plaster treatment for 120 cases of dysmenorrhoea. Shanghai J AP Moxibust 1999;12(3):117.